Chapter 10

I knew that having Dad for an older brother was an assignment that required more than having just any old older brother. And I expected Uncle Bob to have an extra couple of stars in his crown. Heck, having Leldon Monroe Connors for a dad was something for which I and my younger siblings would receive extras.

The first time George had taken me out on a date, Dad made him sign a two page contract, as well as provide three references. One of the things in the contract was that George had to promise that he would not engage in sex with me until we'd been dating for three months. Then, he had to promise to wear a condom at all times. If he, Dad, found out that George had broken any rule in the contract, our relationship would be terminated until such time that Dad saw fit. With the understanding that if the condom rule was broken, George could possibly have a vital organ damage... if not removed.

When we were in second grade, George's dad deserted him and his mom for one of the girls down at Gordon's Market, where everyone buys groceries. Taking up for Shirley and the community pitched in to help her with George and the girls. George already knew Dad because he hung out with me and Bob and it had taken nothing for him to start treating Dad as his, too. Things didn't change between them when Shirley re-married. George loves his step-father and treats him well. He just has a deeper bond with Dad. Thus, when Dad pulled out the contract, George went along with him without question.

I, myself, had been a bit miffed, but I knew my dad and if he wanted a contract signed, a contract would be signed, or I wouldn't leave the house, which is why I signed the contract he'd drawn up for me, too. I agreed to be in at curfew and several other details that left me obligated to behaving like a responsible person. I also agreed to make sure George used a condom; because boys sometimes had trouble remembering important stuff when things got hot and heavy.

Basically, we were looking out for each other, which is what we should be doing. Dad just made sure we understood the importance of it all.

Bob hadn't had to sign a contract, like my brothers would eventually have to do, but after today's fiasco, I wasn't so sure that he wouldn't be signing a dotted-line within the next twenty-four hours. And I didn't blame him for leaving with the girls.

When I went in the house, Dad called, "Front and center!" and I went to the kitchen where he was preparing pork chops for supper. My brothers, all in grade-school, were out in the pool. George was with them. The twelve year-old twins, Kylie and Kaylie, had gone with Mom for the afternoon. They were picking out the things they wanted to go in their new room. Dad had converted the attic into a room for them, so that their old room could be used for the new baby.