25.5.2009
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When John, with his singular shrewdness, discovered that his son, Paul, had started to have a regular love life with the domestic help, he called a meeting with Violet to discuss the matter.
"What makes you think so?" asked Violet after he had told her his suspicions.
"I see it on them both."
"He's just a child."
"Yes, so you say."
"She's so much older than him."
"Not by much, three years. The main point is that the lad has matured, and they've somehow succeeded in getting things started."
"What should we do?"
"Isn't it best that I talk to Paul?"
"Sure, certainly. Poor child. This can't go on like this."
John looked at Violet and smiled slightly: "Boy, do I understand him."
Violet hardly knew whether she should smile or be angry: "John! You don't mean it!"
"Nature finds a way."
Later the same day, John talked to Paul. He went right to the point.
"Well, Paul, now we'll discuss sex."
Paul had expected this. He listened.
"I know that you have started sleeping with Laura. Are you thinking about getting married?"
Paul lowered his head and smiled nervously: "Of course not."
"Why not?"
"I'm only 14."
"But she's 17, isn't she?"
"We're just having fun," said Paul quickly.
"And if she gets pregnant?"
"She won't."
"How do you know?"
"I just take precautions."
"You use condoms?"
"No, she's on the pill."
"Well, that's better. But what about the future? Are you perhaps in love with her?"
"No, not at all."
"Then, why are sleeping with her?"
"I just think it's fun."
"Do you think that's good."
"Yes."
"Are the two of you planning to continue this?"
"Maybe for a while."
"Have you discussed this?"
"No, we never talk about it."
"I thought as much."
Right after their conversation, John talked to Violet to tell her how things stood.
"Are they going to call it off?"
He smiled: "Violet, there are some things in life that parents shouldn't meddle in. We'll just hope that things turn out well."