Charlotte’s special gift for Christmas – part 2

“Then what’s going on?” she asked, “I told you I heard….”

“You didn’t hear everything.”

I took a deep breath and asked myself if I really wanted to tell her the truth. I didn’t think she would say anything, but I couldn’t be sure. There was also the possibility she may think Thomas and I were perverts and would want to leave anyway. As she looked at me expectantly, I weighed that against the fact she was convinced my husband was a cheating dog and was so upset by it, she was going to not only leave, but call Thomas out for something he didn’t do. Thomas and I had also promised her parents we’d keep her with us at least until she’d finished school. Exhaling I said,

“Charlotte, I’ll tell you the truth, but only if you promise me you’ll tell no one, not even your folks.”

“I promise.”

“I mean it, because this is something that could cost us our jobs.”

“I promise,  Emily, really.” She nodded.

“Okay, first let me ask you something. Have you…” I paused, then went ahead, figuring what the hell, “Charlotte have you had sex yet?”

“Why are you asking me that?” she asked, her face immediately turning red. “What does that have to do with…”

“It does only in the sense that I’m wondering how much you’ll understand.” I told her, conveniently leaving out the fact I was dying to know anyway.

“I…I slept with Bob, but he’s the only one.” She looked at me sadly. “He dumped me almost right after I let him. I think that’s all he was waiting for.”

“So you don’t have much experience?” I couldn’t help asking

“Not much, we only did it a few times.” She frowned, “He said I was too nervous and acted like a little girl.”

“Charlotte, have you ever been with a girl?”

Again an adorable blush and she shook her head, “No, I…well I kissed Jen once on a dare, but it was only a kiss.”

“Did you like it?” I knew I was getting sidetracked, but when else could I ask her this?

“I…” she shrugged, “It wasn’t like it meant anything. But…I do think she kissed better than Bob.” She frowned, “What does this have to do with you and Thomas?”

“Well, the thing is Charlotte is you did hear right. I was telling him I knew he wanted to be with a pretty young girl, but that’s because I want to be with one as well.”

“What?” she exclaimed, “You…you like women?”

“Look Charlotte, some people have different views on things. A lot of couples are exclusive and that’s fine for them. But back in college I liked to play with girls and guys. When I met Thomas back in college, he and I would….well we would play with others. A couple of times it was another guy for me, but mostly it was girls. I loved being with them, but it wouldn’t be right if I didn’t let Thomas play too.”