Submission

Chapter Four

          It was eleven thirty. Samantha had woken up on time but had a slow start to her day, making her late to getting to her parents house. Her mother and father didn't live close. In fact they were far from it, living a long two hour drive away. Traffic didn't help her timing today either. Good thing she let her parents know ahead of time that she would be a little late getting there, which they were fine with. Her mom saying "Oh sweetie take your time. Don't rush over here." and her father telling her to be careful driving since there was some icy patches expected to be on the roads still from the last bit of snow that came.

          The drive was overall peaceful despite the overwhelming amount of traffic on the road. Samantha let out a sigh of relief when she reached the interstate exit that she needed to get off on, traffic beginning to let up once she was on the main road, just fifteen minutes away from her mom and dad's house. Thank goodness for that.

          As Samantha approached her childhood home, she felt a feeling of pure joy, as if she were a kid coming home from her friends house. A small smile eased it's way upon her cheeks. Thoughts and memories of her childhood living out under the beauty and peace of the countryside where she was raised came flooding back the moment she turned into her parents' driveway. Sam had almost forgotten how long the windy, dirt driveway was. Trees surrounded her in their bare, winter glory. The house approached her slowly from the distance, it being sat an acre away from the asphalt road ahead of it.

          With the car now parked and the engine turned off Sam got her things and headed to the front door of the two story home. There was no need to knock. Knowing how her parents were they would probably ask why she hadn't just come in and tell her she didn't need to knock when she came home. So, she pushed open the door, her father looking up from his favorite old reclining chair. He got up, happy to see his little girl again. "Hey there Peanut." Her father greeted followed by his signature bear hug. "Hi dad. I missed you guys." Samantha looked around, noticing one less person. "Where's mom?" She asked as she set her bags down next to the couch. Her father sat back in his chair. "Ah, she went to get stuff for dinner just before you pulled in. She should be back soon."

         Samantha, knowing how her mother's shopping habits were, took a seat on the couch nearest to her father, getting comfortable and preparing to wait an hour or more before her mom would be back from the market. Her dad wasn't much of a talker, in fact he was quite a docile fellow, relying on his presence and body language to speak for him rather than his words. Samantha believes that's what scared away any potential flirtatious boys from pursuing her as she got older and more attractive. Even so, if that was fact, it wouldn't have bothered Sam in the least.

         As her dad watched his shows, Samantha relaxed and settled in, also now tuning in to what he was watching. Needless to say, though, Samantha couldn't contain her joy in seeing her dad and opened her mouth to speak. "So, my nickname is still stuck isn't it?" She began. Her dad gave her a smile accompanied by a chuckle. "You'll always be my Peanut, even when I'm dead and gone and your old and grey." Sam giggled at his response. "Okay fair enough. How have things with you and mom been?" A sigh left her father. "Oh you know your mother. She can be stubborn and a hard woman to deal with, let alone live with." He said. "But I love the old bat and always will. No matter how much she tests me everyday." Samantha gasped in surprise at the words he used to describe her mom and his wife of 23 years, letting out a laugh. "Dad! Not nice." She exclaimed, giving her dad a nudge on the arm making him laugh. "Hey, I didn't mean that in a bad way. My words were filled with love." He laughed out.

         It's been about forty five minutes now since Sam arrived. Her mother should be home any time now. Right as she was about to get something to drink the sound of rubber tires on the dirt driveway could be heard pulling up to the house. Speak of the devil. Mom's home.

         Samantha ran outside, eager to greet her mother, as well as help her to bring in the groceries. "Mom!" Her mother turned around, a bright smile on her face as Samantha ran to her and engulfed her in a hug. "Hi sweetie! How was the drive here? How long have you been here?" Samantha smiled. "The drive was slow, lots of traffic, but otherwise quiet and peaceful for the most part. I've been here for almost an hour now." Her mother nodded, opening the bed of the old beat up truck her parents have had for years. The blue and white paint looked old and the truck had a few dings in it, but for an old Chevy it ran like a champ. "Tim, could you come help us bring the groceries in please dear!" Her mother yelled into the house from the truck. Loud footsteps were heard as Tim stepped out of the house to help.

