Page 70 of The Me I Left Behind

“Right.”

Who am I kidding?

1996

“Did you have sex with that boy?”

Mary Margaret stared across the room at her mother sitting on the sofa. They were all in the family room—Jack, her mom, and her aunt Phoebe—watchingThe Price is Right.Thank God her dad was still at work.

“I don’t know what you are talking about,” she said, still looking at the TV.

“That boy you’ve been seeing. Have you had sex with him? You’re late.”

She rolled her eyes. “Mom, I’m always late. My periods are weird.”

“You’re over a week late.”

She finally turned and met her mother’s gaze. “Do we have to talk about this right now?”

“Yes, we do. I want witnesses.”

“Oh, fucking hell, Mom!”

Her mother jumped up. “Don’t you take that tone with me, Mary Margaret Brennan. You’re not allowed to cuss.”

She’d had about enough. Slowly, she kicked the footstool in the recliner and sat straight up. Looking square into her mother’s face, she yelled,“Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck!”

Aunt Phoebe laughed out loud. Jack hid his smile.

“You goddamned little slut.”

“Well, you always call me that, so guess I should just be one.”

“Are you pregnant?”

“No. I’m not pregnant. I’m late.”

“Have you had sex with that boy, Mary Margaret?”

For once, she felt like she had the upper hand.I have information that you want, and I don’t have to give it to you. That’s for me to know and you to find out.“Do you want me to lie or tell the truth?”

Her mother scowled, and Mary Margaret thought she might pop her eyeballs out of their sockets. “You need to break up with that boy before he gets into your pants and knocks you up.”

Mary Margaret glared. “I’m taking a walk.”

“You better be home before dark.”

“Jesus, Mom, I’m sixteen and it’s summer.” She headed for the kitchen.

Her mom yelled after her. “Going to go have sex with that boy? Go on, slut. That’s what sluts do. Spread their legs for any boy that comes along.”

“Mom,” Jack said, “That was harsh.”

Mary Margaret stood in the kitchen, stone still. She’d not spread her legs for any boy yet, but maybe she just might. And maybe it would be tonight.My body, my choice!Whirling back, she rushed back into the family room and met her mother’s stare.

“That boy has a name. It’s Kevin. He is my boyfriend. And if I want to spread my legs for him, I goddamn will. And it’s none of your fucking business!”

Thirteen

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