Spaghetti

Spaghetti

“Dinner!” Everybody headed in. They knew what was for dinner, spaghetti. They were all just waiting for Russell to say “I won’t eat that!”

Dad was a no-nonsense guy. With five kids he’d had plenty of practice putting his foot down. Their four girls had learned quickly that it was never worth it to complain. Even Janet, who hated most of the foods Mom cooked. However, Russell, their only boy, was different.

Russell liked lots of foods, but the ones he didn’t like, he didn’t eat, period. As long as Dad had waited to finally have a son, this particular issue was an issue. When Russell turned three, and found his own voice, it became a daily supper battle between him and Dad. By age five, Russell had no fear of Dad, if he didn’t want something, he refused! Mom said it was because he and Dad were so alike.

The girls started making bets, behind their parent’s backs, on which foods Russell would eat, and which would send them into chaos at dinner. Tonight was spaghetti, Russell didn’t like spaghetti. The girls were excited. Bets had been made already, bets involving their piggy banks. The oldest, Nancy, was sure he would be sent to bed! The youngest, Janet had bet on him being grounded for days. The other two Jackie and Bobbie had joined forces, they were sure he’d get away Scott free. Their only son, Dad would let it pass.

Mom walked in with the dish of spaghetti. Russell, flinched. Mom started piling the plates… and Russell threw up! He threw up! All bets were off!

Fifteen years later, at a family get together, they found out Dad and Russell had concocted the barf bit together! Dad had apparently gotten tired of spaghetti!

Nobody laughed louder than Mom!