         It didn't take long for the three of them to get the truck unloaded and all the food and such brought in and put away. Samantha decided on taking a nap before dinner. Her mother and father agreeing that she should rest after the long drive she had made to get here. Samantha's dad told her he would come get her when dinner was done, Sam giving a sleepy nod before making her way to the bedroom she slept in growing up.

         Upon stepping into her old bedroom, she paused at the entrance and set her bag down. Everything was the same. Untouched and in the same condition as she left it when she moved out. The bed was still made and everything on the shelves and tables had seemingly not been disturbed despite looking as if they had been cleaned. Her mom had probably dusted everything before she arrived. The thought of her parents leaving everything untouched for this long brought a sad, yet happy smile to her face. It's like they wanted to keep it like it was, waiting for the special days that Samantha would come home as if she had been there all along.

         Eventually, after unpacking, Samantha laid down. Dozing off comfortable and happy. She missed being home and waking up to the smell of either her mom or dad making breakfast, and getting loving hugs and kisses from them. The very memories and warmth of her old bed brought comfort to her.

~

          A knock sounded on Samantha's bedroom door. Sam groaned and rolled over, not wanting to leave the softness of the bed sheets. Not even a minute later and the knock came again, this time her father's voice followed after it. "Samantha. Dinner will be done in five minutes." With a big stretch, Samantha's body slowly moved out of bed. "Okay dad. I'll be down in a minute." She responded with the obvious sound of sleep in her words.

          Samantha stretched once more, letting out a long yawn, her feet moving her to the bathroom. Sam washed her hands for supper. A steamy hot rag washed the sleep from her eyes. She didn't want to go downstairs looking like a zombie, even though her parents wouldn't care if she did or not.

          In the dining room her mom and dad waited for her to come sit before eating. They never left someone out when it was meal time unless they asked to be or weren't feeling well. It was something her parents did even before Samantha was born.

          Soon enough, their daughter finally appeared in the kitchen, making her way to the dining room. "How did you sleep sweetie?" Samantha shrugged at her mother's question. "I slept alright." She responded simply. Her mother nodded. "I almost forgot how comfy and warm my old bed was." Samantha added earning a smile from both of her parents. "Well we're glad to hear that you slept well." Said her dad, her mom nodding in agreement. "Alright let's eat before the foot gets cold." Her mom said putting a piece of her famous baked chicken on everyone's plate. Each of them grabbed a spoon full of Mac and Cheese, and Samantha, as she always does, skipping the veggies. Her mom's chicken was always juicy with a crunchy skin. So tender and flavorful that it practically melted in your mouth. The best chicken you'd ever have in your life.

          Samantha bonded with her mom and dad till it was time for her to go to bed. She had to head back home by lunchtime the next day, being as she had a painting that she needed finished by the end of the day for a client to pick up. There wasn't much left to do on the painting but it would still take some time to finish. It was her rule of thumb to never rush to complete a project.

          Nine o'clock that morning the sun shone through the curtains. The warmth from the rays of light woke Samantha, however the smell of breakfast is what drew her out of her room. Her parents were both up. Dad was making dinner. Mom was looking at the news at the table with a cup of coffee in hand. "Good morning mom, morning dad." Her parents looked her way, bidding her a good morning in return. "Breakfast smells good dad. What're we having?" Asked Sam. Her father didn't look up. "It's your favorite. Bacon, eggs and cheesy grits." He responded. Samantha gave her dad a hug, stealing a piece of bacon that was ready and waiting on a plate next to the stove. Samantha turned and went to give her mother a hug as well, sitting at the table with her. Samantha looked to her mom. "What's the weather looking like driving wise?" - "It's going to be cold, but the roads are drivable. Just remember to watch for slick spots okay? I don't want to see your car on the news." Her mom warned her. "Don't worry mom, I'll be safe." Samantha reassured her.

