It was just a matter of time!

We all knew it would happen. What we didn't know was that it would get thwarted. Good ole Fred...he somewhat lost it last night. As usual, it was spurred by trying to get Merlyn Majik in. We were all out back after dinner - all except Momma and Paul's Mom Jo. Merlyn was laying in the garden and Fred decided to go get him and take him in before he decided to "take a hike" and be out all night. I didn't think it was agreat idea - but didn't say that to him. There were too many people around and the cat basically freaks when it's more than just Fred or me. Anyway, Fred heads to the garden, Merlyn heads through his "escape route" in the fence and the race was on! Meanwhile, I'm on the swing reading Tyler a book. The boy actually was sitting there in my lap listening! Fred goes down the driveway and around the side of the fence...I yelled that he went through the hole. Fred shoos him and he jumps back into the backyard (I'm still reading to Tyler). Fred comes back into the back yard and inquires kinda loud "Why didn't you get him when he jumped back over?" I didn't say anything...child in lap shoulda given him a hint. Merlyn then takes off over the front of the fence. Fred goes through the house and back around to the front and tries to get him. Merlyn jumps back into the backyard. Then Fred peers over the fence and yells "DO SOMETHING! GET HIM IN NOW!" I'm still reading...another book now. Paul heads to the back door to let Merlyn in. Merlyn goes OUT to the garage! He DOES freak with people other than Fred and me. Fred's now yelling over the fence and (here comes my White Knight) says he couldn't hold onto the cat. Paul yells back at him.."And YOU expected HER to get him?!?!" Fred goes around the house to the shed side and finally gets Merlyn and puts him in the house. He then comes into the backyard (I'm not reading at this point, Tyler is more interested in the yelling and WTF that's all about. Fred looks like he's done battle...bleeding claw marks on his chest and both arms. And he wanted ME to try and grab that "wild thing"??? Now Fred's calmer since he's been admonished by Paul for being an idiot. I guess it was nearly a BIG meltdown that Paul took into his own hands to stop. I just loved it! I really wasn't trying to make things worse, I just didn't feel like stopping reading at that point. Besides, it was too early to even try to get Merlyn in. I told Fred he should've not bothered with the cat until everyone left anyway. Then it would've been easy to walk down to the garden and just pick him up! What a jerk he can be, but the rest of the evening was just fine. Thank you Paul!