Timothy Tyler (a tale of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde)

Once Upon a Time, there was a little boy named Tyler. Tyler loved to trick people. He especially loved to play jokes on his Sunday School teachers. He liked to trick them with math questions, stump them on hang man, and play other minor practical jokes. His teachers liked to stop me in the hall to share a giggle over his pranks. Sometimes, I didn’t even run the other way in fear.

Tyler hated it that after a few weeks, his teachers would figure him out, or someone would think to warn them, or I might even give them the heads up and his pranks would no longer work. So, while other kids would mourn teachers leaving, he would rejoice. Someone new to torture.

Once Upon a Time, about 3 months ago, Tyler got a new teacher. She is lovely. And, Tyler was happy with her. Not only was she genuinely soft spoken and kind, she was apparently good for some long term teasing. Is there anyone who can’t see where this story is going? Shall we add a little dialogue?

L: “I’ve been meaning to ask you, which name do you prefer for your son?” (and I’m trying to remember which of the 3 she means and why)
Me: You mean Tyler?
L: Oh, so he normally goes by Tyler? (She has certainly noticed the puzzled look on my face by now. Hasn’t she?)
Me: Well, yeah. He goes by Tyler.
L: So is his name Tyler Timothy, or Timothy Tyler?
Me: Umm, neither. His name is Tyler Scott (more puzzled look, now bordering on concerned)
L: So he’s been telling me to call him Timothy for no reason?

I felt bad for laughing, but at that point a giggle escaped me and it all clicked in place. He has been messing with her brain for three months!

Once Upon a Time, there was a boy named Tyler who got busted. I hope she’s not too nice to pull a fast one on him in return!

And do you know what Timothy pulled tonight? He convinced me to take him to a local pizza place for a going away party for his friend that is moving. Except after playing a few video games, it was pretty obvious the “friend” wasn’t really coming. Tyler was sincerely sorry later. And we did have fun.