You Scratch My Back, and I’ll Scratch Yours.

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Jim, the older boy, Julesie and I saw “Inception” on Friday night (It. Was. Awesome.) while the younger boy was still at scout camp. Practically immediately after the credits started to roll, the older boy was trying to figure out when he could go back and see it again, and with whom. His plan? To see it with one of his friends* on Sunday afternoon.

Sunday arrived, and at lunchtime the older boy tried to coordinate the movie plan with his friend, but found out that his friend had to work. His girlfriend is away on a family vacation, so he called sent a text to another friend: no dice.

A little while later, I was working on my computer upstairs in the living room, and I heard the boys (both boys, MY boys) playing video games together down in the family room. What didn’t I hear? Arguing.

Usually it’s not a party (or a video game-playing session) around here until someone throws an insult and causes the other one to storm off, angry. That didn’t happen this time, though. There was peaceful game playing for more than two hours.

Then, just before dinner, the older boy came to me and asked, “Hey, is it okay if I take *insert his brother’s name here* to see ‘Inception’?”

Whaaat?

Was I DREAMING???** This kind of offer never happens. In fact, the older boy doesn’t even like it when the younger boy rides in his car because “He doesn’t talk. He just sits there and doesn’t socialize!!”

I replied, “Um…yeah, sure you can. I mean, I guess so. Does he want to go with you?”

And indeed, he did.

The conversation should have stopped there, but the older boy looked at me and said, “I’m a nice guy, huh?”

I snorted and said, “Why?”

“For taking him to see the movie, of course!”

I’m not sure when he forgot that the younger boy was the one doing HIM the favor, since he was getting to see the movie again like he wanted, or why he thought we didn’t see his true motive for asking his brother to go with him, but it doesn’t matter.

Especially because he paid for the movie and snacks.

*Click that. Seriously. It makes me giggle every time!
**Haha, “Inception” reference!

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©2010 Suburban Scrawl

11 Comments

  • As Cape Cod Turns

    Oh, what a nice boy. 🙂 It's amazing how nice they can be to each other when they want something. Same goes here!

    That knock you out picture cracks me up too!

  • LceeL

    #3 Son has learned that any time either of his older brothers is nice to him, there's a catch. These days he approaches all acts of kindness suspiciously – with a "What do you want?"

    Smart kid.

  • Barb

    my younger two are 13 (boy) and 11 (girl). I always have to go check when I don't hear screaming… If he's playing nice, he definitely wants something!

  • Liz@thisfullhouse

    These are those precious moments to be treasured AND blogged…to help remind them…AND us 🙂

  • Huckdoll

    I'm going back to see Inception again and this time I'm bringing Colin because you just CANNOT miss this on the big screen. I'm pretty much going to make every single person I know see it.

    Movie of the decade. I'm still in awe 12 hours later.

  • Michelle

    And here I thought it was having been away from his brother that was bringing in the generosity 😉

    I detest the arguing. Fortunately we don't have much – if they start, I tell them they can work it out, or I can take away what they're arguing about. It's amazing how quickly that works. Usually.

    And that pic? Yeah, totally worth going to check out.

  • SoccerMom

    Isnt it so nice when that happens. Sibling love.

    I think sometimes it comes with age. The arguing gets less and less.

  • nycgirl0501

    I hated hanging out with my sister until I was about 18. Then she became my favorite person to go everywhere with. Still is! 🙂