Chapter 19

Christmas was approaching, and our home life was settling down into a routine. Joy and Nick did most of the chores, or, rather, Joy did most of the inside chores while Nick followed her around being critical and handing out blows and insults “as needed”—which was frequent enough to satisfy her cravings.

Ethan was assigned all the outdoor work, with Nick helping him. They were outside with no clothing, but I made sure they had gloves and shoes, with frequent breaks to come inside to warm up. Clearing the ice and snow turned out to be a lot more work than I expected because Minnesota’s snowfall was well beyond what I was used to in Chicago. They worked efficiently and most afternoons they were done in a couple of hours. I rewarded them with hot chocolate with marshmallows.

I had Ethan work on one more task, since he was so good at it: writing zingers for Nick to use on Joy.

One day, Leo stepped out of his father’s truck carrying a small bag of apples and a jar of powdered cinnamon. Part of our new routine was Leo stayed with us while Denny was busy at his four day a week “regular” job. Leo didn’t have his own car or truck, but his father allowed him to use his truck on the other days. Often, Leo tagged along with Denny on handyman work, and that’s how we met. He WAS shy, but he didn’t like being bored and isolated at home by himself.

“I have a big favor to ask, Mary. Could we bake an apple pie? I’ve had only two homemade slices in the last five years or so, I think. The baking smell reminds me of when I was little and my mother was around.”

“In lieu of your mother, Leo, I have to ask. Have you been a good boy?”

“Oh, I’ve been very good.”

“Then, since I have no money, making apple pie together is my Christmas present for you. But we’ll need Joy to come peel the apples. JOY!”

She came bouncing up, with that smile and giggle that was so often on her face.

“Joy, peel and section off these apples for a pie we’re making for Leo. Remember, we don’t want any of the core, and you’d better not cut yourself. Leo’s going to supervise you while you’re working. When you finish, we’re going to spank you. Or, if you mess up or cut yourself, you’re going to the corner, and no pie for you.

“Do I make myself clear?” This last in a snarl.

“Yes, Mistress,” was Joy’s meek answer. She turned toward the table, where I’d put a small knife next to the bag of apples.

“Wait! You miserable cunt, what did you just forget?”

Joy blinked at me, clueless. I held my hands out to her and let them dangle from their wrists.

“Gah! I need to bring you inside when it snows so you don’t drown when you look up. Wash your dirty hands first! Then put a dish towel under your slimy butt when you sit. Hop to it!”

While she was gone, Leo asked me in a low voice, “This is really what she enjoys?”

“It took me a long time to understand her. Some of the excitement she feels from being harshly treated only came to her this very month. Before that, she was just a fiend for sex, a nymphomaniac I think they call it. Now we’re up here with no penises around she can play with, she wants more than her right hand for entertainment.”

“Her right ... Oh!”

She came back into the kitchen.

“So, it’s macaroni for dinner tonight?”

I couldn’t help but burst into laughter. Leo looked very confused while I was laughing too hard to scold her. Too late, Joy had an explanation for my boyfriend.

“At night, when I’m diddling my clit, it makes a sound like stirring macaroni and cheese. Mary calls me on it.”

“I do not! Joy, shut the fuck up, you filthy whore!”

“Diddling your what? I don’t understand.”

Joy looked at me accusingly.

“You, of all people, haven’t talked to Leo about clits?”

“It hasn’t come up yet, Joy, he’s shy. We’ve been cooking, you know.”

“Leo, don’t you want to have sex with my sister Mary? Or, are you wanting my gay brother?”

My face was as red as those apples he brought.

“Sorry, Leo. She’s out of control.”

Leo tried to explain himself.

“Let me be honest, Joy. Nick’s a good guy, but his naked body doesn’t excite me. And I’m way too shy to ask Mary. I don’t feel mature or experienced enough. She’s so beautiful; she intimidates me.”

“Oh. Wow, Leo. You have no experience? But you’re so cute!”

“I don’t think ‘cute’ is the most attractive quality for women who want lovers. Cute is for puppies and kittens, or for girls.”

“Are you going to let him get away with that, Mary?”

“Not a chance!” I jumped into his lap, ground my bottom into his groin, and kissed him feverishly.

“That was a type 7 kiss, doofus. Remember, there are 12 types and we have 5 more to go. You ARE cute, you just have to live with it. I guess it’s time for science class, while we both are here with you. Oh, wait, here comes Nick.”

“I like science, Mary, don’t stop on my account. I was just looking for the original human snail who leaves slimy trails around the house.”

Joy couldn’t help beaming at that description. I beckoned Nick to a chair, but then I stopped him.

“Leo, look closely at Nick. Like most guys, he has enough loose skin so that the end of his dick is covered over while he’s all, uh, relaxed. OK, get a towel and sit down. I would guess you and he are similar that way, but some baby boys have that extra skin snipped off.”