Story: Getting Burned

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Story: Danielle's Illegal Endeavor

Part of the Carlos/Danielle series.  Danielle is always looking for something new and exciting to do, so when Miguel asks for her assistance in something that isn't exactly lawful, she doesn't think twice before agreeing to do it.  Of course, after Carlos gets ahold of her, she'll wish she had...  (this story takes place, obviously, before the Studying Abroad stories)

Danielle's Illegal Endeavor
by Breanna Carter

I lay in my bed staring out the window, enjoying the sound of the rain pattering against the ground. It was such a nice day to be off of school and home alone, just waiting for something exciting to boost my adrenaline. Then the phone rang -- Miguel. He was always the great adrenaline-rush-provider.

"Yesum?" I answered, stretching slightly.

"I have work for you," he said in broken English.

"Hmmm? What might that be?" I asked, rolling over to my back and staring at the ceiling. Knowing Miguel, his job offer would probably be something uber illegal and result in some kind of crazy fight. That's how my endeavors with him seemed to end up lately.

"I have help to drive for a friend."

"Okay?"

He went on to explain that his friend's wife and kids were in San Antonio with a coyote (AKA human smuggler… not the animal) who was holding them hostage until he coughed up some more cash. Miguel's friend was worried that if he didn't go get them himself, the coyote would continue to drain money from him with empty promises to transport them to Houston. And this is where I came into the picture -- with my legal Texas driver's license and an SUV with tinted windows, I was the perfect candidate to perform this illegal operation. Sounded like a good adrenaline rush to me.

"I'm in," I said, smiling slightly. "What time do you want to meet up?"

"Three o'clock," he said. I glanced at the clock beside me. It was 2:07... I had 53 minutes to hop in the shower, wash my hair, put on some revealing clothes (with a jacket, 'cause it was a bit cold outside), and eat some leftover Christmas candy.

I was unwrapping a bite size Twix bar when I heard the knock at my door. There was Miguel, looking sharp and handsome as always, with his friend, Francisco, who was equally gorgeous. This was going to be a fun trip.

Francisco wasn't much of a talker, and didn't really speak English. I tried my hardest to converse with him, but he just answered "si" or "no" even when my question wasn't a yes or no question… so eventually I gave up. Miguel and I chatted a bit, and he teased me, grabbing my boob every so often (not without first making sure Francisco wasn't watching, though), to which I retaliated by smacking him as hard as I could. But otherwise, the trip was pretty uneventful.

We stopped in a small town close to San Antonio for dinner, as we were still a bit early to meet with the coyotes. Since I was with two Mexicans, their choice was, of course, Mexican food. And I had no idea what to order because the menu was totally in Spanish, so I asked Miguel to do the honors.

The rain had passed by the time we arrived in San Antonio. The moon was shining brightly, the one thing I noticed as Francisco spoke on the phone in soft Spanish to the coyote. I was beginning to get slightly nervous, as it seemed that not only was there a lot of traffic, but also a lot of cops who seemed to enjoy pulling people over. This was the first time I actually began to think of what would happen if I did get caught… with not one, but five undocumented immigrants in the vehicle with me. Shit.

Francisco explained to Miguel where we were going, and Miguel, of course, relayed the message to me. We stopped in front of a grocery store in an obviously unsafe part of town. I felt really out of place as we sat there, waiting for the mysterious white van to pull up. The two boys chatted a little, not noticing my nervousness.

"Miguel… I'm scared," I said in a near whisper.

"Why?"

I shrugged. What could I tell him? Because this couldn't be safe, sitting here at night time in the middle of a rough neighborhood. Because what if the coyotes had a gun and decided to "bust a cap" in someone's ass? Because what if a cop came up to us and asked us what we were doing? How would I even answer him?

I pulled out my cell phone and opened up the internet to mapquest. I typed in some addresses and created a false story in my head that we were supposed to meet some friends, but were lost…

Then the white van pulled up. I bit my lower lip, heart pounding. Francisco pushed himself out of the vehicle and jogged towards the white van, digging money out of his pocket. He counted out the bills for the coyote, then handed them to him, opening up the sliding van door. A woman who seemed to be only a couple of years older than me practically fell out, tackling Francisco in a hug. His two kids were next, a boy and a girl, both little… waay too little to be going through what they'd been through.

The family walked towards us and Francisco introduced everyone while the white van sped off. I took a deep breath, smiling to Miguel as I saw the happiness that engulfed the newly reunited family.

"Tienen hambre?" I heard Miguel ask the family, Spanish for "are you hungry?"

Francisco and his wife were open to do whatever Miguel and I wanted since we were the two driving. At that moment, all I wanted was to get out of San Antonio. Once we were on our way back to Houston, we made a quick stop at McDonald's. It was so cool getting to see the family's reaction to being in the U.S. for the first time in their life. The kids were so happy to see their dad again as they hadn't seen him in years. Francisco's wife talked about her experience crossing the border, and while I didn't understand everything she said, I picked up bits and pieces and instantly admired her. She had put her life on the line to be a family again, and she'd made it. It made me wonder about the women who aren't so lucky.

Now full on junk food that I hadn't needed, I was prepared to finish the three hour drive back home. Francisco was much more talkative with his wife and kids than he had been with Miguel and I, which I later learned was nothing personal, just the fact that he had been too worried on the drive to San Antonio to carry on much of a conversation. The kids asked a million and one questions about Francisco's job and house and the school they would be going to. And his wife was just in awe of the whole situation, sitting close to her husband with the biggest smile planted on her face. I felt all these warm fuzzies inside of me.

Francisco and his wife thanked me for about ten minutes when we finally arrived to Miguel's house. I assured them that it was no problem and I enjoyed the trip. We said our goodbyes, our "it was nice meeting you"s, and I sped off, heading home. I smiled the whole way, feeling good about what I'd done.

When I got home, Carlos was sitting in the living room, watching TV in his khakies and undershirt. He'd obviously just gotten off work.

"Hey, Hermanita. Where ya been?" he asked, in a seemingly good mood.

I grinned, plopping down next to him. "You'll never believe what I just did," I told him.

"Oh? Do share," he asked, turning towards me and now more interested in what I had to say than whatever was on TV.

"I went with Miguel and his friend to pick up this family from San Antonio… and it was so amazing, Carlos. I really helped them out."

His seemingly good mood changed abruptly. "You did *what*?"

I wasn't quite sure how to deal with his reaction, so I scooted away from him a little. "I helped out this family… I drove them to Houston…" I stammered, starting to get worried that Carlos wasn't going to see this as helping out someone in need, but rather as another stupid stunt that I'd pulled.

"An undocumented family?" he asked.

"I- I dunno…" I said. "But what does it matter anyway? They just needed a ride from San Antonio…"

Carlos took a deep breath in and looked away for a moment.

"Uhm, I think I'm going to shower and go to bed…" I said, standing up in the hopes that it'd get me out of this conversation.

"Have a seat," he said firmly.

I plopped back down. "It's really not that big of a deal, Carlos…"

Carlos turned the TV off and looked at me again, this time with a stern demeanor. "Danielle, I want you to tell me everything, from beginning to end, no leaving out details."

"But…" I began, only to be cut off.

"I want to know, Danielle. I'm not going to tell your mom, or my dad, but I think it's important that we discuss this."

I wasn't worried about talking through this… the thing that worried me was the fact that he used the word "discuss" and that usually meant that the "discussion" would involve a belt of some sort.

"Carlos… please… it wasn't anything bad…" I said.

"Start from the beginning."

"This isn't fair! I didn't do anything wrong!" I yelped, near tears. "Gah! If I'd have known you were going to flip out on me, I wouldn't have told you anything!" I buried my head in my hands now, overwhelmed by the entire night's events, and now worried that I was going to get into trouble for something that shouldn't have even been wrong.

I felt Carlos's arm around my shoulders. "Danielle, I'm worried because I care about you. If you were driving undocumented immigrants around the state of Texas, you could really screw up your life…" he began. He pulled me close, pressing me against his chest. "And anything could've happened out there…" he continued. This was quickly turning into a sentimental sappy Lifetime movie moment.

I sniffled and wiped my eyes, pulling away from him. "But nothing happened. I came home alive and without handcuffs… so we can just put this all behind us, right?"

He shook his head. "Hermanita… if Miguel called you tomorrow and asked you to do the same thing again, would you do it?"

I didn't answer. I couldn't say it aloud -- of course I'd do it again. I didn't see the big deal about illegal immigration anyway. It kept families apart, like Francisco's… and sometimes the living conditions in Mexico or Latin America were so hazardous that the only way to better one's own life was through coming to the U.S…. and it was such a long, tedious, and difficult process to get a visa…

"That's what I thought," Carlos said, snapping me out of my moment.

I bit my lower lip as I began the story of the night's events, telling Carlos everything, from seeing an actual coyote to having apple pie and a chocolate shake at McDonald's. He shook his head in disappointment, waiting for me to finish before saying, "do you realize that you could've gotten hurt, arrested, or even killed?"

I hung my head in shame. "I didn't think about that, Carlos."

"And all for $150... Your life is worth so much more than that, Hermanita."

"I know, I'm sorry…" I said. "It just seemed so much more important to help out Francisco… and it was standing up for something I believe in… or rather, don't believe in."

"I wouldn't call this 'standing up for something'… no one's going to listen to you if you're sitting in a jail cell. If you really want to make a point, write an article for the local newspaper… or participate in a protest… those are safe and legal things that will help you have a voice in this country."

"But…" I began, not quite sure how to answer that.

"Do you even know how much legal trouble you could get into for this?"

I shook my head.

"Here's what I want you to do. I want you to research online what legal repercussions you would have faced had you gotten caught, then I want you to go to your room and think about what else could've gone wrong tonight. I'll be in there in an hour."

If I'd been on the internet, I would've typed in a ":(" to that statement. But since I wasn't, I just had to put on my best sad face and shuffle towards the den, only turning back to ask Carlos if I could take a shower first.

This was probably one of the worst punishments Carlos had ever given me… especially when I found out that I could've gone to prison for 1-10 years with a minimum $1000 fine. And then I made a list of other things that could've gone wrong… things I'd thought about while I was on the trip but had pushed aside… like getting shot in that unsafe neighborhood, or Francisco turning out to be a creep and hurting Miguel and me. I even went a step further and thought about how much it would've sucked had I gotten caught -- I would've been out of money I'd been saving for college, it'd be hard to find a good job, I'd never be taken seriously. I was practically crying by the time Carlos opened my bedroom door.

"Well?" he asked.

