One of my all time favourites:
Peter - wants something he can't afford
I listen patiently as he weaves a range of reasons why it might be really good if he gets some money
I'm weighing up how much I can get from this
I want to play a trick on him that will make us both laugh (a good memory)
I say, "Okay, but you have to agree to my conditions before knowing what they are, but you know what I'm like"
He started laughing and trying to negotiate, of course, I repeated the one stipulation - no prior knowledge.
He laughed as he listed his concerns, about what things I might include, I even contemplated a few of them, just for the edge in his laugh.
Eventually, of course, he agreed
So I promptly took him to Tescos, which is always full
As we walked through the parking area towards the store, I noticed a family group walking towards us, I figured, I'd try out my latest gag now and prompted Peter
He looked at me laughing and pleaded with me, "You're not going to make me do this really.... are you?"
I persuaded him, "Will it hurt you or will you laugh when you have to do it?"
He said he'd laugh...
I said, "Good, so will I"
I kept nudging him with my elbow, nodding my head at him, until he said, "I Love You....You're the Best Mum in the Whole World"
I told him off, pointed out that I'd been specific
He was to say it loudly, not mumble, so that people could hear and then act normal when I reacted 'surprised'
He kept laughing, refusing to play
I said, "Okay, then I guess it's back to paupery for you - no extra money for that thing"
"Pity though, it would have been such a great laugh, think how pleased I'd be... you saying that to me in public so everyone could hear".... then sighed and looked wistfully away 'no pressure'
I lost count how many times he said it, I was more flamboyantly surprised each time
I found he could be prompted without money,
I think it was because he liked the way I laughed too
I'd turn, all dramatic and then hug him, better than an 'air' kiss, and say, "Aw PETER..... thank you, I love you too".
And so many people saw us, in the car park, Tesco's ...
...... laughing and hugging each other saying out loud, "I Love You"
Would I be repeating myself if I suggested the best way to play Trick or Treat?
