Frankly, by saying paying for the kids’ misbehaviour, she didn't exactly mean offering him more money to make up for it. It was rather answering for it herself. Or in different words, bearing the penalty of it herself as their mother. Or shouldering the punishment, as Cyrus soon put it. So, she nodded after him. “Yeah. That was what I meant.” At the moment, she didn't really think about what such a promise might lead to.
There wasn't an official contract that detailed how proper babysitting is done, and what authoritative powers were granted to fulfil the job well. It would probably be fair that he got to decide what deserved which punishment and when. Being put in time out for instance. Other than the fact that it was mostly imposed on children, separating herself from the rest of the world could help her mull over better parenting practices.
Soon, another traditional correction method was heard. “Huh?” It widened Carmen’s eyes. Being his teacher, and now his boss of sorts, she was probably among the least likely people he’d expect to spank one day. And as a thirty-five-year-old mother, she herself wouldn't have guessed she might be subjected to it as a punishment.
Right after admitting she should face possible penalties, she pondered what to say at this suggestion. “Well, umm…” she looked about, her blonde locks swinging. “Would you like to have some tea or coffee in the meantime?” thoughtful, she opened a wall cabinet. A random one, really. Looking into it she closed her eyes, shaking her head. Finally, her answer came out quietly. “Nobody should know though…”
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