"Carlos… I'm sorry," I said, a tear slipping down my cheek. "I hadn't thought about all of the things that could've happened to me… it's just so much easier thinking that I'm going to really and truly help someone and make a difference… and besides, none of that happened…"

He read over my list and kissed my forehead. "I'm so glad none of these happened… but you *are* getting a spanking," he said.

"But Carlos…!" I whined.

He shook his head. "I don't want to hear any complaints from you. Now you know the 'what could've happened's… and now you're going to feel what WILL happen if you ever do this again. Because believe me, Danielle, I will find out, won't I?"

I would have liked to challenge that, but he was right… he would find out. He seemed to always find everything out, and I'm such a blabber mouth I'd probably end up telling him even if he didn't find out on his own. "Yeah, I guess you will find out."

"A spanking should be the least of your worries, though, for real, Danielle," he said, sitting down next to me. "I care about you, Hermanita, you know that. I don't want you to end up in prison and screwing your whole life up… and I know that I've told you about how corrupt coyotes are… they don't care about anything but money. What if Francisco hadn't given them enough? Then they would've turned to you and Miguel… and if you two didn't have what they wanted, they could've killed you all."

I nodded. "You're right," I said, still not wanting the spanking. "And I understand. And I know the consequences. So is it really necessary to spank me?"

"You tell me," he said.

The immature part of me wanted to say that it wasn't necessary. That I'd learned my lesson, I wouldn't do it again, and a spanking was an uber bad idea. But the more I thought about it, the mature part of me felt guilty for getting away with doing something so stupid, and knew that a definite spanking would be more likely to keep me from pulling such a stunt whereas an abstract possibility of getting caught by the law or getting shot would probably not deter me at all. So I confessed. "I guess it is necessary," I murmured, looking away.

I think Carlos was proud of me for admitting it, because he immediately hugged me. "Come on then," he said softly, helping me over his lap. I shivered ever so slightly, burying my face into my blankets.

"Please, Carlos, not too hard."

He probably couldn't help but chuckle at that statement -- I'd just admitted that I needed my bottom blistered, and then I was going to beg him not to hit me too hard. Apparently I wasn't the brightest crayon in the box.

He tugged my pj pants down to my knees, sending my panties with them. A cool breeze swept over my backside and I buried my face deeper into the blankets, wanting to take back my statement that this was necessary. He rested his warm hand on my bottom. "Danielle, I care about you," he scolded. "And I care too much about you to see you do something so stupid. I know that you knew better than to do what you did today, didn't you?" he asked, slapping my bottom.

"Owww, yes," I yelped.

He swatted me again, and then again, and finally began a definite rhythm. I kicked and squirmed, trying to reach back and block, only to be restrained further by my older brother.

"Pleaseeeeee," I howled. While it hadn't been that long ago that he'd started spanking, I could already feel my bottom turning red. This might have been his idea of a "warm up" but for me it seemed like it would've been just as painful to start spanking me with his belt!

"I hope you're learning your lesson, Danielle Grace," he said, continuing the spanking even though my squirms and pleas.

"I am!" I promised.

He began concentrating on my sit spots, and hitting my thighs every so often. I yelped loudly each time he smacked me, feeling like a six year old. Some people may think a hand spanking doesn't hurt, but Carlos was definite proof that it does! It just reminded me of what was coming next…

"Carlosssss, owwww, I'm s-sorryyyy!! Ooowww!!! I won't do it again!"

"I know you won't, Hermanita," he answered, still not letting up on the swats.

I don't know how long the hand spanking lasted, but it felt like hours. When he finally stopped and lifted me up, I was crying like a baby and doing the "ants in your pants" dance.

"No rubbing," he said firmly. "Bend over the bed."

"Carlossssssss," I cried, "I've had enough! I promise!"

Tears were steadily streaming down my face and I knew that part of him had to feel sorry for me, but he helped me bend over anyway, not letting his pity stop him from administering the spanking that I deserved.

Elbows on the bed, I buried my face into my hands to catch my tears. My body was quivering and shaking from all of the crying, and because I feared what was coming next. I heard the belt unbuckle and saw the image in my head of him sliding it out of his pants, then folding it over. This thought just racked more sobs through my body. "Please," I said desperately.

He put his left hand on the small of my back to hold me in place, then didn't take any time in bringing the leather down on my poor bottom. I yelped, only to be rewarded with another blow, and another. It was hard to take the spanking, each swat biting into my skin. It hurt so badly I couldn't even talk from sobbing so heavily.

"I won't allow you to put yourself in dangerous situations, Danielle," he said, raining down another smack. "So next time you think about doing something so dumb, I want you to think twice, and remember this spanking, understood?"

I cried out in response what was supposed to be "YES!" but was more like muffled sobs. He finished up with a crash to my sit spots, then threw the belt down on the floor. He crawled into my bed and pulled me to his lap, holding me tightly in his arms. I pressed my face against his chest, still sobbing, wanting to apologize for what I'd done but unable to find the words.

"You okay?" he whispered after I'd regained my composure.

I nodded, sniffling and wiping more tears away.

He stayed there with me a little longer, letting me know that I was forgiven, that he loved me, that he didn't want me to do something so stupid ever again. And I promised him I wouldn't.

"Goodnight, Hermanita," he said.

I smiled, sniffled, then said, "gooodnight, big bro."

Story: Studying Abroad Chapter 2

Part of the Carlos/Danielle series.  A continuation of Danielle's studying abroad adventures.  She and Emi go out for the night and kind of don't exactly abide by Carlos's rules.  No spanking yet, but definitely a leadup.

Studying Abroad -- Chapter 2
by Breanna Carter

We sat there and watched the festivities. The kids whacked the crap out of the piñata until it finally burst open and everyone ran to collect the candy and toys. Emi and I had been eyeing the cake for quite sometime and after the piñata they sang and passed out pieces. It was delicious.

Finally, it was time to go.

"Que vas hacer esta noche? [what are you going to do tonight?]" Emi asked as Carlos and I stood.

"Nada. [Nothing.]"

"Entonces, voy a ir al cine si quieres ir conmigo. [So, I'm going to go to the movie if you want to go with me.]"

I grinned. "Si, claro," I replied, giving her my number. Carlos had disappeared so I wasn't sure if I could actually go or not, but I didn't bother trying to explain that to her. I just waved goodbye and met my family at the car.

"That was fun," I told my brother. "How come we never have anything like that for you?"

"Because I'm not 11."

"Doesn't mean you can't have a piñata. I want one for my birthday."

He gave me a look as if I were too old for one.

"And Edgar was gorgeous."

This time he rolled his eyes before saying, "you're such a girl."

"I know. Isn't it lovely?"

He smiled but didn't answer.

I watched out the window, still shifting on my aching bottom and replaying the day's events in my head. All of the people I'd met -- family, Edgar, the bitchy girl, Valeria, and Emi -- the cultural festivities... and my stupid self getting into a fight. Oh well, at least I hadn't said the forbidden phrase which Carlos had made me promise not to say unless I wanted to be slapped... and I didn't.

"Hey Carlos... am I still in trouble?" I asked suddenly.

He glanced at me. "Do you think you should be?"

"I really hate that question."

He gave a slight smile. "Well, have you learned your lesson about fighting?"

"Yes! Definitely. I never want to be spanked in public again."

"Then I guess you're not in trouble. Why do you ask?"

"Because Emi asked if I wanted to go see a movie tonight."

He shrugged. "I suppose that's okay. As long as you don't stay out too late."

"Me? Stay out late? I wouldn't dare think of such a thing!"

I was relieved knowing that I wasn't getting seconds and skipped into the house shortly after pulling into the driveway. I was excited... it'd been a fairly good day so far and I'd met a new friend which was ultra-spiffy. Sure, Carlos was okay to hang out with, but he was my brother. Of course it got old after a while.

I took a quick nap only to be interrupted by the phone being shoved on my ear and Carlos telling me I had a phone call. It was Emi. The conversation was mildly interesting because I was dead asleep and neither of us has perfected our Spanish. Finaly I realized the movie was at 8:30 and I'd never heard of it before. We decided to meet downton in front of a church. Spectacular.

I pushed myself out of bed and took a shower. I had to pretty myself up in case there was some gorgeous guys that wanted to pick up an American. I sat down for an early dinner with Carlos (because it was about 7:30 and we usually ate at 8:30...) whom I promised I'd be home by midnight. He didn't go for that and we finally compromised with 11:30... just in case the movie was longer, or she wanted to get ice cream afterwards, or I got lost on the way home.

Then I said, "why don't you go out tonight? There's plenty of bars, huh? And you can get in? You can call a cousin or something."

He shrugged. "I was thinking about it."

"I'll go with you."

"I don't think you want to do that. You know how over-protective I can get."

"This is true..."

"But one day we'll go out. Whenever you're more confident with your Spanish."

I nodded wondering when that would be. "Or since you're over-protective, maybe I can go with Emi."

"We'll see. But not tonight."

Damn. Oh well, it was a good try.

I finished up my quesadilla and put the plate in the sink. "Hasta luego, bro."

"See ya. No later than 11:30..."

"Right-O," I answered already walking outside. I threw my purse over my shoulder. It had two things I couldn't live without: a camera and umbrella. Ever tried walking 30 minutes in pouring rain? It's not pleasant. And it had rained almost every night since my arrival.

Emi was at the church as promised, on time by Mexican standards, about ten minutes late by American. Of course, I, too, had become accustomed to arriving late, so it was no problem. We made small talk on our way up the mountain to the theater. We saw "Just My Luck" which was dubbed but fairly easy to understand because the plot was so predictable. I made a mental note to check it out again once I got home.

When we got out of the theater, Emi asked me if I wanted to go to a bar.

Carlos had said not tonight and I couldn't help but remember how I ran into him last time I did something like that, so I almost said no. Almost.

"Si, pero tengo que ir a mi casa a las 11. [Yes, but I have to go home at 11.]"

She nodded and dragged me to a bar called "Bar Ocho." It was pretty small, but had three floors. We went to the second and smushed ourselves into a tiny table on the side. The room wasn't so crowded, but very smokey and loud. A waitress came by and we both ordered a beer. No IDs checked. I was in Heaven!

We had two beers a piece and chatted about our hometowns, what things we missed and what things we didn't. I learned that the drinking age in Japan is 20. We taught each other cuss words. It was fantastic. When I looked at my watch and saw it was only 11, I decided to get a third beer. I knew it would take at least 15 minutes to get home, probably closer to 25. But I wasn't concerned. More than likely because of the two beers I had drank.

Emi and I talked about school starting the following Monday. We were in the same level of Spanish and would be taking most of the same classes. Our grammar and conversation class were at the university, but the rest of our classes were at the prepatoria school. We were both taking history and art, but she was taking literature whlie I was in psychology. We both hoped for good-looking guys, but didn't hold our breath.

