Study Break Tyler Cruise is sitting at the kitchen counter busy studying, when his stepmother Rayveness comes in the room and goes to the fridge. Ive never seen somebody who studies so much, she says to him with a smile. Its a lot of work trying to become a lawyer, Tyler notes. Is it? Its all Greek to me, she says, looking at his work. It actually is Greek, he responds. Oh, duh!, she says. Its mostly just for fun, but a lot of the foundation of law is rooted in the Greek language, he points out. Very interesting. I had no idea. Your daddy doesnt like to talk to me about law, she says. Maybe he just thinks hed bore you. Last year at the wedding he told me he thought you were out of his league, anyways, Tyler contends. Well, thats just because hes afraid Ill know too much, she counters. Do you ever take a break?, she asks. Um, sure, Tyler replies. Well?. Oh, you mean like right now, he says. Yeah. I thought maybe you and I could have a little motherstepson time together besides, we havent gotten to know each other, have we?, she asks. He continues to study and she says Oh, its okay, I understand that youre busy, stepmom concedes. No, no, thats fine, he says sheepishly. What do you do outside of school? Do you have any hobbies?, she asks. Um..., he hesitates. Do you have any friends?, she asks. Tyler shakes his head No. Girlfriends?, she asks. He doesnt answer, just takes a drink of water. Oh, well, here I am, she says, reaching out to touch his cheek. Young man, youll find somebody, she says, and kisses Tyler on the forehead. Stepmom smiles and says So you dont have a girlfriend. Have you ever...you know. Ive never really had time, he answers, putting down his glass. Well, do you want to?, she asks. Oh yes, sure, I just dont have any clue how, like what if she laughs at me, or something, he wonders. Most girls would be lucky to have a boy like you, she says. Im just kinda worried that its never gonna happen, he says. Do you really believe that?, she asks. He nods Yes. Stepmom starts moving towards him and Tyler says Mom, and she backs off. Sorry, sorry Tyler, I shouldnt have..., she begins. No, please, he says. What is wrong with me? Youre just a boy, she says. Im not a boy anymore, Tyler insists. But youre my stepson. This isnt right I shouldnt be taking advantage of you like this, she says. Youre not taking advantage, really Im not mad, he says. I shouldnt let my loneliness drive me to do things Im gonna regret, she declares and walks out of the kitchen. Hes back studying in the kitchen. Tyler leaves and goes to stepmoms bedroom, opening the door to see stepmom lying on her bed. Are you studying?, she asks. Yeah, for now. Are you okay?, he asks. She replies Yeah, I am. I just took a little nap. That sounds nice, he says. Ive been thinking, she says. Yeah, me too, he replies, sitting on the bed next to her. She takes his hand and says Youre not upset with me, are you?. No, Im just not really good at telling people what I want, he says. I understand, stepmom says. I just dont know if I want to be a lawyer, or if my dad just wants me to be one, he notes. Well, your father has a way of shaping people into who he wants them to be, she contends. Like I love law, but I feel like Im living half a life, you know, Tyler says. Yeah, why dont you lie down with me for a bit, she says suggestively. The two lie on the bed and she says Here, putting his arm around her. You smell nice, she says. Thank you, he replies. Resting her head on his shoulder, she says You know my sisters and I used to lie like this for hours during rainstorms. It always reminds me of home. You know Ive actually never been held like this before, he says. That makes me sad, she reacts. Its just the way our family is, he says ruefully. Exhaling deeply, stepmom says You know when somebody tells you that they love you, they should also show you. It doesnt hurt me. Im totally fine, he insists. I dont believe it, she counters. I get good grades. Im well adjusted, he contends. But dont you feel like somethings missing?, she asks. I dont know, he says. Well, has anyone ever told you that they love you?, she inquires. I dont know, he reiterates. Well, let me be the first. Tyler, I love you, and I want you to be happy, she declares. I love you too, he says and tries to kiss her. Stepmom turns away. Im sorry, he says. I told you not to be sorry Im happy, she says. You are?, he asks. They kiss, and she asks Is that what you want?. I think so, he says. Well, lets take it slow, she suggests. Is this what you want?, he asks. Stepmom looks him in the eye and says It would be an honor. A young boy like you deserves love. But I dont really know what to do, he says. Ill show you, and if it goes too far you can tell me, she asserts. Uh, hum, he mumbles. Youre going to have to use your words, she points out with a smile. Yes mom, he says obediently. Okay, she smiles and kisses him. I dont know how I feel about you calling me mom, she wonders. Do you want me to call you something else?, he asks. Stepmom makes a face and says No, just call me whatever feels natural, I guess. They embrace and she starts stroking Tylers crotch. Watch the taboo romance unfold...
