Andlat's Story Spot

“How about this?” Janet asked, pulling out a fuzzy white rabbit costume. “I know you like Bunnydale!” “No way!” Tommy said. How had this happened? Eric and Jake had left him in Janet’s care and no matter how many costumes she held up, he knew he would never find a Halloween costume in the Three and Under aisle. Janet gave his hand a squeeze. “I know you were a cutie pumpkin last year, but maybe you could do it again this year!” “No way.” Tommy snarled. “Oh, right. You're a big boy now. Your brother told me you're almost totally potty trained!” Janet beamed as if that was a great accomplishment for a boy in ninth grade. “Are you still dry?” “Yes!” Tommy jumped away from her before she tried to check, trying to redirect both the conversation and the costume search. “I think there's more costumes over here.” He turned the corner, desperate to change the conversation. “Oh!” He nearly walked into a wall of pink frills and sparkles. “Those are girl costumes, silly.” Janet

"Did you get it?" Max asked. He was so excited, Dan thought, that he actually looked away from his computer. He grinned and nodded. "Course I did. Party's tonight, isn't it?" "Can I see it?" "Calm down. Had to pull a lot of strings to even get them to agree to let you come to the party. Don't go ruining it by acting like some dorky little kid." "I'm not some little kid!" "But you are a dork? Interesting." He laughed. "Just kidding bro. You're not a little kid, so then start acting like it, dude. It's all juniors and seniors. You're the only ninth grader who was invited, so don't blow this." "Can I see the costume?" "It's pretty sophisticated. I'm gonna have to help you put it on, but trust me. It's boss." "Really?" He grinned from ear to ear. "But I really think you shouldn't see it until you've got it on." He frowned. That s

“Y'know,” Charlotte said. “Last winter was really nice, getting to watch whatever I wanted while you were across town, twirling and dancing.” “Very funny.” “And you were so graceful for like a week after!” “Charlotte, stop.” Jason muttered. “You know there's another ballet there right now.” Jason felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand up. “Charlotte…” “What? I was just gonna suggest we ask Mom and Dad if we can go.” Jason studied her face. Was it some plot of hers? Get them there and then do whatever it was she had done last time? “Eh, but I don't really know anything about this ballet.” Jason allowed himself to relax. “You had fun last time though, right?” “Sure.” He forced a smile. Charlotte nodded. Was she buying it? “What role did you play again?” “I was… the Sugar Plum Fairy.” Charlotte snorted. “That's right! Good thing you remember.” She softened somewhat. “I know it was a lot, but you did have fun, right?” “I said yes!” She grinned. “Oh, good

It was time for the family's annual Christmas card photo and David was in a sour mood. Every year, he and his sisters were forced to dress up in pajamas bought especially for the occasion and take what their parents called "a nice photo". As David grew older, he thought of the photoshoot as more and more of an imposition. He did not even wear pajamas to bed anymore. Try as he might though, he could not dissuade his parents. "It's tradition, Davey." His dad said. "Sorry, David." "Or is it Dave this week?" His mom asked, smiling. "It's still not fair. How come they get to pick?" The 'they' in question were his sisters. "Oh, I dunno." Daisy said. "You picked last year?" "Daisy, be nice to your brother. His idea was cute." Last year's card had seen the three of them barefoot in red union suits with Davey turning his back to the camera so everyone could see the Danger: Blasting Zone sig

“Alright, kiddo. Clean up your toys. It's bedtime.” Austin looked up from the floor. “But Daddy and Jaxon aren't home.” “Remember? Daddy’s got hockey and Jaxon made the team. We had cake.” “Yeah, but” “So they get home late.” She checked her watch. “Maybe if we get your jammies on quick, we can call them. Clean up your toys and upstairs for pajamas.” Austin obeyed and soon, they were upstairs in the room the boys shared. Austin undressed as Mom grabbed pajamas from the dresser. She paused as she saw her son's underwear. “Austin? Are those the underpants I set out for you today?” She saw the still folded pair on his pillow, but wanted to give him a chance to fess up. “No.” He said guiltily. “But I didn't want to wear those!” The pair he wore, the same pair he had worn yesterday, were gray with black stripes. Mom had set out a pair of Jaxon's old undies and they were Toy Story! A clear downgrade. “It's not a matter of want to, Austin. You need to change your unde