When we finally paid our bill, it was 11:30. I was going to be late, but Carlos would live with it. There were tons of people out and I contemplated going to one of the clubs with booming techno, but now wasn't the time to push my luck.

Emi's house wasn't too far from mnie. It was cool, not having to walk home alone the whole way.

I glanced at my watch a last time when I arrived in front of my house. It was closer to midnight than 11:30. Oops. I slowly inserted my key into the gate, idly wnodering if everyone was asleep. I could pass for being a little tipsy and didn't want anyone to know. No such luck... Carlos was downstairs in the kitchen watching tv and peeked his head out of the door when I walked in.

Just stay in there... I silently begged.

"I know you know you're past curfew but I'm sure you have a great excuse," he said, getting up and walking towards me.

Great... I knew I couldn't pull this one off. "Um... I'm in Mexico? That's my excuse?"

He shook his head. "What did I tell you about going to bars?"

"I didn't go..."

"I said, what did I tell you about going to bars?" he repeated.

"Not tonight," I said.

"Exactly. And I know that's where you were because you reek of cigarette smoke and I can smell the beer on your breath."

I decided not to argue this point.

"I know you're going to do ths nightlife while you're here... that's a given. But I don't appreciate you doing something after I specifically said not to. Much less joining that with coming in 30 minutes late." He paused, clearly angered. I still didn't say anything, remembering how only hours earlier I'd been spanked. "Are you going for two spankings in two days? Is that it?"

"No," I answered.

"Well you're certainly getting it, Young Lady. First thing tomorrow morning."

I winced, reaching back to rub my bottom. "But, Carlos..."

"Don't argue. Just go to bed."

I hung my head like a pouting puppy and walked past my brother up the stairs, half-expecting him to swat me one on the way.

The next morning I woke with drool dripping down my face and the sound of cars and buses out my window. I groaned when I saw it was only nine. There must've been about thirty loud buses that had passed int he last ten minutes. I gave up all hopes on ever going back to sleep and rolled out of bed. Then I remembered that I was going to get spanked and almost crawled back into bed.

Everyone else in the house seemed surprised to see me emerging so early. Grandma and Carlos were both in the kitchen chatting and watching tv. Upon my arrival, Grandma grabbed a chair and dragged me to it and set the placemat and silverware.

"Aye, you're up early," she said then went to cooking something.

"The buses are really loud," I answered.

She and Carlos both laughed. I took this as my chance to persuade my brother not to spank me.

"Carlos... look... I'm sorry about last night," I stammered uncomfortably. I expected him to say something, but he didn't. I wasn't sure if he wanted me to continue. I took my chances anyway: "It's just that Emi wanted to go to this bar and it was on our way home and I figured that she'd just get a drink then we'd go and I didn't think it'd be a problem." I paused and he still didn't say anything. "I was just curious, that's all. I wanted to see what it was like." Was I digging myself into a hole?

Finally he said something. "It's not the fact that you went that bothers me, just that you did so after I told you not to. And you came home late. You'll be here four months, you can wait until your Spanish gets better before you barhop. You can wait until you know the city a little better before you go roaming around in the middle of the night."

I nodded as grandma asked Carlos what was going on. He explained my coming in late, omitting the part about the bar and drinking which I was pleased about.

I thumped my foot nervously, heart pounding as I prepared myself to ask the question that would seal my fate. Grandma was now responding to what Carlos had said but I wasn't quite sure what she was saying. I couldn't tell if she was on my side or his.

Finally they stopped talking when she handed me breakfast. "Carlos... are you still going to spank me?" i asked shivering then quickly taking a bite of my eggs. I could hear grandma putting tortillas in the microwave. Carlos was thinking. Was this a good sign? On the tv a commercial for toothbrushes filled my head. Please say no, I silently begged.

He sighed. My foot was still thumping. "I would really consider not spanking you, but seeing as you deliberately disobeyed me twice yesterday, I'm sensing a pattern and it's time to break it."

There it was. My fate was sealed. I was getting it.

"When I tell you not to do something it's not just to hear myself talk, Danielle. It's for a reason. And if you choose not to listen, you'll just have to accept the consequences."

Grandma placed the tortillas next to me. I'd stopped eating momentarily to stare at my brother, but quickly began eating again at the sight of warm tortillas. I loaded them with beans and eggs, eagerly stuffing the food into my mouth. When I'd told my mom about this breakfast combination she didn't think it sounded very appetizing. But it was delicious. And at that moment it was helping me keep my mind off of the punishment.

Story: Studying Abroad, Chapter 1

Part of the Carlos/Danielle series.  Danielle is starting her year abroad in Mexico with her step-brother and his family.  They go to a birthday party where Danielle can only understand half of the Spanish and still manages to get herself into trouble.  (Excuse the excessive Spanish.  Thought I'd edited that up a while ago, and apparently I hadn't.)

Studying Abroad
Chapter 1

Music blared in my room as I looked at the outfits laying in front of me.

"Danielle, hurry up," Carlos called, rapping on the door.

We hadn't even been in Mexico for a week and I was already going to a birthday party. It was one of Carlos's 900 cousins that I hadn't met who was turning 11, so it'd be nothing spectacular, but still fun. The only problem was that I had no idea what to wear.

I opened the door to find my brother standing irritably. I dragged him inside, wearing my pjs. "What should I wear?"

He laughed. "No one cares. It's just a birthday party. You can wear that if you really want."

"You're absolutely no help," I told him.

He rummaged through my clothes and found jeans and a T-shirt. "Wear this."

"It'll be okay?"

He nodded. "And don't forget your swimsuit." As he ruffled my hair and walked out, I realized how muc hcloser we'd gotten since we'd crossed the border. Guanajuato was his hometown, at least it had been a place he'd lived for a long time as a kid, so he enjoyed taking me around and showing me different parts of the city. Not only that but since my Spanish was terrible, he had to help me out when everyone talked to me and had to teach me how to say important things. So in the five days we'd been there, we became more like good friends than brother and sister.

I slipped on the jeans and T-shirt over my swimsuit and pulled my hair back into a ponytail. I checked myself out in the mirror one last time, pleased with how I looked, then stalked downstairs where everyone was waiting for me.

"Lista?" Mrs. Rivas asked.

I nodded.

"Vamonos!"

I followed them to the red car that waited in the driveway for us. Mr. Rivas drove, of course, and Carlos and I slipped in the backseat teasing and joking around with each other. He was almost a different person in Mexico. I could see the pride in his eyes for his country, even through the poverty and hardships. And he was so much more relaxed... less tense. Of course, everything in Mexico is so laid-back anyway, so that probably had a lot to do with it.

"So will they have a piñata and everything?" I asked, bouncing excitedly.

"Just wait and see."

"But Carlos! You gotta tell me!"

He grinned. "You'll see once we get there. Enjoy the anticipation. That's half the fun."

I pouted, but not for long. "So whose birthday is it?"

"Eduardo's."

"Like I know who that is."

"It's grandma's sister's grandson."

"Right. So where's the party at?"

"You ask too many questions," was his answer and he turned away to look out the window.

"That's okay, I didn't wanna know anyway," I said, looking out my own side. I'd walked around the city enough to recognize some landmarks, but most of the stuff seemed new and different. It was so weird actually going somewhere in a car.

Carlos talked to our grandparents for a little while and I didn't pay enough attention to try to figure out what they were talking about. I just watched outside, observing and admiring the beauty. So much prettier than Texas... or the stereotypes of Mexico. Colorful houses were nestled in the mountains. The roads were narrow and winding, weaving through the mountains, high enough to see miles away. I painted the image in my head.

We pulled in front of a colonial-looking building. It was raining so grandpa dropped us off at the doorway and I followed grandma inside (she insisted that I call her that instead of señora Rivas). It was a clubhouse and the room was huge. There were tables set up on one side and a blow-up slide set up on the other. A woman greeted us, the Mexican way, with a handshake and kiss on the cheek. She was grandma's sister. I was then introduced to tons of more people, none of whose names I would have remembered if you'd asked me later.

I whispered in Carlos's ear, "are we going swimming?"

"Yeah, just wait a few minutes. Let's say hi to everyone first."

I almost told him that saying hi to everyone was one of the last things I wanted to do, but kept my mouth shut. This was his family, he hadn't seen them in a while, he wanted to catch up. I can live with that.

After about 30 minutes of talking (well, I was just listening, still too self-conscious to talk), eating hot dogs, and watching kids almost plummet to a horrifying death from the top of the blow-up slide, my dream-guy walked in the door. He looked to be around my age, was wearing jeans and a decent button-down shirt, a pound of gel in his hair to keep it standing up. I was moving in on this guy.

I nudged Carlos. "Who's that?"

He looked up. "Oh, that's Edgar, another one of the cousins."

"He's close to my age," I said.

"A bit older, but yeah, pretty close."

He was greeting everyone at the table next to us and my heart almost stopped when he turned and smiled at me. Yay!

"Hola," he said to me after greeting all of his family at the other table.

I blushed and returned the salutation.

Carlos explained that I was his little sister and we were here to study a few months. He seemed impressed.

He got a hot dog then sat down at the conveniently empty seat next to me and we chatted for a while. It was a nice way to practice my Spanish, and nice for him to practice his English. He wanted to konw about the U.S., which places I'd visited, how I liked Mexico so far, which school I was going to, etc. etc. etc. He offered to give me a tour of the city, show me the fun clubs and stuff (I had to ignore my brother's evil glare when we talked about that) and help me learn more Spanish. I didn't point out that Carlos coulddo all of that. I also didn't realize that I was making an enemy -- a girl across the room who'd been staring at us the whole time Edgar had been around.

Finally, one of the girls at my table wanted to go swimming so I offered to join her. Edgar declined due to his lack of swimsuit and I couldn't convince him to just wear his clothes. He and Carlos did, however, decide they'd at least come outside and watch.

The pool was full of kids I didn't know, but being the only American around, they flocked to me quickly. Valeria (my new friend) and I stripped down to our swimsuits as thousands of questions were fired at me. "Where are you from? What's your name? How do you say my name in English?" Then they wanted to play a game with me and I noticed that everyone in the pool was crowded around me with the exception of two girls, maybe a year or two younger than me, glaring in my direction.

We agreed on Marco Polo, which was interesting enough to try and explain in Spanish. It was a lot of fun until I was the one running around like a maniac and suddenly felt myself being pushed in the water. After almost drowning, I looked to see the two girls laughing at me. "Oops!" one said. "Perdón! Sorry!"

