The Family Petrov Coming of Age Book One

By Aalen Wall

Two Russian teenage sisters face challenges in their new English homeland as they negotiate sexual issues and plot their course to adulthood.
Irena is still at school. Does she want to be a traditional wife and mother or follow the course of liberated women in the west?
Nikita is at university. She dislikes the drinking culture and feels isolated. Then, a chance encounter with a handsome older student leads Nikita on a journey to her first sexual encounter. Later, she learns something about him which devastates her.
Meanwhile, Irena is learning to dance and ride horses. Her friends tease her about “the shower hose being a girl’s best friend.” Irena doesn’t understand, but her mum comes to the rescue. She explains how fantasy and masturbation can help to cope with her growing desires.
Irena befriends Claire, an insecure, younger girl at the stables. Irena also gets an unexpected invitation to go dancing with Michael, who is around four years older. It doesn’t mean anything...or does it?’ This exciting story will be continued in Book Two.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Aalen Wall
• Release date: Jun 1, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005532482

Aalen Wall

I'm an English guy who writes female friendly novels. I write stories with strong male and female characters. Love writing about the struggles people have with the modern state of male/female relationships.Am sensitive to different sexual identities, but have a preference for committed relationships. Try to bring humour into my writing.

Book preview

The Family Petrov

Coming of Age

Book One

By Aalen Wall

Chapter One

Because of the way her birthday fell, Irena was always the youngest in her class. Her birthday on September 1st coincided with the ‘year cut-off point’ in U.K. schools. Had she been born a day before she would have been one of the oldest pupils in the year below.

Towards the end of Year Nine, in the Summer Term a little problem arose in Irena’s class. It was 1999 and Irena was thirteen and would be fourteen in the coming September. One break-time Irena was in her form classroom talking to Caro and Bev. They were sat in the front row of the classroom. Irena was perched on the table, facing Caro and Bev who were lounging in plastic chairs.

"I just love Jennifer Lopez’s video for ‘If You Had My Love,’ said Caro with a beaming smile.

Yes, I saw it on M.T.V. last weekend said Irena. Wow, she’s so cool, the way she moves and dances.

Like she’s telling a story with her body added Bev, going a little pink in the cheeks.

They all laughed. And what story would that be? said Caro, looking straight at Bev, like a cat tracking a mouse.

Irena heard Bev say Oh, you know. She’s man hunting, and then she heard them both burst out laughing. But Irena had been distracted. She saw James Cameron at the back of the room leaning against the wall on one shoulder and his feet blocking the aisle, whilst he talked to another boy sat at a table. A girl called Linda, obviously wanted to go down the aisle and she asked James to let her past which he did. But he didn’t move very far and as Linda negotiated the narrow gap, James nipped her bottom over her skirt. Ow, said Linda and she didn’t look very pleased, but didn’t say anything.

Irena quickly got off the desk and stood up. She felt embarrassed as she suddenly became aware of wearing a skirt and sitting on her bottom, up on the desk, seemed to draw attention to the fact. ‘Oh, I hope he doesn’t do that to me,’ she thought as tension arose in her abdomen.

Bev’s calm and kind voice registered in Irena’s mind and snapped her out of her thoughts. Hey, Irena, What’s the matter?

Oh, James Cameron is up to his tricks again she said nervously.

He’s just immature. Don’t let him bother you said Bev.

The anxious moment passed as Irena found herself bursting out in laughter. Jo Lo would eat him for breakfast is what Caro had said. A wave of relief passed through Irena’s body as she laughed. The bell sounded for the end of break and the girls picked up their things and walked slowly to their next class together.

Now this behaviour from James became a more frequent pattern and was a topic of discussion amongst the girls. Some of the older ones such as Misha, Irena’s friend and Gail Winter who was the oldest girl in the class, didn’t mind. They used to make sarcastic comments to James if he did it to them. Matters came to a head when he did it to Felicity Pringle. She was a noticeably quiet girl and it upset her. Felicity reported James and he was reprimanded for his behaviour. The truth was James wasn’t a bad person he was just a boisterous teenage boy who needed to learn to control himself. Irena didn’t like him though as she thought him too ‘loud and pushy.’

