Before, During & After: Melina Caterina Madison

Fifteen

Melina:

The first to arrive was Elliot's brother and his two out of three kids. Elliot is the one to introduce us all when they come into the large living room. "Jared, this Melina. Allison and Coopers kid. Melina, this is my brother Jared, his two kids Jackson and Blake." 

"Hi Melina! Lovely to meet you." I shake Jared's hand and wave at the boys. Jackson is is seven and Blake is thirteen. "Wait, where's Remi?" Jude asks looking around. 

"Remi is on the way with his partner. You know how that boys is, no punctuality what so ever." Jared let's out a sigh and shakes his head. I'm sensing there is a story there. 

A couple minutes later we have elf playing on the TV while Jared and Elliot are in the kitchen catching up with soft Christmas music in the background. Spencer jumps up from the couch when the doorbell rings again.

"Hay aunt Kate!" Spencer says, hugging a women. Two little girls wearing red dresses run into the room squealing over their cousins. Their little white tights and red boots are so adorable. 

I notice each of the girls wear pig tails in their dark hair the only difference is the little bows they have on. One had little silver bows and the other has gold bows. "Reagan! Ellen!" Jackson yells happily at his cousins.

The three go off to play; movie abandoned. Elliot and Jared come back into the room and hug Kate their sister. I do a double take when three new men I've never met before come into the room also. 

Each are carrying a pile of presents in their hands. I must make a face trying to figure who they were. Spencer pulls my hand and we disappear into the hallway. His serious face makes my guard go up.

"Hey so, uh, listen. Aunt Kate is married to Maxim, Axel and Chance. They are all the twin dad's just in case you were wondering. I hope you're cool about it. We all kinda forgot to say something before hand." 

He has his hands in his pockets looking tense. It's not a new thing that many couple choose a harem relations. It is very common in many countries but less common here. Over the last two decades it has become increasingly more common.

A lot of people mainly those of religious groups protest this and look down on the people who choose to be in one. Usually it's one women to multiple men but sometimes its more than one women. But it's not common to see.

There are multiple reasons one might choose this type of relationship but for the most part from what is seen it's a way to have many incomes coming in to live a better lifestyle. Other times it just happens that there are feeling for more than one person.

What is also gaining popularity is men forming groups and looking for a women to share. Men who are bonded in a way they know that they want to raise a family together and go looking for a women to love.

There are many different dating agencies that specialise in harem lifestyles only. The two parent house is becoming less and less popular as years go by. At the moment on the continent of America its at about 60% to 40% and slowly rising with harems being at the lesser percent. 

We learn about this in school from a young age as many of us have friends or relative in Harems. I've never seen one first hand before though. I've never been in a home with a Harem family. I know of others that have been. 

To be honest the ones that go to homes with three or more parent households often more times than not get adopted. They seem ideal, less stress on paying bills, arguments are resolved faster and studies show the divorce rate is almost none existent in that community. 

Overall those in Harems are believed to live happier and more fulfilling lives than those who aren't. 

Looking at Spencer I smile at him and give his hand a reassuring squeeze. "I have no problem with a Harem lifestyle, I've just never really seen one before. Yeah like on the street, sure. Just never someone I've known. Sorry about my reaction." 

His whole demeanour softens and he smiles. Blowing out a breath he also smiles. "Shoot, I never really though about that. It's just so normal for us you know? We also have friends who's parents are in Harems it just never really crossed our minds that you have never been near a Harem before." 

Still holding my hand he says. "Okay, let's go back. Dinner will be ready soon." I'm not sure if he did it with out thinking but he brought his and my hand up to his lips and kissed the back of my hand.

Blushing, I hide my smile are we walk back into the room. The adults and kids don't notice us slip back in. Joey, Jude and Henry notice straight away, looking nervous. Spencer give a nod and they all immediately relax.

Jude jumps up as Spencer and I sit down on the carpet by them. "Aunt Kate! You haven't met Melina yet! Melina come meet our aunt and uncles." 

And with that I'm standing again.