Stubborn as a Mule

Lil’ Rebel was on her way out the door when Mother called her from upstairs.

Lil’ Rebel,” said Mother. “Is your room clean? What about your homework? Is it done?”

“No,” said Lil’ Rebel. “I was going to clean my room when I get back from the mall.”

“I don’t think so,” said Mother. “You get back up here right now.”

Lil’ Rebel went back upstairs, stomping her feet in anger, the whole way. She went in her room and laid down on her bed.

“Get up out of that bed now,” said Mother a few minutes later when she went in and checked up on Lil’ Rebel. Get this room cleaned up, now!”

“Why can’t I do it later?” asked Lil’ Rebel.

“Because I want it done now,” said Mother. “Just get it done and stop being so stubborn. When your room is clean then you can start on your homework.”

“This isn’t fair,” said Lil’ Rebel. “I was supposed to meet my friends at the mall.”

“Your friends can wait,” said Mother. “We have company coming over.”

Lil’ Rebel laid back down on her bed when Mother left. She soon fell asleep.

“Lil’ Rebel,” Mother called an hour later.

When Lil’ Rebel didn’t answer, Mother went back upstairs.

“If you don’t have the room cleaned up in one hour,” said Mother. “You are grounded.”

Lil’ Rebel got up and put her dirty clothes in the laundry basket. In less than ten minutes her room was clean. She fell asleep again.

Another hour later, Mother went back upstairs. Lil’ Rebel was sound asleep. This time she just let her sleep.

“I’m going out,” said Lil’ Rebel about an hour later.

“You aren’t going anywhere,” said Mother angrily. “You have done nothing today that I have asked?”

“I cleaned my room, “said Lil’ Rebel.

“You may think your room is clean,” said Mother. “All you did was pick up your clothes and a couple other things. You march right back upstairs and do as you are told.”

Back upstairs Lil’ Rebel went. She decided this time she wasn’t kidding so she spent the next two hours cleaning her room and working on her homework.

“Lil’ Rebel,” called Mother at dinner. “Company is here and dinner is ready.”

“I’m doing my homework,” said Lil’ Rebel.

“Come down here now,” said Mother. “You are as stubborn as a mule.”

“Grandpa!” exclaimed Lil’ Rebel when she finally came downstairs. “Why didn’t you tell me Grandpa was here?”