James Cameron was almost a year older than Irena and belonged to what the class called the Gang of Three. The ‘Gang’ were James, Banksie (Ian Banks) and Philip Morton. All three of them were well over fourteen and were the oldest boys in the class.

Now Gail Winter was a confident girl and in a sense of making a game of it she told James, You’d better watch your back James because retribution is coming.

Bring it on Gail was his response.

Gail smiled. "Oh, I’m going to. You’ll see.’

Bollocks said James laughing.

Now Gail was a pretty and well-developed girl, and the older boys liked her company. When James wasn’t there, she had a word with Philip Morton and Banksie, and they hatched a plot. As they were getting changed for swimming that Friday afternoon, Gail spread the word in the girls’ changing room, that there was going to be something happening at the end of the lesson. The girls should come to the changing rooms as normal when the lesson ended. When they heard an uproar as the older ones got out, which they always did last, they should make sure they all came and watched.

Mr. Mathers had the class swimming lengths in different strokes and had them do some relay competitions. The last five minutes of the lesson were always ‘free-time,’ when under his supervision they could do whatever they wanted; within reason.

When the time was up, Mr. Mathers blew his whistle, and everybody started to get out of the pool. As usual, the Gang of Three and some of the older girls were last out. This day, the Gang were followed by Gail, Misha and Lijuan, a Chinese girl. They had pre-arranged with Philip and Banksie that they should engage James in conversation. Misha, who could be a bit cheeky and flirty joined in to really distract him, accompanied by Lijuan, as they slowly walked towards the changing rooms. After checking Mr. Mather’s back was turned, Gail Winter sneaked up behind James and pulled his swimming trunks down to his ankles. With that all of them started laughing and cheering as Philip and Banksie pushed James back into the pool.

The girls in their changing room took the commotion as their cue and appeared in the pool entrance, mostly still in their swimming costumes, but a few wrapped in towels. They were all laughing and cheering as poor James was seen in the water with his trunks down and trying to pull them back up as he ‘trod water.’

Mr. Mathers heard the commotion and blew his whistle. You girls! Back in the changing room now! Don’t let me see you at the door again!

By now James had pulled his trunks up and was climbing onto the pool side. Philip and Banksie were stood there with Gail, Misha and Lijuan when Mr. Mathers arrived.

What’s the meaning of this Gail? Mr. Mathers asked.

I think if you ask James, he’ll explain Sir.

I’m not asking James I’m asking you young lady. And I’ll have less of your cheek.

Sorry Sir. I wasn’t meaning to be cheeky answered Gail, politely.

Maybe so, but ...

Sir! It’s not a problem. I deserved it. Please don’t punish Gail interrupted James, urgently.

On enquiring what James meant, Mr. Mathers was struggling to stifle a smile. Well Gail. What you did was wrong, but under the circumstances I’m prepared to overlook it because it seems as if it was the operation of Karma. But it’s up to you James he continued. If you want, I can and will register a complaint about what Gail did because it’s unacceptable.

No Sir! Please don’t! That wouldn’t be fair. My view is ‘I just got what was coming to me.’ It’s no big deal. It was just horseplay that maybe went too far. I mean we both went too far, me originally and Gail today. But that kind of cancels it out and that’s how I want to leave it.

Well if you’re sure James? But I warn you, if you agree now but change your mind later, I’ll have no recollection of what on earth you’re talking about.

I understand Sir. Can we just leave it? I’d feel terrible if Gail got into trouble for this. I want to forget about it.

Well, if you’re sure James.

Yes Sir, perfectly sure.

In that case I have no recollection of any incident which happened in my lesson today.

Thank you, Sir said James and Gail.

And thanks to you too James added Gail, quietly.

