Poor #2, he's trying his darndest to grow up, become a Manly Man, not be a part of The Little Guys. He wants to be #1, but that's a whole nuther issue.
Today, a friend was visiting #1, and they were discussing an upcoming concert at the friend's university. Because this friend is very cool, according to #2, #2 would go to watch a toothbrushing competition with the guy. Needless to say, #2 began hinting loudly that he enjoyed metal music, and that he wanted to come along on the outing.
#1 pointed out that #2 was not 19, did not look 19, and therefore would not be attending the festivities. #2 was crushed. #1 and his friend went running, and #2 disappeared upstairs.
I thought he'd gone to his room because he was sad and disappointed, and I started feeling really badly for him. I remember being left out when my cousins went to do cool stuff, and I hated that. I decided to make pie for dessert.
Two minutes later he came galloping down the stairs. "Look at me!" he insisted. "I can pass for 19! Don't you think I look 19?"
Um. He was wearing a black t-shirt, necessary for expressing teen-age angst. He was also wearing his real Desert Storm camo pants, courtesy of adopted Uncle Trevor. He'd ironed the pants, which he felt added that element of sophistication needed to pass as a much older guy.
"And look what else I have!" he beamed. "Everyone will think I'm older. Everyone knows that kids don't wear real dogtags!".
I tried so hard not to smile. To be fair, though, I managed not to laugh, as that would have been unforgiveable. See, this guy-in-training did in fact have a dogtag and chain around his neck. Of course, since he'd slipped a picture of Moody, his Siamese cat into the plastic slot on the front, somehow, it didn't make him look older, hardened and cynical. They grow up so fast- but darn, are they ever funny while they're doing it!
When Poe ain't happy, ain't nobody happy.
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