Semantics

Lately, Kevin has been referring to Elizabeth as his girlfriend. We're not surprised, since they've been best friends for as long as we can remember, and before he switched schools he got in trouble several times when he was caught kissing her on the playground (yes, he got in trouble. She did not. Obviously she was at the mercy of his overwhelming charms and inherent evil boyness. And apparently the homophobic teacher he had failed to make note of these transgressions. But, I digress.) That he considers her to be his girlfriend is not an earth shattering revelation.

Last night he asked, in almost an offhand sort of way, if he could take her to a movie today. Within a second, Alex and Rachel were all over that.

Alex: Dude, you're twelve.
Kevin: So?
Rachel: That's a date. You don't get to date until you're fourteen.
Kevin: But I've gone to movies with her lots!
Alex: Sucks, man, but if she's your girlfriend, Dad will make you wait two more years.

Kevin looked deflated. He has gone to movies with Elizabeth dozens of times, and no one thought twice about it, not until he slapped a label on their relationship. He was also not going to challenge me on it; he knows the rules, and he's not about to back down and say she's not his girlfriend.

Char piped up then. "It's not a date if your mom and dad go, too. What movie are we seeing?"

Kevin lit up; inwardly I groaned. The groaning doubled when he informed us that Elizabeth wants to see some movie about African Cats.

(I don't want to go, but I will. I don't pretend that I have a choice.)

Then Alex brightened. Stephanie wants to see that, too. Would it be all right to tag along?

Sure, the more the merrier, I guess.

Then Rachel decided this was a good way to test New Guy Rob. She texted him and asked if he wanted to go with us.

So in half an hour I start picking kids up and we're all heading for documentary hell, all so Kevin can not have a date.

You know I'll wind up paying for all the tickets, popcorn, candy, and soda. And then dinner after, because all those kids are hollow and will still be hungry.

I'm going to lose the battle of the dating age sooner rather than later, aren't I? Because I see Kevin and Elizabeth together at least until high school, and I'm not spending $300 every time they want to see a movie together.