Synopsis
In an attempt to define the phrase
"The other side," a sexual
encounter might have been
experienced from the other side.
At the dinner table one evening my
mother said, "Dear did you know
that Dottie's brother-in-law is from
the other side?" my father, visibly
uninterested about her remark,
simply responded "Mmmmhah!"
but not me, I immediately asked
Uncle Larry. My uncle was twenty
years younger than Dad, and to me
he was my big brother and my
confidant. He said, "That's how
older folks describe people of
different cultures and ethnic
backgrounds." "Ok!" I said,
meaning that the explanation
seemed somewhat vague but
coming from Larry was acceptable.
I often wondered which side my
family came from. My upbringing
was strict at home. "Young lady if
you don't behave, you'll be
grounded for a month," was
something I heard from time to
time. Learning by experience was
never an option, but in school I was
taught to respect to be respected
and above all be honest, I always
said, be yourself and then learn
from others.
The following day, I met my friend
for the usual walk to school we did
together every morning. As I got
near I said "Hey what's new?" then
she asked, "Did I ever tell you
about James Dean?" and with a
touch of irony, as if I didn't know
who she meant, I said "Do I really
look that dumb?" "No, I'm sorry I
don't mean the actor, I'm talking
about my brother's friend. We call
him JD because of his resemblance
to the actor, he's blonde blue eyed
and he's gorgeous! All the girls in
my family want his attention
including my mom that keeps
asking him personal questions, but
he is a gentleman and answers all
of them with outmost respect, I
guess she feels he is from
