She didn't bother with her robe, as it wasn't that cold, and the only people around were herself and Annie, who was still asleep. She stared out into ...he small, wooded area around the residence, and wondered about what she should do, before she felt a pair of arms wrap around her body, right under her breasts. "Morning beautiful." She heard Annie whisper in her ear, and smiled, before turning a slight shade of pink. Instinctively, Clare put her hands on Annie's, almost like they belonged there.. She heard the keys in the lock. Jeremy walked in with three friends, two tall dark skinned men and a muscular light skinned man. Jenny was about to ask if his friends wanted a beer when she saw the blood running from Jeremy's nose and his black eye. "Mom run!"Jenny stood up from the couch and asked, "Honey what's going on?" Your Honey owes us some money" said the light skinned man."Tyrese leave her out of this!" shouted Jeremy."How much does he owe?" Jenny asked. "I'll pay you." $10,000" said. "She took a deep breath. "I want to be punished. I need it for me. I want to know that you love me enough to punish me and in doing that forgive me." I want you to punish me, too, Dad." They were both sitting on the bed looking down.I looked at Laura. "You're their mother, what do you think?" I am tempted to let them stew in the hurt they have. However, they need absolution from you and, though painful, they should receive it." I will punish you but it will be only a token. The real absolution. .the beach is only another couple miles in the distance……… was the mantra running through my mind as my hands sliced cleanly through the ocean water. In the predawn light I could barely make out the Malibu pier ahead on my left as I veered away, always keeping a cautious watch for discarded fishing lines. Chemical runoff, discarded nets, and fishing paraphernalia often washed up on the beach. Disgusted I shook my head, at least the occasional jellyfish was a natural danger I could sometimes.