          "Alright girls, come get what you want." Samantha's dad called over to them from the kitchen. Samantha immediately got up and went to the kitchen, grabbing a bowl from cabinet. She missed her dad's breakfast. Her stomach was practically screaming for it. She got a scoop full of grits, mixing in the bacon and eggs like she always has. When she was younger she called it her "loaded porridge". Which is exactly what it looked like.

          After breakfast, Samantha got dressed into the warm clothes that she packed. Made sure her hair and teeth were brushed and checked and double checked again that she had put everything back in her bag. Once she was satisfied that she had everything and made her bed back up, Samantha grabbed everything and headed out to the car, loading her things into the trunk. Her parents followed her outside. The three exchanged hugs and they all said their goodbyes and I love you's before Samantha got in her car to begin the two hour drive back home.

          Surprisingly, the traffic was light and the roads weren't a problem at all. In fact, traffic was so light that Samantha made it home thirty minutes early, making the drive only an hour and a half long rather than a full two hours like she expected.

          Once home, Sam set everything down in her room right before she decided to take Damon for a walk. The big pup was happy that his mommy was home. Excitedly waiting by the door, wiggling and wagging his tail, waiting for her to hook his leash to his collar. Unlike their usual longer walks though, Samantha made a note to cut the walk short as it was too cold to go on their normal walking route. Damon liked the snow but he didn't do well being in the cold for too long. So, once they had walked six houses away from home, Samantha and Damon turned around back towards home.

          On their way back Christopher was just getting home. Samantha waved a friendly hello, Chris sending one back in return. He didn't seem like he wanted to talk right now so Samantha kept walking until she and her dog got home, figuring she would leave him be. It's only right to give him his space rather than bombard him with small talk the second he got home. Plus, she wanted him to come to her. She didn't want to look like an attention seeker.

          It was now later in the day, Samantha had been working on the painting for hours now. Now with just a few finishing touches here and there and voila! It was finally finished. Just an hour left for it to sit for the paint to dry and the client could come and pick it up. Luckily Samantha decided upon using a quickly drying paint or the buyers would have to wait till tomorrow to get the painting they asked for.

          Sam sent her clients a text, letting them know the painting was done and could be picked up in an hour. Them sending back a simple "Okay." and "Thank you." So, in the meantime, Samantha made dinner for her and Damon to eat while she waited for the people to get here.

          Fifteen minutes past the hour has now passed. Samantha was beginning to think that they weren't coming to pick up the painting when the doorbell rang. Damon, of course, barking to let Samantha know someone was here. Soon after Samantha opened the door to reveal her clients. "Hi, I'm glad you could make it." She said, shaking their hand. "Sorry I'm late to pick up the painting. Had to make a run to the bank." The woman apologized. "One fifty was the agreed price right?" Samantha nodded. "Yes, I'll go get the painting and the receipt book for you." Said Samantha. After grabbing both items from upstairs, Sam wrote up the receipt for one hundred and fifty dollars, having the woman sign it and tore off her copy, Samantha keeping the top part and the woman keeping the yellow copy portion.

          Away from Samantha's home a few houses away, Christopher sat at his desk, working on paperwork, pondering on whether he would ask Samantha if she would like to join him for dinner tomorrow or if he should make her come to him. He wanted to make her comfortable with him. However, he wanted her to bring herself to him. Her doing so would tell him what he should do next and show him that she was comfortable enough to approach him herself. Chris did not want to push her too much though. He needed to play his cards right. Make her trust him; make her want to be around him.

          He put the pen he was holding down. His mind was made up. Christopher rose from his chair, a hand running through his hair, making his way to the front door. He grabbed his jacket and his keys, locking the front door on the way out. Sam might only live a few houses away, close enough for him to see her house from his and his house from hers, but he still didn't want to take the chance of leaving his door unlocked.

          Right as the woman who bought the painting was leaving is when Christopher showed up at Samantha's driveway. The woman and Sam came out before he could get to the door to knock. When Samantha saw him it surprised her a bit. She wondered why he was coming to her house so late. It was almost nine by now.

