friend's birthday. The friend is a really good kid, but we weren't going to let her stay overnight because the dad, rumor has it, is a real weirdo. Nothing definitive, because I have never met him, but just odd.

After we declined the sleepover and just decided to send her for the first part, the mom contacted us. I guess everybody declined the sleepover portion. She came over and point-blank said "it's my husband, isn't it." I just responded honestly and said "yes".

She apologized for him, but said his awkwardness is just that - awkward. She said to ease any concerns she would sleep in the basement with the girls. In tears, she asked "please? It would mean the world to my daughter."

So, we agreed.

I dropped her off and walked her to the door to meet the dad. He introduced himself, then like a dam breaking, gave me a huge hug.

A long hug. Then he started scratching my back.

I just high-tailed it out of there.

All the other parents laughed when they found out I went to the door. Apparently everybody knows not to.