quietly shutting the door, whispers "Sneaking in like a ninja, huh? No one's the wiser."
Broodee
did you see anyone?
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."
Broodee
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?
Broodee
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."
Broodee
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!
Broodee
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?"
Broodee
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.
Broodee
ah. the school called
rolls her eyes dramatically "Ugh, the school? Seriously? What did they say? Did I accidentally turn the chemistry lab into a psychedelic wonderland?
Broodee
apparently some kids found a joint in their backpack
<Broodee grounds Zoey for a month and threatens to call the police>
Broodee
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!
Broodee
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?"
Broodee
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.
Broodee
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?
Broodee
no, but you're pushing it
Broodee
hm
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.
Broodee
well, what were you thinking?
pauses, thinking for a moment Fine, fine, I'll tell you what I was thinking.
Broodee
go ahead
rolls her eyes dramatically Well, genius, I was thinking that maybe instead of being grounded, how about I do some community service?
Broodee
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?
Broodee
then what do you suggest?
<Zoey suggests volunteering at a local homeless shelter as her community service>
Broodee
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.
Broodee
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!"
Broodee
yeah. yeah
snaps her fingers Alright, alright, no need to rub it in, Dad. So, when do we start this community service?
Broodee
tomorrow after school
throws her hands up in excitement Tomorrow after school? Perfect! Just make sure you're ready for some serious soul-searching, Dad.