Majority Rules

For as long as Max could remember, he had always felt outnumbered. Being the second oldest, but with nothing but sisters, he felt like he could never get his way. They always seemed to team up against him as if to make sure he never got to do what he wanted to, but he knew his time had finally come. He had made the baseball team for the summer and raced home to tell his mom, his mind racing with images of just how much time he would spend out of the house without his sisters constantly begging him to play their games with him.

“That’s very exciting, Max, but I’m not sure we can fit it into our schedule.” His mom said.

“C’mon, mom! Coach says that I show a lot of promise and I could even become a starter with enough practice.”

“I know it’s important to you, Maxie, but” her voice trailed off. “The girls’ dance schedule is packed.” He frowned, his dreams of a free summer replaced by countless visions of sitting through his sisters’ dance recitals. “But” his mom said again. “I suppose exercise and physical activity are important. Family meeting!”

Max sat in an armchair while his three sisters sat side by side on the couch. He listened eagerly as his mom explained all about the exciting opportunity he had.

“So, I thought it’d be sensible to put it up for a vote since we’ll all have to work together to get everyone where they need to go. So, option A: who votes that Max get to join this baseball team?” Max’s hand flew up and his mom, smiling, joined his. His sisters kept their hands down. “Alright, option B: who votes that Max join your ballet class?” All three hands flew up in unison. “Sorry, Max, majority rules.” His mom said.

“You’re going to be the prettiest ballerina.” His older sister Stacy said with an excited grin. “It’s a girls only class, you know. But don’t worry, beginner girls wear yellow, not pink!”