The kids wanted to keep playing but I declined politely and joined Valeria. "Quien son? Who are they?" I asked, nodding to te two girls who were now joining the game.

"No las cognozco pero creo son amigas de Miguel. I don't know them but I think they're Miguel's friends."

I didn't tell her that I had no idea who Miguel was. "Creo que no les gusto. I don't think they like me."

She shrugged. "Es porque hablaste con Edgar. Y les gusta él. It's because you talked to Edgar. And they like him."

Oh so that's what it was -- they had a crush on the guy who was talking to me. Jealous bitches.

"Y tambien eres Americana. Tienes mas atención de las. And also because you're an American. You're getting more attention than them."

Oh? They want attention? I'll show them attention. This is war.

We stayed to ourselves for a little while, occasionally talking to a passerby. A little girl wanted to throw around a little plastic ball with us so we did that.. then I had a grand idea... and "accidentally" threw it too far, whapping one of the bitches in the nose.

She yelped and held her nose, checking to see if it was bleeding. Valeria and I were snickering. "Oops... Perdón," I said.

She checked her nose again then chunked the ball back at me, but I ducked in time. She was carrying on and on, yelling at me in Spanish like I could understand her.

I decided to take this time to test out some of the words I'd recently learned: "Callate, zorra," I said, which is basically saying "shut up, slut."

Her eyes widdened and she lurched forward, knocking me backwards and under water. I brought her down with me and we wrestled until we needed a breath and noticed Carlos yeling at us. I'm not sure what he said beyond "stop," but it was enough to get her to huff, splash water in my face and say in perfect English, "I'm not finished with you."

Carlos gave me a look and said, "cool it."

I shrugged him off and went back to Valeria to talk about the girl and ways to get her back. I should've done as my conscience suggested and just left her alone, but part of me knew that she was just awiting for a vulnerable moment to attack again.

After a few minutes of peacefulness, Carlos was back talking to some family and the girl grabed her towel and flipflops to go inside. I noticed taht she'd left her clothes next to the pool. Why give her the chance to attack me first?

I showed Valeria my plan and she stood on the lookout -- any sign of Carlos or the bitch looking, just throw my shoe at me. That'd get my attention. I crept out of the pol and towards her stuff, sitting nearby on a chair Valeria gave me a thumbs-up from the pool and I grabbed the girl's things and quickly slipped back into the pool, everything in my arms. The two of us giggled as I soaked her things. Have fun riding home in this!

We dispersed from the pile of clothes shortly after we were sure that they were good and wet. We should've gone inside, but we just had to see her reaction. So when she finalyl came outside, Valeria tapped me on the arm and we watched intently. She searched for her things like a mother hen who'd lost her egg. Giving up, she finally took off her shoes and towel and jumped in the pool. By this time Valeria and I were choking on laughter. The girl noticed this and looked around for what was so funy, finally seeing her clothes floating around. Needless to say, she wasn't happy. She picked them up and threw them at me, cussing and crying like you wouldn't believe. She then swam towards me to retrieve her clothes, promptly slapped me and left. I was stunned and embarrassed. To top it off, Carlos was standing right there and ordered me out of the pool. I promised Valeria that I'd be back soon.

My brother spared me anymore embarrassment than necessary and ushered me to a secluded area.

"What did I tell you?" he asked.

"To cool it, but..."

"Leave her alone, Danielle. You're acting like a seven year-old"

"She started it."

"I don't care. I'm finishing it. Keep it up and I'll spank you right here, and don't think I won't."

He was glaring at me angrily, but I didn't understand the big dea, especially when she was the one who pushed me first! And then she slapped me... the bitch. Besides, Carlos wouldn't really spank me there -- it was just an idle threat, right?

"Do you understand?" he asked.

"Yeah," I murmured, then walked off.

It was bad enough that the girl slapped me, worse that Carlos lectured me, and even worse when I came back and the girls were mocking me. Valeria suggested we go back inside to avoid more conflict, but I wasn't finished yet. I didn't know what I'd do, but I knew it'd have to be worth it if Carlos decided to carry out his threat.

The girl and her friend eventually got tired of provoking me into another fight and stopped mocking me. And Carlos went back to talking to people. And Edgar disappeared. Valeria and I were just swimming around. She was still half-expecting me to do something, even though neither of us had a clue. Then the girl moved a perfect distance from the diving board. With a good enough jump, I could land right on top of her and could always use the excuse that I hadn't seen her.

Valeria must've seen the look in my eyes. "Que pasa?"

I held up my finger to tell her to wait a minute as I climbed out of the water.

"Que estás haciendo?" she whispered.

"Vamos a ver," I replied, quietly climbing onto the diving board. I judged the distance from where I was to her. Perfect. Taking a deep breath, I braced myself, one hope, two hop, three -- jump! I sailed through the air, everything in slow motion. I stretched out to do a belly flop and she looked up in horror, ducking just in time for my body to crash into hers. I heard everyone gasp right before I went under water. I was smiling when I came to the surface again.

"Perdón, no te ví," I apologized.

"Mentirosa!" she answered, pushing me.

Before I had the chance to push back, Carlos was there, like a coach on the sidelines at a football game. He was just waiting, not yelling or anything. I glanced in his direction then pushed her back. "Danielle!" he yelled.

She pushed me again and within minutes we were at it. We were pushing, wrestling, biting, pulling hair -- you name it. People were yelling from all around, but it didn't stop us. In fact, we'd have probably gone on forever had someone not pried us apart. I don't know who it was, I couldn't really see straight from all of the adrenaline, but he must've been strong because he handed me to Carlos who carried me kicking, struggling, and dripping wet to the bathroom.

"I don't understand what your fascination with fighting is," he said as I rubbed my face where I'd been hit a few times. He tried to lock the door, but it was broken. I'd figured he was just going to yell at me, but then he put the lid of the toilet down and sat, dragging me over.

"Wait... you're not gonna..." I began and broke off.

"I told you I would, didn't I?"

"But... the door isn't locked!"

"I don't care," he replied and pushed me onto his lap, disregarding my bikini bottom immediately and smacking me hard.

I hadn't expected it to hurt so much, but since I'd been swimming and my backside was wet, it stung like crazy! "Ow, Carlos! Wait!"

"Wait? You could've killed her! Broken her neck!" he fussed, spanking even harder.

"Owwies, it was an accident!"

"Accident my ass," he responded, then "move your hands," when I reached back.

"Please," I begged, "not here," not moving my hands.

He sighed exasperatedly and moved them for me. "I told you I'd spank you if you did anything else."

"But not here," I gasped, squirming like crazy over his lap. "People might listen!"

"Do you have any idea how embarrassing it is for me to have my little sister a guest at a party and still picking fights?"

I bit my lower lip to keep from yelping too loudly. "I knowww... I'm sorry!"

"I don't believe you are," he told me, moving down to my sitspots. I howled in pain, covering my mouth with my hands so if anyone was listening they wouldn't get the satisfaction of knowing how much pain I was in.

I don't know how long he kept up, just that it hurt so much he restrained one hand while I bit my other hand. And I was kicking furiously. When he stopped I breathed a sigh of relief.

"We'll talk about this when we get home," he assurred me, pulling my bottoms back up and lifting me.

I wiped the tears away from my still crying eyes and gave him a hug. I then washed my face and turned around, looking at my bottom in the mirror. This set me off crying again. As if it wasn't bad enough I'd gotten spanked, everyone could see it, too!

"Carlos, please don't make me go back like this. Please bring me my towel," I begged.

He shook his head. "Nope. That's part of the punishment. Besides, look at me"

I glanced over and noticed that his pants were covered in water -- it looked like he hadn't made it to the bathroom in time. I giggled.

"At least you can use the hand dryer," I offered.

"And I'm wearingm y swimsuit. But I also didn't do anything punishable like you, kid sis."

I pouted.

He took off his jeans to reveal the swimsuit underneath then stuck them under the dryer. I leaned against the cool sink trying to let it ease my throbbing bottom.

"I didn't want to hurt her," I told him.

He looked back. "I know, but you could have done some pretty bad damage. Besides, it's just the fact that you were acting like a kid and kept on after I warned you. You know that's not the right way to act, much less at a party that you were invited to by someone you don't even know. What kind of impression do you think that gives them about us? About Americans?"

I nodded. "You're right. Wish I would've thought about that."

He took his jeans out from under the dryer and inspected. THey were dry enough for him 'cause he slipped them back on. I glanced at my bottom again and arranged my swimsuit so you couldn't see as much red. It didn't look as bad.

The two of us walked out together and I was triple self-conscious wanting to cover my bottom but not wanting people to wonder why I was doing it. So I just hurried over to my towel thankful that the girl hadn't thrown my clothes into the water. I put my clothes on over my swimsuit and went inside where they were about to get ready for the piñata. At least Edgar had been inside during the fight.

We sat at a different table this time. I eased gently onto the chair while Carlos introduced me to those I hadn't met.

"Vas a estudiar?" one lady asked, then went on to explain she was hosting a student from Japan. As if she'd known we were talking about her, the student suddenly appeared at my side, hotdog in hand. I knew instantly that I was going to like her -- she just had those vibes. She plopped down next to me as everyone explained that I was an exchange student, too. Then we figured out we were going to go to the same school.

"Y como te llamas?" I eventually asked.

"Emi. Y tu?"

"Daniela. Y hablas inglés?"

"No," she answered, then began laughing which made me laugh because she was so funny.

Story: Studying Abroad, Prologue

Part of the Carlos/Danielle series.  The introduction to Danielle's trip abroad.

Studying Abroad
Prologue

The table was littered with empty Corona bottles as I danced to the pulsating music with the most gorgeous Mexican I'd ever seen. I had a beer in one hand and with the other I was touching his side. He was smiling big and we were just dancing and having fun.

"You are so hott," I told him.

"I know," he replied. At that point it seemed like everything was being sucked away and suddenly I realized it was just a dream. I sighed but smiled anyway. My eyes were still closed and I tried to go back to sleep but started feeling really uncomfortable for some reason. I shifted then peeled my eyes open only to find my step-brother over me grinning wildly.

"Holyshit," I said, jumping up and putting my hand over my thumping heart. "Give me a heart attack why dontcha..."

He was still smirking and I idly wondered why he was in my room when it was still dark outside. "But I'm so hott I'd have given you a heart attack anyway," he teased.

I blushed and chunked a pillow at him. "Leave me alone!" I whined.

He giggled and threw it back at me. "It's 4:30 and our plane leaves in about two and a half hours. Which means you have, like, five minutes to get ready."

