inconsistent but better

To us, his parents, it's obvious that T is not using, based on his behavior when he walks in the door.  He's conversational, alert, and engaging.  All good.  But then when it comes to following some of our basic and easy rules, he resists, or is very inconsistent.  Again, yesterday, he didn't come home after school but he did call around dinner to check in.  He called again, later, on my husband's cell and left a message.  All good.  Other days, we don't see of hear from him because he says he "forgets".  He claims that if he had a cell, it would be easier to get in touch with us.  Yes, I'm sure it would.  I reminded him, however, that having a cell is a privilege and that he would have to earn it.  I also said that he doesn't come home from school on a regular basis; he doesn't need a phone for that.  Do you know he said?  He said he will try harder!  What?  Was I hearing him correctly?  All good.......  I just hope he does........