t h e p e a r s o n ' s c l o n e s
Honey? This is like that time. Alex and Emo are having delusions that they are clones of us, like some sort of 'Invasion of the Body Snatchers' crazy science fiction idea that no respectable individual would entertain or read or—―"
"Bruce," tears of urgency were welling up in Joan‘s eyes. "Please dear. You know how sometimes there are situations where you can keep talking and eventually explain things in a way that will make everything all right?"
I nodded, "Uh-huh."
Her voice almost squeaked, "This isn‘t one of those times."
"I‘m just trying to set my son and daughter straight—―"
"Technically, I‘m not your daughter, Bruce," Alex said simply.
"And I‘m not your son, Joan." Emo lifted his chin.
"Bruce—This man—Your father is most certainly your father!" Joan snapped, sticking her fingernail painfully into my cheek, making me wince. "You will respect him and address him properly! Do you understand me little missy?"
Alex frowned disapprovingly at her mother, "How did you feel when your mother referred to you as 'little missy?'"
"I felt put in my proper place, subservient to my parents,"
Joan snapped, but her voice was trembling, about to burst, "just as I hope you feel right now!"
"Fine!" Alex slapped her free palm on the tabletop and looked at me. "Do us all a favor and stop putting your great big stinky foot in your mouth, STEPFATHER!"
"Dang," I grumbled, slumping back against my chair with my arms folded over my chest.
Joan's temper was starting to overtake her hysteria, "You two have obviously been planning this confrontation for some time. It‘s well-rehearsed, and I‘m glad those pee-wee acting lessons didn't going to waste…"
I nodded my head, Good job Honey. Put them in their place.
"…and all those video games and movies tend to get your imaginations running a little wild at times."
I smiled smugly, Damn straight.
"You kids have always been so very close…"
That’s right, soften it up now baby. Give them an out.
-7-