          Chris waited patiently for the woman to leave before approaching. Samantha gave a small, polite smile to him. "What brings you over this late?" She questioned hoping she didn't sound rude. Christopher didn't smile back, which made Samantha uneasy. "I was wondering if you'd like to come over for dinner tomorrow." Sam thought for a moment. 'What a random question to ask. I guess I could go. I have nothing better to do tomorrow.' She thought to herself. "Sure. I don't have any plans tomorrow." Christopher gave her a half smile, a somewhat cocky looking smile. "Great, I'll come get you at seven." He stated, pleased that she said yes. His cards were working in his favor so far. He still found it strange how much she peaked his interest. Nevertheless, he was enjoying the game.

          The two parted ways. Christopher heading back to his home while Samantha got comfortable in front of the TV with a cup of freshly made hot chocolate in hand. Christopher finished his paperwork, planning for tomorrow. Samantha none the wiser of his plot to make her eventually submit to his will as the night turned to day, the sun replacing the moon in the morning sky.

            Samantha sat on her back porch later that day. It was cool, the sun shone bright and Damon was playing the shiny snow that blanketed the yard. She looked at the time. "Oh s**t. Six thirty already?" Shocked that she had forgotten about dinner with Chris tonight. "Damon, inside!" She called, her puppy obediently following her command to come inside. 'Thirty minutes to get ready.' She thought. Perfect. That's all the time she needed. It's not like she was going out to eat, just to his house. That being said she picked out something simple to wear. A pair of dark, slightly torn, blue jeans, a slim fitting black t-shirt and her black and white Chuck Taylor Two Converse that she always wore. Not even bothering with her hair, choosing to just brush it and let it flow free instead of putting it up.

          While Samantha prepared Damon his food, Damon began bark at the same time someone knocked on the front door. Assuming it was Christopher Sam turned off the stove. She put Damon's food in his bowl. "One second!" She yelled over the puppy's persistent barking. "Damon hush, come here!" Damon quit barking immediately, trotting back into the kitchen. Sam set his food down then went to answer the door. As expected, it was Chris.

          Christopher looked a bit confused, Samantha wondered why. "I thought you were coming over for dinner." He commented. Samantha tilted her head, then realized the smell of Damon's food was why he assumed she had changed her mind. "Oh I am. I just heated up my dogs food. I make his food from scratch and freeze it." Explained Samantha. Christopher nodded now understanding. "Well are you ready?" Samantha nodded, putting her jacket on then grabbing her keys, locking the door behind them.

          Once they walked in Christopher's home, the smell of food greeted their noses. "It smells wonderful." Samantha complemented. Christopher led her to the dining room, insisting that he'd get her plate for her. Samantha gave in, allowing him to treat her like a guest, so she took a seat at the table. "You don't talk much do you?" Samantha pointed out, noticing that he hadn't said much despite her complementing and trying to make small talk. He just shook his head. "No not really. I don't associate with other people too much." He stated, bring their plates to the table. "You happen to be the only guest I've had since moving here." Samantha took a bite of her food. Damn he could cook. "Why is that?" She asked, her curiosity growing. More questions popping into her head. He shook his head. "Just don't have the need for company I suppose."

          Samantha continued to create small talk, asking questions about him along with basic cheesy questions like "What's your favorite food?" and "How tall are you?", you know questions everyone asks just because they're curious.

          Christopher let her go on, easing her curious mind with his answers, explaining when she wanted to know more about a certain question. He thought her child like curiosity was cute. Samantha seeming to become more comfortable with him the more he answered her questions about him. In his case, the more comfortable with him she was, the better.

          Dinner had been over for a few minutes now. Christopher invited her to pick out a movie for them to watch. Samantha, full off dinner, happily picked out a movie. Chris just happened to have her favorite movies. She chose the Hunger Games, handing it to him to put in the DVD player. Now that the movie was in and had begun playing, Samantha grew silent. The movie drawing her in. But, as she tends to do with long movies, she began to fall asleep. Christopher took advantage of this, letting her drift off. He smirked to himself.

