Rita Clara

My younger sister is able to pry secrets from my grandmother like no one else. For example, I learned from my sister, years ago, that the kindly old woman who signed my $25 birthday checks _Rita M_ for _Rita Marie_ was fibbing.

"You know, Grandma was born _Rita Clara_."

No, and I did not like being left in the dark as the eldest grandchild! "Did she have it legally changed?" I asked.

"No, that would cost money. She never liked her middle name and just started calling herself _Rita Marie_."

Mind-boggling! Why would she replace a lovely middle name meaning "clarity" for another dull version of "Mary"? She risked the validity of every legal document she ever signed?! Was her marriage legal? Was dad illegitimate? Did I have to give all my birthday money back before the FBI got involved?

What other previous transparencies would now be rendered opaque after this revelation? "Did you know Grandma played basketball in high school?" Sis added.

The air grew as foggy as a locker room shower stall.