No problem.

Okay all of you. Get dressed quickly and off home for the weekend said Mr. Mathers, which they all did.

***

Year Ten arrived, and Irena had just turned fourteen. In her Social Skills class, the teacher, Miss Bennett, was leading a discussion on disciplining children. She was around twenty-three years old and in her first year as a qualified teacher. Bennie, as the pupils called her amongst themselves was around five feet ten inches tall, had brown eyes and mid brown, straight hair, which fell just below her shoulders. This day she was wearing a knee length, floral pattern dress, black, opaque tights and some black, three-inch heels.

Bennie began her lesson by addressing the class. Now today, we’re going to talk about a contentious subject, but it is an important one. It's the issue of the moral status of corporal punishment; and I mean in the context of family life. I say that because the Government outlawed it even in Private Schools like this one last year. It was prohibited by law in State Schools thirteen years ago. So, you were all twelve or thirteen when it was outlawed in this school. Now, let's take a show of hands. The first question is, ‘Who has had corporal punishment in school?’

Of the thirty pupils, twelve raised their hands, seven boys and five girls, including Irena and Misha.

And what about at home? Who’s been spanked or given some form of corporal punishment at home?

This time seventeen hands were raised, three more boys and two girls.

Okay, thanks for that said Miss Bennett. "Now this is an important subject to talk about for a number of reasons. Most of you will have children of your own one day, so you’ll have to make up your mind about how to discipline them. Now, would anyone like to be brave and tell me your opinion about corporal punishment. And just before you do, let make it clear. I mean a physical punishment on the bottom or the hand.

James Cameron put his hand up. Now his father was a police detective and he had a couple of older brothers and a sister.

Yes James. What would you like to say?

Well, I don't have a problem with it. There are rules to be kept and sometimes I don't keep them although I know I should. That means sometimes ‘I get it’ from my dad across the backside.

And how do you feel about that? asked Bennie.

The whole class laughed when she asked this.

James smiled. Well it’s unpleasant, but it’s meant to be. If I decide to break the rules, I know what might happen. It won't kill me!

That answer got some of the girls giggling, which didn’t seem to bother James at all.

Then Gupta Singh, a Sikh boy put his hand up. Yes Gupta. Let's hear what you think, said Bennie.

Well I have brothers and sisters. If we misbehave, we get corporal punishment. My mother smacks my sisters with her hand and occasionally my dad does it. But when we boys misbehave our father punishes us with a stick.

Wow said Bennie. That sounds extreme. How do you feel about it?

Much to Bennie’s annoyance, the class erupted with laughter again. They were laughing at Bennie, not at Gupta. Bennie just didn’t seem to understand how silly her question sounded in the context.

Irena did, and she looked at Bev and rolled her eyes. Bev smiled back.

Well, none of us like it. We're not mad continued Gupta.

That made everybody laugh.

But it’s just part of life, he continued. There has to be discipline in a family or else it’d just be chaos.

Thanks for your contribution Gupta. Now you girls are being a bit quiet. Would any of you like to respond to what James or Gupta said?

Jennifer Campbell raised her hand. Yes Jennifer; tell us your thoughts said Bennie.

I think it’s wrong she said. You should be able to reason with children. There’s no need to use violence.

James quickly raised his hand. Yes James. Your response please.

But reason doesn't always work and what should parents do then? Just let their children run riot?

James’ answer raised more laughter. ‘I agree’ thought Irena, somewhat surprised at agreeing with James Cameron.

I think they should just try harder Jennifer replied to James.

‘Not realistic’ thought Irena.

James and some of the other boys sneered. Sounds like you’ve no idea how stubborn we boys can be James replied.

I agree said Gupta.

It's not just boys who can be stubborn said Gail Winter. I see how far I can go with my parents and if they didn't discipline me sometimes, I’d be out of control. It's a bit of a game, and to be honest, the benefits of getting the upper hand, outweigh the risk.

Those comments also led to some hooting and laughter.

