In the girls' room

Julie's pov

How is Stacey so calm? I'm freakin' out here and she's reading a magazine, humming a tune.

Hmmm, I know this song. It's not Maroon Five. It's, ummm, it's, oh my god this is gonna drive me crazy.

"IMAGINE DRAGONS!" I shout out loud, very proud of myself.

Stacey casually says, "Yeah, it's Whatever it Takes."

Ohh. I should've known that one.

"How can you be so calm?" I accuse, genuinely amazed at how sanguine she is right now.

"Why are you yelling?" Stacey asks. "Didn't the plan work?"

"Aren't you the least bit worried Lisa's gonna rat us out?"

Stacey gives me a quizzical look.

"You do realize she has absolutely NOTHING to lose by telling Mike everything. Don't you?"

Stacey shrugs.

"She's already been grounded for the wagon train incident, which was technically my idea, and if she tells Mike we set her and Carrie up, don't you think Carrie's going to corroborate her story? Who's he going to believe? Us or them?"

Stacey calmly says, "I guess I didn't think of that."

"Please join me in freaking out now. Won't you?"

Stacey replies, "No, she won't tell. Don't worry about it."

Just then Lisa rushes in crying.

Thank you God, I think to myself. She didn't tell, or something a little less selfish and heartless.

Carrie's pov

Lisa rushes past me in tears. I turn and see Mike standing in the doorway, arms crossed, eyes narrowed. I now truly understand the phrase if looks could kill. I can hear the pastor reading my eulogy.

Mike motions me inside with a head tilt. He takes a seat on the edge of his bed and directs me to stand in front of him. Tears are welling in my eyes and my chin is quivering. I know I'm about to receive my first spanking and I'm paralyzed by fear.

Mike's pov

Carrie stands before me, fragile and afraid. Something about her part in this room cleaning fiasco doesn't sit right with me. This girl doesn't have a defiant bone in her body. I have a feeling she's innocent. So why isn't she saying anything?

"Carrie, do you have something you want to tell me?"

She shakes her head no.

She's protecting someone.

"Are you sure?" This is her last chance to tell me I'm wrong.

She doesn't .

Truth be told, I'm proud of her for protecting her sisters instead of her hide. As much as I value honesty, siblings forging a bond is more important in this case. Her victory, however, would be hollow without a little sacrifice.

"Alright, if you have nothing to say, we'll get on with your punishment." I pause, just in case she's changed her mind.

No response.

"You're receiving a spanking for disobeying me by not cleaning your room. Now get over my knee."

Carrie doesn't move so I guide her over my lap. She's already crying. I know to be fair she should receive the same punishment as Lisa, but I don't sense any wrongdoing on her part. Lisa definitely was not 100% innocent. I decide not to over think this and go with my gut. I deliver ten sharp smacks to her bottom before standing her up.

She rubs her bottom and quietly says, "I'm sorry"

"Go to your room," I say sternly, keeping up appearances.