Once Again, The Joke's On Me

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By Pat McManus

April 2011

 

Ah, April 1, April Fool’s Day, my favorite day of the year. I must admit that it is now much more difficult to play tricks on the family. The main reason, I suppose is the little trick I pulled on the wife and four children 30 some years ago. I was driving home from work and I thought of it. As soon as I pulled into the driveway, I leaped out and yelled, “Quick. Everyone in the the car!” They piled in.

 

“What is it, for Pete’s sake,” my wife, Bun cried. The freezer broke down at Dandies,” I explained. Dandies was a local drive-in. “The ice cream is starting to melt and they’re giving away free banana splits.”

 

The kids and wife let out a cheer. Banana splits were well out of our price range in those years. Sounds of joy and expectation filled the car. Even Bun was beaming. I pulled into the parking lot at Dandies and stopped.

 

Bun looked around. There was only one other car in the parking lot. “I expected more cars,” she said. “Crowds of people.”

 

“That’s because it’s” – dramatic pause – “April Fools' Day!”

 

I looked into the back seat. Expressions of joy were melting from all the little faces. I guess they were just too young to fully appreciate a great April Fools' joke. I started to pull out of the parking lot.

 

“Just one second, buster,” Bun said.

 

“Yes, as it turned out, I had to buy everyone a banana split. It cost me a week’s salary. The worst part, though, is that in all the years since, I’ve never been able to pull off another April Fools' joke.