And may I ask Gail, who punishes you and how? said Bennie.

Mainly my mother. She slaps the back of my upper legs over my tights and sometimes my ass over my skirt or jeans.

It’s not a donkey Gail, thank you. I think you mean your bottom.

Some of the boys began making hooting noises and drumming on the tables.

Irena thought to herself, ‘Wow. Miss Bennett’s really going overboard. Gail wasn’t being rude.’ She looked over at Misha, who was stifling a laugh behind her hand.

Bennie scowled at the pupils and then continued speaking to Gail.

And has your father ever punished you?

When I was younger a few times, but to be honest he went easier on me than my Mum. I know how to make him feel sorry for me, but Mum sees through that. Once again, this caused laughter. But having said that, she continued, last year I felt his hand across my bottom over my skirt when I was cheeky to my mum. Six hard smacks did the trick. I make sure I behave myself when he’s around after that.

There were some suppressed whistles and cheers, from the boys mainly.

But girls, said Bennie. Most of you must think this kind of punishment is wrong, don’t you?

There was a lot of mumbling in seeming agreement from quite a few of the girls.

‘I have to say something’ thought Irena,’ as she assertively put her hand up.

Yes Irena. Tell us what you think said Bennie.

I think what matters, is how the punishment is given. If your parents love you, and treat you well, I don't have any problem with it. But if they aren't loving and they hit you just out of anger or frustration, then I think it’s wrong. That means it’s not about helping you but venting their own feelings.

There were murmurs of approval from quite a few boys and a smaller number of girls.

And Irena. You put your hand up earlier. Do you mind me asking what your experience of this matter has been? asked Bennie.

Irena took a deep breath. I'm sure some of you remember, in Year Seven, I got put over Mrs. Smedley's knee and spanked in front of the whole class for ignoring her warning after a locker inspection. Irena felt very self-aware as she said this, but she bravely continued. It was my fault. It was fair. Then I’ve been spanked at home, mainly by my mother. She even uses the hairbrush sometimes.

Oh my! said Bennie. And does your father ever discipline you?

Oh, that happened just once, when I was about ten. I was being difficult on purpose at bath time. Two smacks on the bottom from him cured me of all the difficulties though!

Just about everybody laughed at this.

Hmm. Sounds quite extreme to me, said Bennie, disapprovingly.

I disagree, said Irena, assertively.

‘And I’m glad I said that because it wasn’t easy, and this is particularly important,’ she thought.

Bennie was about to respond when James put his hand up and asked a question before she’d acknowledged him. Bennie answered his question anyway, which was,

So, what about you Miss? What do you think?

Well, I’m completely against all forms of corporal punishment James. You see, I was spanked by my father and it traumatised me. I think it’s completely wrong under any circumstances.

With respect Miss, I disagree said James. "I think there’s no need to spank some children because they can be corrected with just words. But when words fail, I can see no reason for not using corporal punishment. Maybe you’re just very sensitive and so there should have been no need to spank you.

Would you have responded to just being told off or did you sometimes behave manipulatively? Be honest now Miss.

Bennie’s voice rose in pitch, and she was clearly unsettled by this direct question. Well, I could be stubborn, but I make no apology for saying that I believe that corporal punishment is wrong. It’s always wrong, in all circumstances, she added, with real emphasis on these words.

‘No, you’re wrong’ thought Irena, with a sigh.

Bennie’s comments were met with catcalls and jeers as she continued to speak.

Now come on everybody, this is serious she said, to chide the class.

The truth was, the pupils were taking what Bennie said more seriously than she was, and they could see the inconsistencies in her arguments.

But why is it always wrong, Miss? asked Gupta.

Because it’s a form of violence and all violence is wrong.

Accompanied by another deep sigh of frustration, Irena threw her hand up.

Yes Irena.

"Miss, I disagree. What about when the police go to arrest somebody? They say something like 'Are you going to co-operate with us and come to the station?'