Consequence
Copyright 1997-2002 by OldTom, all rights reserved.

He once again portrayed her in a story, as his means of explaining a point. She understood the point, and the story was allowed to remain fiction.

"So basically you're pushing me, and you're wondering what I'm going to do about it."

"No... it's that you're not being fair."

"Does it actually matter if you're right, or not?"

"OF COURSE IT DOES!!"

"We decided otherwise. Do you remember that?"

"That's not what we meant, and you know it."

"And if I disagree, that's just too bad, isn't it?"

"No, that's not it at all. It's just that you really need to consider what I have to say sometimes. I don't think you're giving me credit."

"And if I insist, there's not much I can do about it, is there?

"Well..."

"Leslie. Will you listen to me a moment; will you agree to hear me out?"

"Well... Okay."

"Try again, Leslie."

"Yes sir, I will hear you out."

"First, let's understand each other. I believe you are testing me, to really see if I can be pushed or not, and if so how far. Am I correct in believing this?"

"Well... Yes sir, I guess you are."

"Okay. Just so we understand each other. This is not about fairness, this is about testing me. Agreed?"

"Yes sir."

"You're assuming that since I can't just grab you, put you across my knee and spank you, there's nothing I can do to really get to you. This is about testing me, and it's time you found out I can make you wish it had only been a severe spanking.

"That being the case, Leslie, I need you to think about our relationship. Think about whether our relationship is important to you. I don't want an answer right away. I want you to really think about this, and give me your answer later.

"Do you understand my request?"

"Yes sir. But..."

"You promised to hear me out. I'm just getting started. Are you listening?"

"Yes sir."

"Leslie, what day is today? What day of the month?"

"Umm... the twelfth. November 12th."

"All right, I'm giving you until one month from today. Can you remember December 12th? Write it down if you need to; this is important."

"Don't worry, I'll remember it."

Silence.

"...Sir."

"Good. I'm giving you one month, then, to think about things. Until then there will be no communication between us of any kind. No phone, email, messages, or anything else. Do you understand me?"

"Now, wait a minute!"

"Do you understand me."

"Yes sir, I understand."

"Do you have any questions at this point?"

"What if I don't call back?"

"I will take that as your answer, and yes I will miss you greatly."

"Just like that?"

"Leslie, it is your choice, and I am granting you the freedom to choose, and giving you the time to make a wise decision. I know you are capable of making wise choices, and I will pray every day that you choose to do so.

"Next question."

"What if I call anyway?"

"You mean in less than a month?"

"Yes sir."

"I will listen, but what you have to say will not matter. Your actions will be your answer. Your repeated refusal to follow my instructions will tell me all I need to know.

"Next question."

"That's all, sir."

"Is there anything else you wish to say at this point?"

"Yes. I think you're being very mean about all this."

"I understand. Those final words of yours will stay with me for the rest of the month. Good bye, Leslie."

In writing the story, he learned he had made a mistake. To have imposed such a consequence would have been to have violated her trust. That is, he could not have it both ways. It would not be right to sever the relationship as a way of expressing that relationship.

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