“Can We Play?”
Have you ever just sat down and just watched people? I don’t mean looking at them; I’m talking about observing them. Well, I haven’t… not until yesterday. This little story takes place at a park, near the basketball courts. A lone kid is there shooting a few shots against invisible opponents when two other kids, obviously brothers, come into the court empty-handed. They want to play. We (I was with my cousin) were too far to hear the actual dialogue, but based on their body language we determined this is how it went:
Big Bro: Hey cool. That kid has a ball. Let’s go ask him if we can play with him.
Little Bro: OK. Go ahead.
BB: When I said ‘we’ I meant you.
LB: But I ALWAYS ask. It’s your turn this time!
BB: How hard is it to just ask him if we can play?!
LB: Not hard at all. I just don’t see why I always have to do what you say, dickhead.
BB: Fine! I’ll ask him, little bitch.
BB walks towards the kid who is playing on the opposite end of the court. Stops about midway and turns around.
BB: I don’t think we should. He looks too into his game.
LB: Man, you’re gay. Go ask him!
BB: You ask him!
LB: No, you! Fag!
BB: What did you call me?!
BB lunges himself at LB pushing him about 4 feet back. LB retaliates by getting BB in headlock.
LB: ASK HIM!
BB: How the fuck are you beating me?! I’m bigger!
BB manages to break free
BB: If you don’t ask him I’ll tell mom about how you’re the one that set fire to the dog house!
LB: But it was your idea!
BB: My hands are clean!
LB: Fuck. I’ll ask him then. Jesus.
BB: I win! I win!
LB walks over to the kid, who was completely oblivious to what was going on behind him.
LB: Hey. Do you think we can shoot around with you.
Kid: Sure, why not?
LB: Awesome. Just be careful with that guy over there.
LB points to BB.
Kid: Why?
LB: Whenever he plays defense he always ‘accidently’ grabs your balls.
Kid: I think I’m gonna go home now.
LB: Damn. Alright, see ya.
LB walks back.
BB: What happened? Why did he give me that weird look before he left?
LB: I don’t know. I guess he was just tired.
LB smiles to himself.
