Page 54 of Dirty Discipline, Vol. 1

“Sure.”

They catch up with Traci near the exit. The snow has continued to come down during the service and there’s a gorgeous covering of snow blanketing the picturesque town. Troy has to assist both ladies with keeping their balance on the icy pavement. Apparently, his sister has the same taste in shoes as Hallie. By the time they arrive at the SUV, they are all laughing merrily. It is shaping up to be a very Merry Christmas in Eagle’s Pass for Troy.

The drive to the Community Center is short, and in nice weather would have been faster to walk than drive and park. Hallie hasn’t known what to expect but stepping into the community center transports them into a winter wonderland. Whoever is in charge of this party has some serious skills. Every surface of the center is covered with twinkling lights or blue and white fabric arranged to give the appearance of an icy winter scene. Tall artificial trees covered in Christmas lights are the main source of lighting along with two real-life carved ice sculptures decoratively lit by floodlights to enhance the artisanship of the ice statues.

Traci and Hallie release a quiet “wow” in unison as they take in the large banquet tables piled high with snacks and sweets. Excited children, pumped up on the lethal combination of Christmas excitement laced with too-much sugar, dash around the room chasing each other while tired parents mingle.

The newest arrivals are halfway across the room to the first banquet table when they are met by a young woman carrying a big box filled with wrapped presents.

“Hi, Traci.” Reaching into her box, the hostess pulls out one of the smaller rectangular gifts wrapped in red paper and hands it to Traci. “Here’s your welcome gift.”

“Thanks, Carrie Ann. Is it the same gift as last year? Every woman in town has been looking forward to getting stocked up. Since I probably won’t need mine, I’m thinking of starting a bidding war to make a little extra cash.” Traci’s comment has Hallie curious as to the contents of the small present.

“Yeah, well it was so popular the committee knew we had to keep the gift the same as last year.”

Carrie Ann briefly looks up at Troy before lowering her eyes shyly. Knowing where they are, Hallie suspects she is a submissive. The hostess reaches into her box of goodies, this time coming out with two gifts, one identical to that given to Traci and the other a larger, long rectangular box wrapped in deep green wrapping paper.

The shy hostess works up the nerve to address the newcomers. “So are you two in a traditional relationship?”

Hallie’s heart does double time thinking about the implications of being in a relationship with a man like Troy. She’s flustered, and can only stutter her denial. “Oh hell no. We’re not… I mean we don’t…”

Troy rescues her by cutting in, a sly smile on his face. “What Hallie is trying to say is we are just friends. She is staying with her aunt and uncle and I’m here visiting my sister.”

Carrie Ann looks confused on how to proceed so Traci jumps in to help. “It’s okay, Carrie Ann. Just give them the traditional gifts. That will be fine.”

She holds out the smaller red box for Hallie and the larger green to Troy. She looks relieved that her duty is done and is ready to shuffle off to find other newcomers when like a shot, the woman’s name clicks into place and Hallie stops her retreat with a blurted question.

“Are you the Carrie Ann that lives between my Aunt Gina’s and Traci’s houses?”

Carrie Ann’s blush deepens. “Oh no. Yes, I’m afraid so.”

Troy is confused. “What does that have to do with anything?”

Having a few seconds to think better of her line of questioning, Hallie decides to retreat. “It’s nothing. Let’s get going.” She begins pulling at his sleeve, trying to move them to the chocolate fondue fountain.

Troy stays planted until Carrie Ann eventually answers his question. “I suspect she heard one of my recent discipline sessions. My HoH believes that naughty girls should be punished so everyone knows how naughty they’ve been. I’m sorry if we disturbed you, miss.”

Hallie tries to laugh, but it comes out as a choked croak instead. “Hey, whatever floats your boat. If you’re crazy enough to allow yourself to be beaten, who am I to complain?” Even Hallie is surprised by the obnoxious tone of her voice.

Carrie Ann is too shocked by her outburst to say a word, but Traci tries to smooth things over. “Hallie, we’ve talked about this. What happens in Eagle’s Pass is consensual between loving partners. You’ve never even met Danelle. She loves Carrie Ann very much.”

Digging herself deeper, Hallie snorts with laughter. “You guys keep telling yourself that. Whatever gets you through the day, but you won’t convince me that was love. I heard you screaming.” With a start, she realizes she’s still touching Troy’s arm, and she yanks her hand free as if he were on fire, turning to move deeper into the party to try to get away from him and the awkward conversation.

Troy doesn’t let her get far. Grabbing her wrist and pulling her back into the conversation, Troy warns Hallie. “That was rude. I want you to apologize to Carrie Ann. She was just trying to be friendly.”

Eyes wide at his authoritative command, Hallie tries to yank out of his grip, but he won’t have it. “Now, Hallie.”

“Who died and left you in charge?” Hallie isn’t exactly sure why she’s trying to pick a fight in the middle of the Community Center, but pent-up frustration over the crazy by-laws of Eagle’s Pass are pushing to the forefront leading Hallie into melt-down territory.

Carrie Ann looks like she might be ready to apologize again, but Troy holds up his hand to shush her. “Hallie, I’d like to speak to you in private please.” She regrets looking up to see if he’s serious. “But before we speak, I mean it. Apologize to Carrie Ann.”

Hallie really does feel sorry. She can see she had upset the woman. “I’m sorry. That was rude of me.”

Carrie Ann quietly replies. “It’s okay. I think I understand.”

Hallie wishes she understood. She looks up at Troy. His eyes look stormy as he reaches out to grasp her upper arm, pulling her in a different direction.

She can hear Traci calling out to them. “Troy… be careful. This isn’t your problem to solve.” His sister’s comment only spurs him on faster. Hallie has to almost run to keep up with his long strides and in her new boots, that’s no easy feat.

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