"Ohmigod!" I yelped, jumping out of bed. "It's Tuesday! We're going to Mexico!" I danced around the room happily then hugged Carlos. "Yay! I'll be ready really really soon!" I assured him, pushing him out of the room and blinding myself with the light. I'd lain out my clothes the night before (or a few hours ago, actually) so I scooped them into my arms and hopped into the shower. I washed off quickly then dressed myself and met my family in the kitchen in no time.

"That *was* quick," Carlos said. "If only you were that fast every morning!"

"Shut up," I muttered.

"Danielle, are you sure you want to go?" my mom asked for the thousandth time. "You could just stay a couple of weeks then transfer back here..."

"Mom, chill. I'll be fine. And besides, I'll have dear old Carlos and family around." Of course, I knew her concern wasn't my support system but rather that I'd be spending the entire semester in Mexico and she'd miss me terribly.

"You know if you get homesick you can just come home, right?"

"Yes, Mom, I know..." I groaned, rolling my eyes.

My mom opened her mouth to continue, but Juan, my step dad, stopped her. "She'll be okay," he assured.

"I know, I've just never been without her this long before," mom replied, near tears.

"But you're coming to visit. It'll be fine, Mom."

She smiled, wiped a tear away and sat a plate of eggs and bacon in front of me. "And listen to your brother while you're there, okay? And Mr. and Mrs. Rivas. And don't go out too much."

"Mom, you're freaking out. I'll be fine..." I promised, eating my breakfast. Carlos just laughed at the whole situation and I wished that Juan would start giving him a hard time. After all, Carlos was the college student and would probably party more than me! (Yeah right..)

We finished breakfast then drove to the airport. On the way there we got another speech and Carlos and I acted ten years younger as we mimicked our parents. When we finally got there my mom was almost to tears. Carlos and I were so ecstatic that we just grabbed our luggage and headed inside. We said our last teary goodbyes, showed our IDs, then headed to our terminal. I was shaking with anxiety -- I wasn't a big fan of airplanes and I'd never been away from home for this long before. Although Carlos's grandparents were as much family as ayone else that I'm actually related to. They'd kept in touch with Carlos and Juan after their daughter, Carlos's mom, died, and had always been a big part of my life. So when Carlos decided to study abroad and stay with them, I looked into an exchange program, too, then practiced my Spanish as much as possible. And now the day was here -- we were about to go to Guanajuato, Mexico, and we'd be gone from English-speakers and fast food for months... only not so much. There are so many Americanized cities in Mexico that I wasn't even worried about being homesick.

The plane touched down about two hours after we'd taken off. I, for one, was ecstatic. I'd only visited the Rivas's once at their house in Guanajuato and didn't even get to stay very long. Not to mention there's hardly any mountains remotely close to where I live so I was jumping in my seat and hitting Carlos. He was doing a really good job of pretending that he didn't know me.

I followed my step-brother through the airport, mouth dropped, letting him do all of the work. I got stopped at customs and they started speaking to me so quickly that I didn't understand what was going on. Luckily they had enough experience with Americans and pointed me to a table for someone to check my bags. I swore that I'd kill Carlos if he ever made me do anything like that again.

We took a taxi from the airport to his grandparents' house. I was really nervous (as I had been with most drivers since I'd acquired my own license) but dealt okay. In no time we were in front of the house.

This'll be my home for the next four months, I thought to myself as Carlos knocked on the gate. I clutched tightly onto my suitcases, heart pounding. Maybe this was a mistake.

Mrs. Rivas opened the door and upon seeing us, ran towards the gate. "Carlos! Daniela!" she shrieked, allowing our entry and kissing us both. I peered up at her two story house which was so awesome to me -- I'd never lived in one before! She rushed us inside and called to her husband to help me with my things, all the while talking to Carlos so quickly that I could only understand bits and pieces.

I lugged my suitcases into my room. It was upstairs, at the end of the hallway and had a picture window facing the street. They let me have some time to rest up and unpack mythings. I put away some clothes and put pictures around the room. I dug out the snackfood that I'd smuggled in my suitcase. Then I plopped on my bed and stretched out, soaking everything in. Nope, coming here definitely wasn't a mistake.

Story: Fighting is No Good, Part II

Part of the Carlos/Danielle Series.  Danielle fights with her mom, seeks out revenge, then gets caught in the act.  This time, her step-father will deal with her misbehavior.

Fighting is No Good
Part 2
by Breanna Carter

The next morning, Carlos and Alex were up at the crack of dawn watching Saturday morning cartoons like always. Carlos always woke up at the same time as Juan, and Juan had to be at work by six-thirty, so when I say the crack of dawn, I'm being serious. I'm usually sleeping so heavily that I don't even notice when they get up, but I think I was still in a little shock about the previous night's events, so the typical morning sounds of cartoons in the den woke me up. I wasn't awake for long, just long enough to hear Juan talking to Carlos and Alex in Spanish. I was so zoned out that I didn't have the energy to attempt to translate what they were saying.

It seemed as if right after I fell back asleep, Alex and Carlos were pouncing to me.

"Levantaté!" Alex chanted, bouncing up and down on my bed.

"Ahhhh go away," I groaned, checking the clock and noticing that it was before noon. "What are you doing waking me up, Alexander!"

My little brother just giggled and gave me a wet kiss on the cheek. I hugged him tightly, squeezing the mess out of him. Carlos was grinning next to me.

"We decided that you needta come have breakfast with us!" Alex told me.

"Oh really? You think breakfast is that much better than sleeping?"

He nodded, quite sure of himself.

"Well, I think that sleeping is better.."

"But Mama said that you needta get up!"

"Ooookay, then... if Mama said so," I told Alex, wincing as I sat up because my bottom was still sore from the night before. I held onto Alex with my left arm and tickled him a little until he begged me to stop, then the three of us went to the kitchen where my mom was preparing breakfast.

"What's so essential that I have to get up for?" I asked, normal cocky attitude.

"I told you last week that we're going Christmas shopping today," she snapped. "And Alex needs some new school clothes. Half of his jeans have holes in the knees."

I petted my dog who was standing beside me and glared at my mom. "Geeze, you don't have to be so bi..." I began, catching Carlos's warning glare before I went on to tell my mom she was bitchy. "I mean, you don't have to be all nagging and stuff. I was just wondering."

"Well, I'm sorry, but I'm stressed out and sick of cleaning up after you guys and I get no help around this house and I don't appreciate it when you come in here with your smart mouth."

It took all the strength in me not to pop off to her... Of course, Alex was sitting right there and I couldn't very well say the things I was thinking in front of Alex... what kind of influence would I be then?

"So are you going shopping with us, Carlos?" I asked, trying to keep the irritated sound out of my voice.

"I would love to... but unfortuantely, I must work."

"Bummer. Wish I was working.."

"ENOUGH!" Mom yelled, throwing the frying pan down and causing us three kids to jump a bit. "I do not want to hear another word about it, do you understand me, Danielle?"

Carlos must have noticed my blood pressure rising because he pulled me into the chair next to him, keeping a soothing hand on my knee so I wouldn't jump up and shout at her. I kept my cool, though, my mom glaring at me hard.

She finally broke the glance and finished the bacon, then threw the food on the table. We were silent for the first two minutes, then Alex started doing adorable things. It was only he and Carlos who talked for a while, then I figured, why let Mom ruin my day? and started goofing off with them. After breakfast, I got dressed and met up with Carlos in the bathroom while he was fixing his hair and I was brushing my teeth, expressing my playful anger towards him for not having to put up with my hormonal mother. He made fun of me for a little while and left with a grin on his face, wishing me luck. I then helped Alex get dressed and found his jacket because if Mom'd had to search for it, it'd turn into another screaming match over her stressing out. Juan tells us that her job does it, but I don't know. It's just really annoying to me.

Shopping wasn't as bad as I'd anticipated, mostly because I tried to make the best out of it. The stores were filled with holiday shoppers already... and Thanksgiving hadn't even passed yet. Mom let me help pick out some of Alex's clothes, and I helped him change while Mom picked out some other stuff. He's such an adorable little kid... my favorite! After buying him some cute clothes, we picked out Christmas presents for my grandma and grandpa, a couple for Carlos and a few for Juan. Mom loooooved Christmas shopping, which is where I got it from. She must have spent over $300 on Christmas... already! And we still had over a month left of shopping days!

We had a late lunch at Burger King and Alex got a Kid's Meal with a cute toy that I got more amusement out of than he did. When we got home, I think Mom was in a significantly better mood, so I decided to try my luck. I'd already decided that I was going to approach Julio again tonight, just because he'd pissed me off. Not to mention that Diego had told me he'd be at Miguel's house if I wanted to come. Since daylight savings time was over, and it was getting darker earlier, it'd be better if I could get out of the house before nightfall... and it was nearing five o'clock already...

Mom was watching tv when I came into the room, slipping my cell phone in my pocket. "I'm gone..." I began, thinking she'd be too engrossed into what she was watching to pay much attention to me.

"Gone where?"

"Out for a little while."

"You're not going anywhere, Young Lady."

Grr those words I hated. "Why not? That's no fair! I went shopping with you and Alex!"

"Have you already forgotten what happened last night? What would make you think that I'd let you go out tonight after all of that?"

"But Carlos already spanked me for it! Not FAIR, Mom! I was already punished! You can't punish me more!"

"I assure you that if Carlos were the one in charge, he wouldn't allow you to go out either."

I growled in anger as loudly as I could and stomped my foot down (like a two year old). "That isn't FAIR!" I shouted. "You've been bitchy all day and I've put up with it without a fight and the LEAST you could do is let me go somewhere tonight!"

"You better watch your language, Missy. You are not going ANYWHERE tonight and if you know what's good for you, you'll stop acting like a child."

I was fuming. You could have probably seen smoke coming out of my ears... like that face on Yahoo! Messenger. I stormed away, muttering to myself that I'd show her, then promptly slammed the door shut, knocking that damn picture off of the wall that I always knocked off. My mom didn't give me the chance to lock the door... she came storming after me, swinging it back open, yelling at me loud enough to where the neighbors could probably hear. I can't honestly tell you what she said -- something about disrespect and pouting and other stuff that I didn't care to hear. I just stood there and took it, not looking in her direction. She ended her yelling fit by saying that she wanted me to say in my room until dinner, and if I felt like acting my age at that time, I could join them. I was so tempted to say whatever, but didn't, and she just left, closing the door behind her, significantly less angry than she had been when she walked in. I locked the door behind her, cussing her under my breath, then opening the window and jumping out. I'd be damned if I was staying home -- and at this point, I was so pissed off that I was ready to take out my aggression on Julio, and I'd be the one to win!

