Of Dance Class & Vacation

June 3rd 2:27 p.m. The littlest is picked up from school:

"Did you decide if you're going to Dance after all that talk this morning before school?"

"No. I don't think so. I don't think Riley's going either ..."

2:47 p.m. The eldest is picked up from school:

"So ... you didn't have to stay after school today for fittings ... does that mean you're going to Dance?"

"No. I have too much homework to do. Plus studying for a big test. And Mom said we don't have to go if we don't want to."

"Hokay."

2:52 p.m. A quick run through McCrappage for a chicken sandwich for the eldest, french fries for the squirt. The children are happy.

2:56 p.m. At home, Rupe gets on-line with Wife of Rupe to discuss the situation. After a bit of back and forth, it is concluded - once and for all - the decision is theirs to make: If they don't want to go, that's fine ... they don't have to go.

Rupe's thinkin' just one last attempt is in order, however.

3:00 p.m. Last verification:

"Last chance: You sure you guys aren't going? And Riley, remember: You have an orthodontist appointment next Wednesday so you'll be missing it then, too."

"Yeah ... I know. Naw. I don't want to go," the eldest notes.

"Me either," adds the little one.

"Okay. Then we've had a snack and a rest ... let's get our homework done."

Y'see, the Bright Shiny Lazy Smile Of Summer is coming on hard and strong. It's looming right over their shoulders ... and they realize this. School's almost out and they are in tune with the fact they really don't have to do anything they don't want. And it was evident in our discussion Monday about Dance Class. And Tuesday when we talked about it. Last night, before going to bed, we talked, too. And this morning, we talked. Back and forth and back and forth and back and forth. They did their best to be non-committal until this afternoon when they decided, finally, they didn’t feel like going.

So imagine at 4:05 p.m. - twenty-five minutes before the start of Dance Class - the shock Rupe experienced as the girls declared ..... they wanted to go.

(<---- Shocking! A couple ... without kids!)

Rupe immediately shot off a text to Wife of Rupe, still at work. “The girls want to go to class after all. I think I’m going to kill them.”

The Response from Wife of Rupe: “Go ahead. Kill them. We can leave early for vacation.”

............................... Ruprecht ( STOP )