Teentronics

Schools are out, Holidays are in. What better time to frolic and somehow land into trouble? On Teenage Issues, this edition we discuss the allure of the forbidden in a tale by one our own Generation NX:

“I caught my teenage cousin having sex. Should I tell my mum or my aunt or just mind my own business?”

There I was minding my own business one lovely Saturday afternoon when my mum got it into her head to send me on an errand to my aunt’s with a surprise hamper to deliver. Now my own head is full of stuff I wish I didn’t know and can do without and I don’t know how to get out. Since when did we start giving surprise hampers to family members anyway? Hampers are for my father’s colleagues and special others. Family members get the occasional visit or something.

I was engrossed in my latest book and couldn’t wait to get to my aunt’s house and back so I took the short cut right across our garden in to the neighbour’s and the next and I was at my aunts. It’s easier to get in the back door than walk down the street round the corner dodging every car, bicycle and gutter to get to the fortress they call a fence. The fence is so high and the gate so huge, I not only dislike standing in front of it looking beggarly while waiting for the guard to come, I also don’t see the point since the back of the house is all open and they never completed the fence back there. Anyway I would rather avoid the half deaf gate man and the nonsensical door bell that never works.

So I skipped through hedges and dived under shrubs till I got to my aunt’s. I expected to find some of the children in the garden or the household staff cleaning up or generally pretending to be busy. But it all seemed quiet. I resolved to leave the hamper under some bush if I found no one at home. I am definitely not going to log this heavy hamper back home. I found the back door locked when I tried it. I rapped on the door and on the window without any luck. I peered in the kitchen window shielding my eyes from the glaring sun to get a better view. Nothing. As I turned to leave I thought I heard the sound of laughter. It maybe the TV is on which means someone must be home. I made my way gingerly along the side of the house trying to get to a living room window. I managed to get there but all the blinds were drawn except for a little parting at the bottom where the blinds failed to meet. I peered in pressing my nose to the window. I was just thinking how the guard would think me a thief if he found me now when I noticed movements. A couple of people clung to each other kissing and reeling from the wall to the couch. My heart stopped. I turned to run but curiosity got the best of me so I looked closer. I thought I recognised one of them. It’s my cousin. Naked! Oh dear! What is she thinking? She is just the same age as I am. I’d never dream of it, my mum would kill me. What if she got pregnant!

I ran as fast as my short legs would carry me and I was home much too soon. Now I have to face my mum. What’s the matter? Why are you panting? I ran. Why, what happened? Nothing, I wanted to get home quickly. I grabbed my book and fled to my room. I didn’t know what to do or who to tell or whether to tell anyone at all. My aunt came round latter in the evening to thank us for the hamper. I had to leave the sanctuary of my room to greet her. I had no choice. I was always pleased to see her but today was different. Now I don’t know what to do and I can’t get the scene out of my mind. Should I tell someone before my cousin gets pregnant?

Perfect Harmony Magazine would really like to know what you think is best to do in this situation. Send your suggestions to jemima@perfectharmony.org.uk . We would love to hear from you.