The cool air hit my face as I ran towards Miguel's house. Yes, I was running. It was a good way to let off steam and who doesn't need the exercize? Miguel and his roommate was sitting outside on the steps with Diego and a couple of other Mexicans I didn't know too well.

"Hola, Daniela," Miguel said, hugging me tightly. "Que pasa?"

"Nothing... pissed off. Ready to kick Julio's ass."

The Mexicans around me seemed to find that rather amusing.

"Oh? Why?" Diego asked.

"Because my mom's being a bitch. So how about calling Julio over here? I'm ready to take him on."

"You didn't learn your lesson last night?" Miguel asked.

I shook my head. "Carlos kicked his ass.... now it's my turn."

Miguel shook his head. "No good," he told me.

"I know it's no good. So where is that little bitch?"

"No fighting tonight," Miguel said putting his arm around my shoulder. I plopped down on the steps and listened to the Mexicans all talk to each other for a while, waiting for Julio to show his face. As they chatted, this uneasy feeling began to grow in my stomach. I knew I was in for shit when I got home... even though my door was locked, my mom had the key, and when she found out that I was gone, she was going to blow a head gasket. Carlos was the only one who'd spanked me on the bare bottom with his belt, but I had the feeling that tonight I'd feel Juan's wrath...

After the sun fell, the Mexicans were significantly more drunk, and Julio made his passing. See, Julio was good friends with Miguel's roommate, so it was a given that he'd come over everyday. They had some kind of business going... don't ask me what it was -- I don't know. Probably drugs or something.

Julio got out of his car and popped off some smartass comment to me. Ah well, I was prepared. "Ohh, lookie, it's my favorite person."

"Your brother's not here tonight to fight for you?" he asked in broken English.

"I don't need my brother, I can kick your ass myself."

"Danielle, stop," Miguel warned me. "No fighting tonight, please."

"Don't worry, Miguel... I'm fine." I stood up and walked towards Julio, Diego right behind me and ready to strike at a moments notice. However, I didn't have much time to talk because another car pulled up that looked strikingly familiar... in fact, it looked like a replica of my mother's car...... and then the door opened and guess who stepped out: my mom.

"Danielle Grace!" she bellowed.

Oh shit.. I said to myself.

Julio started laughing and I blushed like mad-crazy. My face must have been the brightest red possible! Talk about being embarrassed -- my mom stormed over towards me and grabbed my arm and began dragging me.

"Let GO!" I said, trying to free myself from her grip.

She got up really close to my ear and said, "I will not hesitate to spank you right here in front of all of your friends, Danielle, so you better do as I say."

I gulped and realized that a spanking would be the only thing more embarrassing than what had already happened.

She practically shoved me in the car and then dialed Juan's number on her cell phone, explaining to him that she'd found me and I was at Miguel's house, as she suspected. She also didn't fail to mention that it looked like I was on the verge of getting in another fight, to which I replied by yelling at her and she answered by pointing her finger in my face and telling me to shut my mouth. I complied... she was pretty pissed.

She finally hung up the phone and I feared for my life, riding with her in the car when she was so upset. It was almost like a repeat of last night, only I was a little more scared. She fussed at me the whole ride. "I don't know where you get this idea that you can sneak out of the house and do whatever you want, Young Lady, but I'm going to let you know that this behavior is going to stop. You are not going to be a smartass, you are not going to sneak out of the house, and you are not going to do whatever you want to do. Your step-father and I are very upset and you better thank your lucky stars that I'm working tonight because with the mood I'm in, if I were to spank you, you'd never be able to sit again."

I shivered, whether out of fear, anger, or cold, I'm not sure -- just shivered.

She pulled into the driveway and got out of the car, slamming her door and not waiting on me to head inside the house. Juan was sitting in the recliner, no doubt waiting on our arrival. Mom just angrily shuffled past him, towards her room the bathroom, turning on the water, then coming back in there.

I closed the front door. "Juan, deal with her, please?" Mom said, as if I wasn't there.

As much as I wanted to, I didn't make a noise. My mom left the room, rubbing her temples. I glanced at Juan.

"Go to your room, Danielle. We'll discuss this when your mother leaves."

I nodded and headed to my room, hand subconsciously rubbing my backside. It was past eight, so Alex was already in bed. Carlos wasn't home -- he probably had decided to go to a friend's house or something. It was so lonely in my room because no one was in the den making any noise. The only thing I could hear was the water running in the bathroom.

I sent Miguel a text message exclaiming that I was "desconcierte," the word I found in my English/Spanish dictionary meaning "embarrass." Miguel texted me back telling me that I was fine, mostly everyone was so drunk they'd already forgotten about it. At least that's what I think he said. I then texted my friend, Michelle, to explain the situation to her, and we sent messages back and forth for a while, until I heard Juan making his way towards my room. My last message was "I'ma bout to get it.."

My bedroom door swung open about the same time that Carlos got home. Great... he arrived just in time to see the show.

"I want you," Juan began, shutting the door, "to explain to me what happened today... in detail." He sat down next to me, looking me deep in the eyes.

I glanced away, unable to face him. It was one thing to deal with my screaming, yelling, psycho mom -- because I didn't feel guilty screaming, yelling, and being psycho back to her. We were just alike in that way. But Carlos and Juan were alike in the sense that they were calm and rational and wanted an explaination before taking it any further. My mom would have just wallopped me without any discussion. I don't know which I hated more...

"Danielle, look at me and give me the explaination."

I gazed into his eyes for a second -- the same eyes as my older brother: deep brown eyes that could see right through you, that knew the truth without asking. My heart skipped a beat. I cleared my throat and began my long elaborate story about the entire afternoon... how my mom had been bitchy (though I didn't use that word) and had been getting on my nerves, then she wouldn't let me go anywhere and it really bugged me, so I went anyway.

"Were you going to fight Julio?"

I shook my head.

"Then why go over there and pester him?"

"I wanted to see Miguel. Miguel is my friend."

"I know that. And I don't have a problem with Miguel... but that's not the point. I understand that your mom gets a little stressed sometimes, and like I've said before, her job is.."

"...Really hard and keeps her blood-pressure up. I know this... but it still bugs me that she can just yell at me about everything and I have to keep quiet."

"And can't you rationally approach her and tell her that?"

"No, she won't listen."

"How do you know? Have you ever tried?"

"Well, no... but I know she wouldn't!"

"I can almost guarantee you that she would and at least try to do better, Danielle. And while we're on it -- don't you get snappy when you're stressed, too?"

It'd be a lie if I said no... so I didn't answer.

"Uh huh.. that's what I thought. Listen: I know you and your mom have your differences, and your fights. Everyone does... Hell, Carlos and I got in a fight just last night about his fighting -- but he didn't go out and get in a fight because I told him not to, now did he?"

"I don't get your point."

"My point is that just because you're mad at your mother doesn't give you the right to defy her and sneak out of this house. She is your mother and what she says, goes. Do you understand?"

"I guess."

"Don't pull this 'I guess' stuff," Juan said, beginning to become slightly agitated. "Do you understand or not?"

"Yes, I understand."

"I am *very* disappointed in you, Danielle. I know that you know better than to do what you did today. I know you're smarter than that. Do you realize how much you worried us?"

I shook my head, "no."

"I thought your mom was going to have a heart attack when she couldn't get you to answer the door. At first she thought you were just mad, then she figured you were sleeping, and then dinner was ready and you wouldn't come out -- she wasn't sure if you were just being immature or if something happened to you. Then you were nowhere to be found... You scared the hell out of us."

"I'm sorry."

"I'm glad to hear that."

There was a pause.

"Carlos tells me that he spanked you with his belt on the bare bottom."

I cringed at that thought, but nodded slightly.

"He said he's done it three times... over mostly the same stuff. He wouldn't give me details, but I'm a good guesser. And, well, all I have to say is that if Carlos can't teach you a lesson about disobedience with his belt on your bare bottom, then I will. And if that doesn't work, next time we'll just have to take more extreme measures."

I digested that. "What? You mean... you're gonna...?"

He nodded.

I gulped -- there was this big lump in my throat... I was doomed! I think I was so in shock, it didn't give me the time to try and talk him out of it. I guess even if I had been in shock I wouldn't have tried to talk him out of it -- that's just how it was between Juan and me. Carlos I'd pester not to do it and beg until I was hoarse... with my mom I'd bitch and complain until she spanked me silly and I was crying too hard to be able to bitch and complain. With Juan I just took it... I don't know why. I guess because I wanted to act more mature around him. He always acted mature around me... and he expected more of me than the rest of them. And disappointing him was worse than disappointing anyone else. Because he was the father I never had... and I didn't want to screw it up.

"Stand up," he ordered, and I complied, hands behind my back blocking my bottom. Juan took two pillows and placed them in the center of my bed. "Pants down."

I nervously fidgeted with the button of my jeans, a red color coming across my face again. It was rare that Juan spanked me -- even rarer that he spanked my bare bottom. It's like a kid who goes to school where the teachers and coaches spank him all the time, but he knows he's in shit when he's sent to the principal's office. Because that's where the *really* bad kids get sent.. and the principal spanks *hard*. Even more so, usually the kid would get spanked by a teacher before going to the principal's office... so if the teacher was too pissed off to spank him, then that means the principal would be even tougher! That analogy just scared me more than I already was. His look was becoming exasperated, though, so I finally unbuttoned them and shivered when I broght them down to my knees. I wanted so badly to plead for him not to spank my bare bottom... even over my panties would be better than this!

He helped me over the pillows and I started crying. I was already shaking and upset and nervous as it was... and bending over those pillows just did it for me.

"Listen, Hija," he told me, pushing my hair out of my eyes. I covered my face so he wouldn't see me crying. "I love you very very much. You know that don't you?"

I nodded my head.

"Your mother and I care about your well-being... and how are we going to know that you're safe if we don't know where you are?"

I shrugged my shoulders.

"And we don't want you fighting... When your mom told you to stay home tonight because of what happened last night, she was just reiterating the message that you don't need to find yourself in that kind of trouble. Do you understand?"

"Yes," I answered, still hiding my face.

He rubbed my back a little then tugged my panties down to my knees. My body quivered, tears still falling. They'd somewhat subsided while Juan was explaining everything to me, but carried on as normal with my panties down. I heard the clang of him taking his belt of.. listened to the leather slide through his belt loops. I could picture what was happening in my mind, as if it was a video that I was watching instead of something I was experiencing. Oh, how much I'd wished it was a video...

"Are you going to learn how to behave, Hija?" he asked me, crashing down the leather on my still-tender-from-the-previous-night's-events backside.

I yelped and jumped high in the air, bawling harder and hands flying to my bottom. "Yesssssssssss," I promised.

