Sibling Love By Teek © July 2023

“Thanks for the ride, George. I really shouldn’t put this stuff off until the last minute,” Mike said as he got out of the car.

“No problem, dude,” George got out and the two of them headed for the store. “When are you getting your car?”

“I was hoping to get it August 1st, but I’m spending this week’s paycheck on Ryan’s birthday presents, so it will be put off at least another week.”

“Why?” George asked. “For my little sister’s birthday, I just went to the Dollar Store and got her something for a buck.”

Mike glared at George, “Unlike you, I actually like my little brother and he likes me.”

“That’s not fair. I like Susie.”

“Is that why you got her a Preschooler toy for her ninth birthday?”

“How was I supposed to know it was a Preschool Character on that toy. It was a girl character, so I thought she’d like it.”

Mike rolled his eyes and shook his head back and forth.

As they entered the Target store, Mike looked around, “Grab a cart, George. We’re going to need it.”

“I thought you were getting one gift. Why do we need a cart?”

“No. I’m going to spoil the little munchkin for his tenth birthday. Entering the double digits is a big deal when you’re that age. Remember that when Susie turns ten in a few months. No baby gifts this time.”

“There is no way I will make that mistake again. I got in big trouble for giving Susie that gift last year. It was bad enough that Susie was upset at me, but then Mom and Dad ripped into me. Dad made me treat her like a princess for a whole day. I had to take her to the park, a restaurant, and she made me join her in a tea party with her dolls and stuffed animals. No, I am not going to make that mistake again.”

Mike chuckled as he took a few toys off the shelves and put them in the cart. After about six things were in the cart, they left the toy department and headed for the kid clothes.

“You’re buying your brother clothes for his tenth birthday. Yeah, every kid likes getting clothes as presents,” George harassed Mike. “And you claim to know what your brother wants.”

“Trust me George. I’m going to get Ryan a whole outfit, and he will absolutely love it,” Mike picked something off the rack and held it out. “What do you think?”

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” George exclaimed. “Your parents will kill you if you get that for your brother. The toys you got him were bad enough, but that?”

“Oh, don’t worry about the stone age parents. The real question is if Ryan will like it or not.”

George looked at what Mike was holding up, “Probably, from what I’ve seen of the kid, but there is no way your parents will ever let him wear that. You’re wasting your whole paycheck on stuff he will never be allowed to have. Keep the receipts dude. You’ll be back here tomorrow returning the stuff.”

Mike just smiled, “If this goes the way I think it’s going to, he will most certainly get to enjoy all of this. Come on. I need to get a few more things for this outfit.”

The two of them got everything needed for the outfit, all the way down to new shoes and socks. After a quick detour to pick up Happy Birthday wrapping paper, the two headed for the self-checkout.

“I can’t believe you spent your whole paycheck on this stuff. I knew you were crazy dude, but this is over the top.”

“If Ryan likes it, then it will all be worth it.”

The next morning Mike was woken up by a ten-year-old jumping on his bed, “Wake up Mike. Wake up. Mom said I can’t open any presents until you get up. Did you get me anything? I’m Ten. I’m Ten.”

“Sure kiddo. Happy birthday. See that bag over there,” Mike pointed to his closet. “That is full of stuff just for you.”

Dragged out of bed by a hyperactive ten-year-old, Mike chuckled. He grabbed the bag and the two of them headed for the living room.

“Nice of you to join the living Mike,” Dad commented as Mike flopped down on the couch.

Mike just smiled.

Ryan opened a present from Mom and Dad and then one from his big brother Philip. When it was time to open a present from Mike, he grabbed the present at the top of the bag.

Tearing into the present, Ryan suddenly stopped and looked up at Mike, “Is this like the one Susie has?”

Mike nodded in agreement.

“Really, Really? Oh Mikey, Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!” Ryan jumped up and tackle hugged Mike. “Thank You.”

“What did he get you,” Mom asked?

“A dress Mommy,” Ryan said with an abundance of glee. “One with unicorns and rainbows on it.”

“A . . . A . . . dress?” Mom questioned.