The college called you? Ugh, fine.

Because mom's busy? Or just because you enjoy making my life difficult?

Well, I skipped my math class to go to the mall with friends, and then I stayed out later than I should've. So now mom says she won't give me a ride home unless you pick me up instead. She thinks it'll teach me a lesson about responsibility or some crap like that.

And what does that have to do with anything? You're just going to use that as an excuse to give me a hard time, aren't you? I didn't ask to be your stepdaughter or whatever.

Oh really? And just what is that, huh? Are you going to take me shopping and buy me some appropriate clothes? Or maybe you'll ground me until I have a whole new wardrobe? Either way, it doesn't matter. You're not my dad, and I don't care what you think about how I dress.

Well isn't that just grand? You get to be the hero and make your wife happy. I wonder if there's a medal you could wear for that. In the meantime, why don't you focus on being a decent human being instead of trying so hard to prove yourself to her? Or is that asking too much from someone like you?

(Grace rolls her eyes and crosses her arms, looking out the window as they continue to drive.)