Na na na na na na you can't catch me!

I went to Deven’s school today, but I was running late, so instead of eating lunch together, I went out to play with him for recess. He chattered on about how he runs a lap and then walks a lap and we could do whatever I wanted, but he usually runs first doesn’t just walk. So, I say I’ll do what he does and so we run together which immediately turns into ‘I’ll race you to the other side of the playground Amanda I’ll bet you can’t beat me I’m fast super fast!’ Which, naturally, appeals to my inner 9 year old and I hear myself saying things like, ‘okay but I don’t want to embarrass you in front of your friends you’re sure you’re okay you look a little flushed why aren’t you talking anymore Deven you tired huh what’s up little man?’ in my most taunting of 9 year old voices. This attracts the attention of many other nine year old boys who come running to the primal call of “FREEZE TAG!!!!!” and “SHE’S IT!!!!!” My ever increasing inner panic is moderately pacified by two boys confidently stating that they get to be it, too. I try to quickly note the faces that I’ll be chasing or at least recognize their shirts. I catch a few notable traits and it’s 1..2..3..4..5..GO! We run, we scream, we chase, we knock over a few unsuspecting innocents, I catch them, they free each other, there’s too many of them. I feel a rush of evil joy when I actually catch them, if only for a moment. Deven’s smiles are huge and I’m thinking this is way better than the McDonald’s I brought last week. The taunting begins, I haven’t been taunted on the playground in years, I’m hearing things about the monster, the crazy woman, and remnants of ‘fana bana bo bana.’ I’m loving it. I finally catch up with a teacher and beg for mercy, ‘not until ten after,’ then with dripping sarcasm, ’have fun.’ You bitch I hated you then and I hate you more now. After finally catching each of the boys once and Deven at least four times (although I think he let me on that last one) the bell rang. We say our goodbyes and I tag a few more in line and head home to ice my cheeks because they were on FIRE.