          He picked a blanket and a spare pillow from the closet, placing the pillow down and gently moving her so she was laying down, then placing the blanket over her. Chris being careful not to wake her. He left the movie on. Finishing the movie himself while sitting in the love seat next to the couch.

          That morning, Samantha woke up, confused. Had she fallen asleep on his couch? Did he cover her up and give her a pillow? Why? She heard a low chuckle next to her, causing her to jump. "Morning sleepy head. Sleep well?" Samantha narrowed her eyes. She didn't answer him. His demeanor has changed, and she noticed it. His smile turned to a frown. "Grumpy?" He questioned. "Yeah well I usually don't wake up on some guys couch." She responded. "Why didn't you wake me up and send me home?" She asked, annoyed and suspicious. "Excuse me for being nice."

          Samantha sat up. She knew she was being rude, but it just doesn't seem right that he allowed her to sleep here when they barely know each other. This is only the second time the two have met up and hung out. It just didn't seem appropriate to her.

          Christopher's mood changed almost on a dime in reaction to her attitude. It angered him. And that's not something that's hard to do. He's always had trouble controlling his anger, ever since he was young he has carried a rather short fuse. He stood up, swiftly yanking her up off his couch by her wrist, causing her to yelp. Samantha turned her head away, but Christopher gripped her chin, turning her head to make her look at him. "Do you want to correct your attitude? Or.." He leaned closer to her. "Do I have to correct it for you?" His tone deepened. Samantha didn't falter and didn't answer. It's not like he could or would actually do anything to her. Or so she thought.

          Chris moved, turning to sit on the couch, pinning her to his lap. Samantha now began to panic. "Stop! What're you doing?!" She tried wiggling herself out of his grip, but to no avail. He was too strong, her arms were pinned behind her back, his one hand keeping a tight grip on them. "Did your parents ever spank you for rudeness?" He asked in a dark tone, a tone that demanded an answer. Samantha, frightened, shook her head no. "Words." - "N-no.." The one word stuttered out of her. "I think it's time you learned then." Suddenly and quickly, Samantha felt cold air hit the skin on her rear, causing her to gasp, trying even harder now to get out of his grip. "The more you move, the worse it'll be princess."

          Before Sam could open her mouth to protest, she felt a sharp sting on her bare skin. Her body flinched in response, another sharp sting coming into contact with her bottom, the second one harder than the first. A third came down, this one earning a cry from the helpless girl. By the fifth one, her bottom was pink. By the eighth, tears pricked her eyes. And by the tenth and last one, her rear was burning and red, her eyes red from tears. Christopher stopped, leaning down to her ear. "Have you learned your lesson little one?" He whispered deeply. Samantha sniffled, nodding her head. She felt a hard slap on her bottom making her cry out. "Words." Demanded Christopher. "Y-yes..I'm Sorry, just please let me go." She pleaded. Christopher smirked at the natural submission she was showing, almost like a small child showing through an eighteen year old's body. Again not something he was used to seeing but definitely something he liked.

          Slowly, he released her hands, allowing her to get up. She rubbed the tears from her eyes. He almost felt bad. He stood up. "Look at me." Samantha doing so, scared that if she didn't he would do what he just did all over again. "Come here tomorrow morning, eight o'clock. If you don't come, we'll be repeating what just happened. Am I clear?" Sam nodded her head quickly, Christopher c*****g an eyebrow at the lack of a verbal response which Sam quickly caught. "Y-yes sir.." He smirked, once again her submission shown through and he was enjoying it. "Good. Now go home." Samantha turned to leave, Chris speaking once more before she closed the door behind her. "Oh and one more thing. Take a warm shower. You'll feel better afterwards." With that Samantha left. Only the thoughts of what he could possibly want from her lingering in her mind as she walked home, embarrassment still evident on her face. Something in her gut still tugged her towards him however. Although, what exactly that was would not be answered till tomorrow. For now, all she could do is wonder.