Chapter 21: Full Disclosure

That same night at dinner, Dee asked for their attention.

“It seems like too often, I’m getting into trouble for withholding the truth. I should have told you a long time ago that you weren’t going to have a little brother or sister, and that it wasn’t because your father was injured. You must have been wondering after Brandon and I started, oh, hell, started having sex.

“Ron, do you have any other questions I can answer?”

“Just one question, why doesn’t Mae stay over anymore? You kissed her all the time, like you kiss Brandon now. Did you have a fight with Mae?”

“No, not at all. Brandon likes her, too. But it’s a very delicate thing. Shit, now I have to talk about secrets. Again! OK, here we go. Ron, inside our family, we can’t have ANY secrets. That’s why Brandon told me about your girlfriend.”

“OW! FUCK! Ron, stop punching my arm!”

“I’m sorry, son, for teasing you. But OUTSIDE the family, there are some things that have to stay absolutely 100% secret.

“If anyone found out about Mae, that all three of us were in bed together, that is, all three of us were having sex, it would cause huge and terrible problems. Mae might face being expelled from the tribe. The state could even intervene, saying that we were creating an improper environment for you, Ron, and take you away from me.”

“You’re kidding!”

“I am completely serious, Ron. Thinking about those risks, we haven’t asked Mae to stay overnight, even though she and I miss each other a lot.”

“Brandon wouldn’t be jealous?”

“Jealous? NO. I know Mae has been so important in your lives for so long. Plus, she’s already seen me naked.”

“What? No, don’t tell me; I don’t need to know that story. Just don’t blame me for the bruises on your arm, I don’t want Mae to be angry with me.”

“Folks, all I care about is that the three of you crawl out of bed sometime in the morning, put on your bathrobes, and make me breakfast. I’ve missed Mae, and I promise I can keep your secrets. I would never ever hurt Mae.

“But just remember my excellent discretion when I turn 16 and want my own car.”

Dolores laughed, disbelieving. Brandon, on the other hand, knew that Ron was completely serious.

“Hi Mae, it’s Dee.”

“Dee? Do I know a Dee? A long time ago, I had a friend named...”

“Fuck you, Mae. That’s why I’m calling. I want you to pack a little bag with your blue nightie and come spend the night with me and Brandon. I’ve missed you so much.”

“He won’t be jealous?”