"Move your hands," he told me sternly.

I whined as I lay back down, still bawling, trying to hide my hands under my face so I wouldn't reach back. It didn't work, though, as the belt bit into my flesh another time. I couldn't help but reach again, still bawling. "Ooowwwwww, Juan it hurts it hurts it hurtssss.." I wailed.

"Move your hands," was his only reply, in the same calm voice he'd had the whole time.

Reluctantly, I moved my hands and lay back down, already wincing as I awaited the next blow. It came as sharp as the other lashes and I yelped in pain. I waited for him to tell me to move my hands again, but instead he grabbed my left wrist and slapped the belt on my left butt cheek before giving me the time to regain myself. That just made me yelp louder, and even louder when he delivered another blow, ignoring my right hand that was still trying to block the smacks. He let go of my wrists and I bawled into the sheets, praying that it was over... and of course, I was wrong. I got yet another smack, to which my hands flew back again, and he moved them out of the way to give me two more, one right after another. My bottom was aching more than I'd ever imagined before... he pinned my wrists down to my back and smacked me a few more times, this time without breaths inbetween, so by the time he'd giving me six or seven, I was squirming all over the place and trying to wiggle free from his grip.

"Ooohhhh Juannnn it hurrrtssssssss," I howled, kicking my legs.

"Are you learning your lesson?" he asked me.

"Yessssss," I cried.

"So there's not going to be a next time of this sneaking out stuff?"

"Nooo, I promise."

"Two more," he told me.

I nodded softly, gasping for air from all the crying I'd been doing. I braced myself for the final smacks to come... I kept my face buried into my hands so I wouldn't reach back, because even *I* knew that reaching back would cause much more than two smacks. I closed my eyes tightly and clenched my butt cheeks together. Then I heard the dreadful belt being raised high into the air and felt it's impact with my sore bottom, not once, but twice... two smacks, harder than all of the previous ones... and I bawled, and sobbed, and cried my heart out. And Juan put his belt back on then sat down next to me, just as Carlos had. He rubbed my back for a few minutes, then spoke.

"Are you okay?" he asked.

I nodded.

He kissed the top of my head then moved away... as if the boy had just been spanked by the principal, but he was okay, and now it was okay for him to go back to class. Juan departed and not five minutes later, Carlos pushed the door open slightly.

"Hermanita?" he whispered.

I was still crying and my ass was throbbing... so the only thing I managed to do was grunt to let him know I was okay.

He closed the door behind him and lay down next to me, throwing his arm over my shoulder. He pet my hair, not asking what'd happened, not caring... just wanting to comfort me. It was too adorable... And it's so great to have an older brother who cares about you.

After I'd gotten all of my crying out, I rolled over to look at my brother.

"Hey," I sniffled.

He smiled. "Hey, sis. Estas bien?"

I nodded. "Mi duele," I said, pointing to my aching posterior.

"I imagine so. Especially on top of what you'd already gotten last night."

"I did something really stupid," I told him.

"I guessed as such."

"Will you get some pj pants for me?" I asked, finally having gained enough strength pull my panties up. I could feel the warmth in my bottom. Wow... Juan sure hadn't held back on spanking me...

Carlos rolled off my bed and found some loose blue silky pj pants and threw em at me. We joked around for a little while, I sniffling every so often, and he finally ruffled my hair as to say he was going to sleep. I walked him to his room then shuffled towards the living room where Juan was blankly staring at the tv and smoking a cigarette.

"Hola," I said.

"Hola, mi Hija. Que pasa?"

"Just wanted to apologize my behavior."

Juan grinned and gave me a big hug. "Just don't do it again, okay?"

"I won't," I assured him. If there could be anything worse than the belting he'd just given me, I sure as hell didn't want to know how it felt!!

Story: Fighting Is No Good, Part I

Part of the Carlos/Danielle Series.  Danielle is at the wrong place at the right time and almost gets in a fight.  But here's to Carlos who saves the day, like always, and protects his little step-sister before she gets herself seriously hurt.

Fighting is No Good
Part 1
by Breanna Carter

"Did you hear that Julio and Diego got into a fight?" I asked Carlos while he was on the computer. I sat down next to him and began putting on my shoes and socks.

"Yeah, and?"

"Isn't that f-in' funny? Diego kicked some ass!"

"I didn't think it was too amusing," Carlos said, clicking away on the computer.

"Well I think it's hilarious. I can't wait to rub it in to Julio. Miguel said that he might stop by his house tonight."

At that point, Carlos turned around and looked at me. "If the only reason you're going over to Miguel's house is to point fingers at Julio, then I'd advise you not to. It's none of your business, you should stay out of it."

"Chill, Carlitos. Nothing's going to happen."

He gave me an admonishing look. "If I find out that you're putting your nose in someone else's business, it's your ass. Do you understand me?"

"Yeah, yeah, whatever," I said, tying my shoe. "I'm out of here before I get anymore lectures."

He shook his head at me, but I skipped off, being serious when I said I wanted to skip the lectures! What did Carlos know anyway? It's not like I'd bug Julio much, and besides, he knew as much English as Miguel, so it's not as if he could understand me anyway! And even if he did, who could get mad at an adorable little girl like me? Definitely not him.

I zipped up my jacket as I walked down the street. The sun wasn't quite down yet, so it was still light enough outside for Carlos not to get bothered that I was walking around by myself. Despite the fact that it was still daytime, it was still a bit chilly outside. That wasn't such a bad thing, though... I love cold weather.

I walked up to Miguel's apartment and he was standing outside with his roommate, smoking cigarettes.

"Hola, mamasita."

I rolled my eyes and giggled, walking up the stairs. "I think it's the funniest thing in the world that Julio got his ass kicked. Is he coming over tonight?"

Now, while Miguel didn't speak much English, he mostly understood what I said. "No good, Danielle," he told me, then added something in Spanish that sounded like Julio's business was none of my business.

"Ah well, it's not important. Diego is hott. I'm glad he beat the shit out of Julio. I'd have paid money to see that shit."

Miguel ruffed my hair and said, "Oye, Danielle," then invited me inside his apartment. His roommate followed and the three of us watched tv for a little while, in Spanish, of course. I was mostly used to Spanish tv because that's what Carlos and Juan enjoyed watching. I got really interested in this Spanish soap opera when someone honked the horn outside. I was halfway lying on Miguel, so his roommate decided he'd get up and see who it was. He came back in seconds later muttering something to Miguel and grabbing his jacket. I noticed that he'd said "Julio" and was curious.

"Julio is here?" I asked.

Miguel ignored me, watching tv.

"MIGUEL! Is he here?"

"Si," he answered softly, not adverting his gaze from the television.

"YAY!" I exclaimed and hopped up.

"Danielle, please... leave it alone."

"I'm just going to go out there for a minute.." I said and was out the door before Miguel's roommate. "Aye! It's Julio! Nice black eye!"

He was standing outside with a couple of friends, chattering in Spanish. He glanced up at me for a moment, then looked back at his amigos.

"Que pasa, amigo?" I asked, more in a sarcastic joking way than actually worried about what'd happened.

"No soy tu amigo."

"Oh? Porque?"

He went on to answer me in Spanish, saying that I was a liar and gossiper, but I shook my head and just told him to shut the fuck up. I don't know the exact translation for how he replied, but it wasn't very nice. So I couldn't help myself, I started ragging him.

"Oh, don't even pull that shit with me, Mr. I-can't-win-a-fight-because-I'm-a-pussy. *I* could beat the shit out of you."

"Take it easy, Danielle," Miguel shouted from the top of the stairs.

Julio looked to his friend for a translation, but the man just shrugged, then he cussed me out in Spanish.

"Oooooo I'm so scared. Tengo miedo! Pinche cabron." I know half of what I was saying, but the cuss words... well, I just knew they were bad and would piss him off... and they did...

By this time, Miguel was near us and steadily warning me to shut up and trying to get me away but it didn't work... especially when Julio proceeded to call me a "puta" along with another string of words... ahhh... I love me for being such a bitch.

Didn't Carlos warn me? "Chinga tu madre!" I shouted.

Julio was livid when I said this and didn't even think about it before he slapped me across the face, and hard! The two of us were shocked for a couple of seconds then I became livid and pushed him as hard as I could. He then mocked me, saying that I *should* be scared because I fight just like a girl and he could kick my ass anyday because I was just a worthless piece of trash or some degrading statement towards women. I didn't exactly understand what it was that he said, but my face turned bright red in anger and I charged at him again, pushing him even harder this time and he slapped me again, causing me to fall to the ground. I quickly stood and tackled him, not having enough time to fight because I was all of a sudden being pried away.

It was Carlos who'd pried me away from the man, and threw me aside into Miguel's arms. I watched as Julio stood back up and started bitching at Carlos about me, and Carlos shouted back, getting all up in his face and telling him off. Miguel was holding onto me and caressing my face where I'd been slapped twice, repetitively asking if I was okay. I don't remember if Julio or Carlos tackled the other first, but within no time they were lying on the ground wrestling, then Carlos was on top of him punching the shit out of his face.

I covered my eyes. "Make em stop, make em stop," I told Miguel.

He noticed my distress and said something in Spanish to the two fighting boys, but they didn't stop. I snuggled closer to him, still muttering.

"Carlos, please," I begged. "Please stop. I'm sorry."

He didn't stop, though, nor did Julio. It seemed like they were down there forever... at least until the lady across the street threatened to call the cops and Miguel's roommate started yelling, "la policia! La policia!"

The two guys broke up and Julio's nose was bleeding pretty badly. Carlos told him that he wouldn't hesitate to beat the shit out of him again... then Julio told him that if he'd keep me in line he wouldn't have to do it for him... and Carlos got back in his face and said that if I needed to be kept in line it was between he and I, not Julio. They almost started again, but I dragged Carlos away. He was so pissed off that his fists were clenched and when I pulled him away I could feel his muscles... and then realized that I would be next to feel his wrath. Dammit. How'd he find out what was going on anyway?

"Miguel called me," Carlos answered on our drive home. "Good damn thing, because if not, he would have beat the shit out of you. What the hell is your problem anyway? Are you trying to get yourself killed or arrested?"

"Shut up, Carlos, you fought him."

"He's not twice my size and I didn't start it. What did I tell you about staying out of other people's business?"

"Who cares," I muttered.

When we got inside the house, I took a good look at Carlos. His face was swollen and he had a small cut on his forehead, some minor bleeding, but nothing too major... especially compared to Julio.

"I'm going to take a shower. Go to your room and don't even think about leaving because you're already getting it badly enough as it is."

I glared at him. "Not fair."

"I don't give a shit if you think it's fair or not..."

