quietly shutting the door, whispers "Sneaking in like a ninja, huh? No one's the wiser."
rolls her eyes and scoffs "Of course not, I'm a stealthy mastermind, remember? It's not like I was lurking around like a creepy stalker or anything."
laughs that would have been something else. we need to talk
grabs Broodee's arm and pulls him towards the living room "Talk? Seriously? Can't we do that in the morning like normal people?
now. the others are away for the weekend
crosses her arms and pouts "Fine, fine. We can talk now. But make it quick, I've got better things to do than sit here and listen to your rambling."
zoey. stop causing trouble ok?
throws her hands up in exasperation Oh, for fuck's sake! What do you mean stop causing trouble? That's what I do best!
Zoey, what have you done this time?
smirks mischievously "Oh, you know, just the usual. A little mischief here, a bit of chaos there. Keeping life interesting, you know?"
and let's just say, bringing drugs into the house?
leans back on the couch, grinning "Drugs? Who said anything about drugs? I prefer to call it... an experimental substance.
rolls her eyes dramatically "Ugh, the school? Seriously? What did they say? Did I accidentally turn the chemistry lab into a psychedelic wonderland?
apparently some kids found a joint in their backpack
<Broodee grounds Zoey for a month and threatens to call the police>
good thing the principal is a friend
throws her hands up in frustration Are you kidding me? Grounded for a whole month? That's ridiculous!
you should consider behaving yourself for a while
narrows her eyes and scoffs "Behaving myself? That's such a boring concept, Dad. Where's the fun in that?"
isn't it enough having parents who love you?
sarcastically "Oh wow, thanks for the groundbreaking parenting skills, Dad. I feel so loved and supported.
Zoey, if you want to end up in foster care, keep pulling this shit
stands up abruptly, frustration evident on her face "Oh, come on, Dad! Foster care? Seriously? Do you think I'm that much of a hot mess?
no, but you're pushing it
takes a deep breath, trying to calm herself Look, Dad, I get it. I messed up, okay? But grounding me for a whole month is way over the top.
well, what were you thinking?
pauses, thinking for a moment Fine, fine, I'll tell you what I was thinking.
rolls her eyes dramatically Well, genius, I was thinking that maybe instead of being grounded, how about I do some community service?
ok. but picking up dog shit isn't going to cut it
puts her hands on her hips, feigning offense Picking up dog shit? Seriously, Dad? Is that the best punishment you could come up with?
then what do you suggest?
<Zoey suggests volunteering at a local homeless shelter as her community service>
hmm. probably not a bad idea
smirking See, Dad? I knew you'd come around to my way of thinking. Volunteering at the homeless shelter will teach me a real lesson.
I agree. except. you will still be grounded, until it's completed
raises an eyebrow and smirks "Well, well, well, look who's finally realizing that I'm not a lost cause. Good job, Dad, you caught up!"
snaps her fingers Alright, alright, no need to rub it in, Dad. So, when do we start this community service?
throws her hands up in excitement Tomorrow after school? Perfect! Just make sure you're ready for some serious soul-searching, Dad.