Just Say No

(Back story:  Last year it was the coolest thing ever for the boys in 5th grade to torture the girls in 5th grade by asking them to be their girlfriend.  Gabby kept talking about what torture this was, and how it was ruining recess and perfectly good recess basketball and soccer matches, so I told her if a boy asks her to be his girlfriend and she says, "no," I would buy her a bag of spicy Cheetos, which are her favorite snack in the whole world.)

Fast forward to 6th grade:

Yesterday I was shopping with Gabby.  We were talking and shopping at the same time (because females are multi-tasking wizards like that).

She was telling me about friends and school and who likes whom, etc.  Then this part of the conversation ensued:

Gabby:  Do I still get chips if I say no to a boy?

Me:  (Puzzled look followed by that moment of recognition)  Oh yeah...the chips.  Wait...  Who did you say no to?

Gabby:  No one, mom.  But if someone asked me and I said no, would I get a bag of spicy Cheetos?

Me:  Sure.  I'd love to buy you a bag of spicy Cheetos if you say no to a boy.

(Silence for a moment or two...)

Me:  So which boy do you think is going to ask you...?

(Keep in mind this is the girl who is stuck somewhere between recess soccer and recess crushes...and unlike last year, she already knows who she is going to ask to be her Valentine in February...and I know his name too, but I'm sworn to secrecy.)

Gabby:  Just someone.

(Another moment or two of silence...)

Me:  What am I going to do when you like boys more than you like spicy Cheetos?

Gabby:  Mom, that will never happen.

Whew!  Saved by the naiveté of my 6th grader, who thankfully isn't in a huge rush to give up spicy Cheetos.

This story will one day be known as Spicy Cheetos Rock and Boys Drool (a fact that all 6th grade girls know).  It may also be known as Mom's Attempt to Bribe #5,682.

Meanwhile, she's still my Gabby Girl, and a few weeks ago she showed me she wasn't yet too old for a piggy back ride...

I just love this girl.  She brings light and love to every day.