Chapter 6: Emancipation Proclamation

“I’m leaving, Mother.”

Lucille screeched, “No! You can’t go out like that. You look like a tramp!”

It was a warm day in the second week of summer. Connie was braless underneath a translucent satin camisole. Her nipples and aureoles were unmistakable as she turned to face her parent.

“Your top is terrible, it’s slutty. And that skirt is too short!”

She had borrowed, with permission, a skirt from Paula’s closet. The hem was midway between her knees and hips; it was completely commonplace except in Lucille’s mind and in certain repressive countries around the world.

“I’m sorry you feel that way, Mother. Just give me a moment.”

Connie retreated to her bedroom, while Lucille smirked, believing she was going to have her way as always. But then she returned in the same clothing, carrying a small suitcase.

“This is it, I’ll be leaving now.”

“What? You can’t! But where will you go?”

“I’m staying with Paula until I have my own place. Good bye.”

For once, Lucille didn’t know what to say. She sagged into a nearby chair as she watched the front door close.

On the sidewalk, Connie shook her head, mounted her bicycle, and headed for Paula’s house. The little case was in her basket strapped down with bungee cords. Riding was a lot easier with a short skirt, she noticed.

She arrived at Paula’s and parked her bike in the side yard. Letting herself in through the kitchen door, she dropped her suitcase in shock. There were several floating pink balloons and a crepe streamer that read, “It’s a Girl!” On the table was a sheet cake decorated with pink flowers and “Welcome Connie” written on the vanilla buttercream frosting.

One corner of the cake was missing.

“Aaron insisted on a piece before he left for work. He’s crazy for buttercream frosting. Oh, and I honored your mother with the devil’s food cake underneath.”

She was hoping for a laugh, but instead Connie burst into tears! Then the two were in each other’s arms.

“Oh, Connie, I’m sorry. I didn’t...”

“No, no. I’m crying because I’m so happy. You’ve been so good to me. And, for once, I got the last word. Mother was so hung up on my outfit she had nothing to say when I picked up my case and walked out.”

“That’s not going to be the end of it, you know.”

“Maybe not, but I’m done being her puppet. And, thanks to Gail, I’m going to work on Monday. It’s a real job; I’m so excited! I won’t have any trouble paying rent to you guys like your husband wants me to.”

“OK, but there’s one more thing you need to be concerned about. Allen needs to know about how you’ve corrupted his angelic boy with your wanton ways.”

“I guess, but why?”

“You want Jim to spend the night with you, don’t you?”

“Oh, yeah...”

This last came with a thoughtful expression on her face, replaced with a grin.

“I can hardly wait. This is OK with Aaron?”

“Don’t worry about him. I’ve got Aaron wrapped around my little finger. Promise me, though, no matter what you might overhear, don’t worry and don’t interrupt us. He and I get along great, and we do a lot of playacting.”

“Playacting?”

“Yes. It’s dominance and submission, it’s a kinky thing we do together.”

“What, whips and chains?”

“No, listen, whatever you might overhear, there’s no injury, no cause for concern. Even if we get loud, it’s just an unusual way to enjoy each other. Bondage binds us together, if you’ll pardon the pun.”

“OK, I’m too young to appreciate all this, but I owe you. I’ll leave you to your fun, I promise. Let’s have some cake!”