The Dead Among Us

16. Expectations

After the first set of lessons and study time commences, Mr Isaiah walks through the pews and taps both Mikael and Benji on the arm, urging them to follow him to the office. 

Before closing the classroom door, he sternly warns the remaining students to keep quiet and study, or there will be consequences.

Once the door is shut, Benji and Mikael's hearts race like a stampede in their chests as their teacher leads them to the infamous office across the hall. They know all too well what's about to happen.

Mr Isaiah jingles a key and then opens the door, allowing them to walk ahead of him. Inside are a few wooden chairs, a polished desk, and pictures hanging on the wall, the most prominent being the group leader, Pierre.

"Take a seat, youngins," Mr. Isaiah instructs, choosing to lean against the desk rather than sitting behind it. With his arms crossed and a penetrating gaze, he focuses on the two anxious children standing before him. He possesses a commanding presence, standing tall with a robust physique. His hair is neatly cropped, a shade of light brown, and his skin carries a healthy tan.

Mikael's gaze remains fixed on the floor, his knee bouncing up and down with nervous energy. Meanwhile, little Benji anxiously twists her shirt into knots with her hands.

"How did the fire start?" Mr. Isaiah wastes no time getting to the point.

Mikael, after a deep, unsteady breath, answers, "I dropped one of her brother's cigs in the hay on accident. We never saw it light the hay. It must have built up after we left. We really are sorry..."

Mr Isaiah peeks at Benji, who nods, confirming what he said.

"Unfortunately, I have to punish you both. You broke school rules by bringing those materials here, started a fire, and never disclosed this to any officials. Benji, I'm aware you've been spanked at home, which is why I'm going to give you a choice on your punishment. You can take a spanking bare with the ruler like Mikael or have recess privileges removed for three days; during recess, you will be in the classroom and wait for everyone to return writing essays."

Benji thought about it for a while. As much as she didn't want a third spanking for the same offense, she hated the idea of being cooped up in the classroom for three days, too, writing nonetheless. She also hated seeing her friend get a spanking alone. That didn't seem fair, and his parents will probably punish him once they find out about this as well. Might as well get it over and done with now and not leave Mikael alone to take the heat of embarrassment. 

"I-I'll take the s-spanking..." God, she hated saying it aloud.

"Alright then," Mr. Isaiah agreed. With a subtle nod, he reached into the open drawer, gently retrieving the weathered wooden ruler. Pulling the creaking desk chair forward, he positioned it precisely in front of the well-worn desk. Carefully unbuttoning his overcoat, he draped it over the back of the chair before settling into the seat. Rolling up the sleeves of his crisply ironed shirt, he methodically exposed just a hint of his forearms as he prepared for the task at hand.

"Whose first?"

"I'll go..." Mikael announced and slowly treaded toward his teacher standing in front of him.

"Unbutton your pants, son."

With timid movements and bright red ears, Mikael obeyed. As soon as they were loose, Mr Isaiah gently took hold of his arm and positioned the boy over his sturdy knee. He then gripped the waistband of his pants and pulled them down just enough to reveal his grey boxers before pulling those down as well. Mikael's backside was pasty white except for the distinct tan line around his lower back.