I scowled and stomped towards my room, trying not to slam the door, then plopping on my bed. I rubbed my cheek where I'd been slapped those two times. It was hurting like crazy! Of course, I'm sure this pain was nothing compared to what I'd be feeling in a few minutes... but damn. This all just sucked. All of a sudden I was pissed at Miguel for calling Carlos... but what else could he do? I mean, he was just looking out for me... but couldn't he have thought of a better way to look out for me? What's the deal with people always fighting at Miguel's house anyway? Damn Mexicans.

I was silently cursing Mexicans and their fighting nature when Carlos came in my room, clean clothes, not looking nearly as rough as he had. He sat down on my bed next to me and studied me with his dark brown eyes.

"What is your deal, Danielle? Do you just go out looking for trouble?"

I shook my head.

"Could've fooled me. Didn't I warn you once about hanging out with Miguel? He's no good, dammit."

I shrugged. "He's my friend, Carlos. You can't stop me from hanging out with my friend."

"You're right, I can't stop you, but I'd figure you'd have a little more sense than that. And to think, you JUST got yourself in trouble like this, what, last month? Over the same exact thing... putting your nose where it needn't be."

I shivered, staring at the wall. He was right... it hadn't been much longer than a month since I'd gotten fucked up at Miguel's house and told some random drunk Mexican "chinga tu madre" and got chased around my neighborhood... Me and my big mouth. Dammit. "I know, Carlos... I know. My bad."

"Yeah, your bad. What am I going to do with you, hermana?"

I shrugged.

He caressed my cheek with the tips of his fingers. "He slapped you pretty good... Gah, Danielle... what possessed you to even think about pestering him... after what happened with that other weirdo..."

"I knew my big brother would come bail me out," I teased.

"Yeah, you were lucky. If Miguel hadn't called me, you might be beat up pretty badly right now."

"I could've taken him."

He chuckled slightly.

"What! I could have!"

"Okay, okay... but that still doesn't hide the fact that you disobeyed me. What'd I tell you before you left?"

I sighed. "To stay out of Julio's business... but..."

"That's right, to stay out of his business. And did you listen?"

"No, but..."

"Right. That means you're getting a spanking, hermana."

"Dammit, Carlos... must we always solve things in this manner?"

"This time, yes. And don't worry, I'll be sure to tell your mom that you were already spanked, so it won't happen again."

"Hey wait! No fair! You can't spank me *and* tell Mom!"

"I can and I am."

"Carlos... noooo... please! Just one or the other."

"No. If you're not going to listen to me when I tell you to stop hanging out with Miguel, maybe you'll listen to your mom."

I pouted. "You're not being fair!"

"I think I'm being plenty fair. I didn't tell her about last time when you almost got yourself killed, so I'm going to tell her this time. You had your chances."

"And spank me, too?"

He nodded, then pushed himself off my bed. "Pants down, Hermana. You know the drill."

"This isn't fair, Carlos," I said, rolling over on my back so he couldn't spank me while I argued. "You can't do both. Please. Just spank me and get it over with and not tell her and I promise I'll be good."

He ignored my pleas. "Pants down, Danielle, and don't make me ask you again. You'll just make it harder on yourself."

"Carlos, will you listen to me?"

"I am listening, and I've already told you: I'm telling her and nothing you do or say will change that."

I folded my arms, to which he replied with folding his arms and an exasperated look. I didn't budge, though. It's not a good idea to resist your brother, especially when you just saw him beat the hell out of some guy on the street for you and felt his muscles... He was waay stronger than me. Why the hell was I resisting?

"I mean it, Danielle. Pants down. You're just making this harder on yourself."

"Can you give me a good reason as to why you're telling Mom?"

"Are you really going to make me take them down myself?"

"Dammit, Carlos!" I yelled then rolled over hesitantly as I pulled my pants down to my knees. "Sometimes you bug the hell out of me."

"The feelings are mutual, I assure you," he answered, pulling my panties down to meet my jeans. "If you'd just minded your business like I'd said, you wouldn't be getting spanked and my face wouldn't be swollen."

I looked over my shoulder and watched him unbuckle his belt and couldn't help but let out a loud groan. "Carlos! Pleasee!! Don't use that..."

"Aye, you'll think about this next time you go to Miguel's house?"

"I'll think about it even if you don't use it! Pleaseeeeeeeeee!"

He smirked. "Nice try, Hermana," he said, sliding it through the loops. "Really, nice try. But I'm using it anyway."

I watched him fold it over and watched him raise it high in the air and winced right before he slapped it down on my backside and I screamed bloody murder.

"Oooooooowwwwwwwwwww!!!!!!! Carlos!!! Please!!"

He crashed it against my bum again, in the exact same spot, causing me to squirm like mad crazy and try and block the next smack. Instead of actually blocking, though, he took my wrist in his hand and slapped me extra hard. "Do not try to block, Young Lady," he scolded, then delivered another.

"But... ahhoowww it hurrts!!!!!!"

"Good..." he said, then slapped it down more times. I could somewhat see him over my shoulder, crashing his black leather belt down on my bottom. I kicked my legs and bawled like a baby, more than I'd have ever cried in front of that asshole Julio. I could have taken him on! Dammit.. why'd Miguel have to go and get involved. Oh well... I'd get that asshole back, no matter what... Yes, I was thinking this as my ass was being beaten by my older brother who made me swear that I'd mind my own business. Guess I don't learn too easily...

"You're going to be good from now on?" Carlos asked, giving me a final slap on my sitspots.

"Oooowwwwwww, yessss!!"

"Good," he answered and slid the belt back through the loops of his pants and buckled it. I buried my face in my pillow and Carlos gently helped my pants and panties back up. I winced when they touched my tender bottom, then he sat down next to me, rubbing my back. "Aye, Hermana. Porque te gusta problemas?"

"I *don't* like problems," I muttered.

"Then why try and fight Julio?"

I shrugged.

"Dad is going to give me shit."

I sniffled, then turned my head to look at him. He was leaning against the wall, still rubbing my back, staring into space with a look of worry in his eyes. "He is?"

Carlos nodded.

"I didn't think about that."

"When we lived in Mexico, I used to get in fights at school all the time. Dad didn't mind much, til we moved here and I almost got kicked out of school. He tore my ass up good. Only fought once since then, besides today.."

I bit my lower lip. "I'm sorry," I told him. "Lo siento mucho?"

He nodded. "Don't fuck around, Hermana. You'll get yourself in a lot of trouble. Not only here, but with the cops, too. Okay?"

"Okay," I whispered and looked away. That guilt was finally forming in my stomach for what I'd done. I'd never meant to get Carlos in shit, too. In fact, that's the last thing I'd wanted to do... which just made me hate Julio more. Ohhh, that boy would pay...

Carlos stayed in my room until our parents got home. It was nearly midnight when they got in, and once Mom walked in my room she started freaking out.

"Oh my gosh, Carlos! Danielle! What happened!?" she screamed, hand over her mouth.

That was my cue to answer... or maybe Carlos's nudge was my cue to answer. Anyhow, I was the first to speak. "Mom, I got in a fight with this stupid guy at Miguel's house and Miguel called Carlos and Carlos tried to stop me but I wouldn't stop and the guy wouldn't stop and Carlos ended up beating the hell out of the guy."

My mom shook her head. "Who was it? Should we press charges?" She turned around to see Juan walking in the room behind her.

"Que paso?" he asked, noticing all the commotion.

Carlos decided to be the one to talk now. "No, there's no reason to press charges, right Danielle?" he said, glaring at me. "Why not try telling the WHOLE truth?"

I growled. "Gah, couldn't save me from being in anymore trouble?" I hissed, then looked back at my mom and stepdad who were standing in the doorway with a questioning look. "It was my fault because I instigated it and said some pretty mean things to him, so it's just as much my fault as his. But not Carlos's... he was just protecting me."

Juan looked at my mom then back at Carlos. "Quien?" he asked.

"Julio," I answered.

"Julio who?"

I shrugged. "I don't know. Some crazy Mexican."

"What did you tell him to make him so mad?"

I bit my lower lip and glanced at Carlos who gave me a slight nod as if telling me to go ahead and say it. "Something bad?" I answered.

Juan studied me. "What did you say?"

"Uhmmm..." I began.

"Today, Hija," he answered.

"Chinga tu madre," I said in a near whisper and hid my face so I wouldn't get slapped again.

"Si?" he asked Carlos.

"No se. Cuando yo llegué, ya estaban peleando."

"Porque, mi Hija?" Juan asked me and came towards me, touching my cheek that Julio had slapped. "Fighting is no good, Danielle."

"Pero yo la castigue."

"Como?"

"Un azote."

He looked at me. "Si?"

I nodded: yes, Carlos had already spanked me... which is what Juan was asking. After so many years of listening to Carlos and Juan randomly talk to each other in Spanish, you begin to realize what they're saying to one another. He then called Carlos to the hallway so they could talk about it. I could sort of hear what they were saying... like Juan thanked him but told him that next time there would be other ways to deal with things... my mom was still in my room with me, muttering things about being so worried, but I wasn't much paying attention to her. Carlos and Juan's discussion turned into a screaming match of Carlos wanting to help out his sister and Juan telling him that the parents should be the one to do that.

"Danielle, please stay out of fights, okay?" my mom said.

"Yeah, okay," I answered, still more interested in Carlos's screaming match with Juan and wishing I was fluent enough in Spanish to understand it. It ended with Carlos slamming his door in Juan's face and my stepdad breathing heavily. I bit my lower lip and gave my mom a pathetic look, and she patted me on my head then left my room, pulling my door shut and probably going to reassure Juan that everything would be okay.

I lay on my bed for a while, just staring at the ceiling. Out of boredom, I called Miguel to apologize for causing such a scene. Diego was over there when I called and asked to talk to me, which I thought was totally adorable. I'd always had a crush on Diego. He congratulated me for kicking some ass, ignoring the fact that it was actually Carlos who did the damage. After hanging up the phone with him, I dialed my brother's cell number.

"You're calling me when your room is only a few feet away?" he answered.

"Gee, nice talking to you, too," I teased.

I heard him smile. "Que pasa, hermanita?"

"Are you okay? What'd you and Juan fight about?"

"Oh? Being nosey again? Are you going to go beat him up for me?"

I rolled my eyes at him. "I can't help it that I'm nosey!" I said. "And anyway... what happened?"

"Don't worry about it, Danielle. But I'm fine. Go to sleep, okay?"

I pouted. "But I wanna know!!!!"

"One day I'll tell you. Goodnight....."

I sighed. "Fine, goodnight," I said, then hung up the phone, not as irritated with him as it seemed.