After everyone had their fill (Kitty included), Sarah and Aiden called their seven kids, Haru and Jesse to gather for a chat. Felix and Sophia joined.
Gennifer knew what the talk will be about, so she ushered the rest of the staff to help with the cleanup. Kitty was happy to take care of the leftovers (meat only).
Sarah and Aiden didn't previously discuss on who will say what, but Sarah guessed that she should start: "We feel that there is a need to address a specific topic… In close future we don't forsee any changes in our living arrangements, and we want everyone to understand our intentions. You are officially here as our security, but we see you as an extended family. We hope that you all treat each other as brothers and sisters, but we are aware that there is a chance that you might develop different kinds of feelings towards one another…"
Ade raised his hand. "Feelings like sleeping with a girl?"
Sarah blinked few times, hoping that he does not mean sleeping like sleeping-sleeping. "Can you explain what do you mean by: sleeping?"
Ade nodded confidently. "Like in the movies. When man and a woman go in the bed and..."
Aiden glared at Ade. "What kind of movies are you watching?!"
Ade realized that he said something he shouldn't, and he shrank.
Sarah patted Aiden's hand, reminding him to calm down. Raising voice will not help with anything. Ade is only eleven years old… and they will enforce media control for him. And for the others. And it will be a strict internet control.
Sarah looked at Ade and then at others while speaking: "That is between a man and a woman. Two adult and grownup people who have mutual feelings toward each other. Tonight, we are talking about boys and girls. OK?"
Seeing that everyone nodded, Sarah started explaining: "Those different feelings usually start when you realize that you like spending time with that person, and you want to spend more time with her or him. And you want more… a touch, to hold hands…", Sarah raised her hand while holding Aiden's. "You want to spend time only with that person, without sharing her or him with anyone else. That is different from what you feel toward your brothers and sisters. Everyone understands that, correct?"
Once they clarified types of relationships, they moved on how to express them.
Aiden, Sophia and Felix joined into the conversation as well.
They spoke about: 'no means no' as the main rule.
"If you don't respect other's boundaries, you can't expect that others will respect yours.", Sophia explained. "You can't control who you will like. In the same way, you can't control other people's feelings. But you can be in charge of your actions. If someone does not like you, you can't force it…"
They talked how feelings are nothing to be ashamed of.
"If you think that a girl is beautiful, tell her that she is beautiful. Giving her flowers at that time is recommended, and it will improve her opinion of you.", Felix advised. "If you do it publicly, you will show that you are courageous. Girls like that."
"Sometimes feelings are confusing, and you are not sure what to do. But no matter what the case is, remember that you need to always treat each other with kindness and respect, and protect one another.", Sarah warned them.
Haru and Ade had the most questions. Ade's questions were mostly childish (he is only eleven years old), but Haru was also not much better considering his inexperience in interacting with girls. Aiden and Sarah were pleased to see that Haru is not shy of asking questions.
"How do you make sure that you are treating a girl with respect?", Haru asked.
"It should be a common sense. Don't do to a girl what you don't want others to do to you. You can never go wrong with that.", Aiden responded. "Do you have a female in your life which you cherish, and you would never want anything bad to happen to her?"
All the kids stared at Sarah and nodded.
Aiden noticed kids' reaction and smiled. "In case you want to do something, and you are not sure if it's appropriate, imagine that someone does that to the person you cherish. Would you be upset? Or would it be OK?"
Kids understood from this perspective, because for them Sarah is like a deity. And other than Boss Aiden no one is worthy of staying by her side. If anyone tries to touch Sarah, they will not allow it.
Haru struggled to understand. He does not feel the strong bond toward Sarah or any other female (yet). Aiden told him that he can come and talk to him anytime. They will discuss different scenarios as they come.
The kids had a lot of questions, and they chatted long into the night.
They ended the session with a reminder that if anyone is unsure what to do, the right thing is to ask.
"You can always turn to each other. Talk to someone you trust.", Aiden advised. "You will be amazed how someone from the side can provide you with a different perspective and help you see the situation in a different light. Don't forget that you are not alone, we are all here for you. Remember, we are a family."
…
Later that evening...
"This parenthood is more work than I thought it will be.", Aiden said while they were getting ready for bed.
Sarah laughed. "But you did great. The kids are lucky to have you."
Aiden was happy to hear Sarah praise him. He hugged her from behind and rubbed her belly gently.
Sarah sighed and held his hands to stop the belly rubs. "Can you, please, stop doing that? I'm already stressing, and you are adding to it."
"Stressing? There is only one good way to relieve stress." Aiden turned Sarah around and pushed her on the bed.
Sarah yelped in surprise. This change in his attitude came too suddenly. Before she hit the mattress, he was on top of her.
"Wait…", Sarah protested weakly. "Kitty…", she remembered the leopard cub.
"With Jesse…", Aiden responded between kisses while his hands made their way under Sarah's top.
Sarah thought how her man is shameless. He already kicked Kitty out of their bedroom without giving her a chance to wish goodnight to her baby!
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