Susan: [as Greg and Rodrick return home and checks the time on her watch]
Oh, you boys are five minutes early. Did you have a good time?
Greg:
A great time.
Mr. Saltz:
I just can't get over how well your boys get along.
Frank: [connecting the camera to the TV]
Well, Larry, we run a pretty tight ship around here. It's all about boundaries, rules. Anyway, let me show you some of those Civil War re-enactment photos I was telling you about.
Susan:
So, what did you boys do?
Rodrick: [stuttering]
Just hung out at the mall. And talked about life. Just nothing. Nothing special.
Susan:
Oh, my God.
Frank: [turns to Rodrick; curiously]
Rodrick, can you explain what you're doing in this photo?
Rodrick:
That's not me.
Frank:
That's not you?
Rodrick:
Nope.
Frank: [scrolls through his camera, showing more photos of Rodrick's party; Susan presses her hand on her heart, shocked with horror; then sets the camera down as it stops on the last photo of Greg and Rowley; angrily to Rodrick]
Okay. How bout these? I can't believe that you had a PARTY!
Susan:
Greg, you told me it was a couple of kids, a band rehearsal!
Frank:
Wait, Susan, you knew about this?
Susan:
Yes. Yes, I knew.
Rodrick: [shocked; to Greg]
You told Mom?!
Frank:
I knew they had a party!
Greg:
It slipped out, but I took it back!
Susan:
My instincts told me you weren't being honest! I should've trusted my instincts!
Frank:
Wait! You knew about this, but you didn't tell me about it?
Greg:
I still protected you! I threw Mom off your scent!
Rodrick:
Great job. She has no idea!
Frank:
We are supposed to be a team against them!
Susan:
They were getting along so well, I let it blind me to the truth!
Rodrick:
Why were you taking pictures?!
Greg:
It was so crazy that morning, I forgot we took the pictures.
Susan: [points to the bathroom door]
So I let it slide. And I am so sorry. Oh, God. It feels so good to get that out. I haven't been able to look at that bathroom door for two weeks!
Frank:
I knew that door had a lock on it! And everybody was trying to make me feel like I was losing my mind!
Mr. Salz: [closes the door]
We're-We're just gonna let ourselves out. I wouldn't wanna write a column about this. Frank:
I'm going upstairs. To a bathroom that has a lock on it, and no one can tell me that it doesn't.
Susan: [to her sons; sighs sharply]
I have to go talk to your father. I will deal with you boys, later.
Greg:
Rodrick, I really didn't tell her! I mean maybe, sort of, but I made a deal with her and we had a really good time and…
Rodrick: [bitterly; walks upstairs]
You're my brother. But you'll never be my friend.
Susan:
Your father I have talked, and we've decided on your punishment.
Frank:
Greg, you're grounded for two weeks. Also, no video games for two weeks.
Susan:
Rodrick, you may only drive to and from school for the next month. As the ringleader, you are also grounded for a month.
Rodrick:
Mom, I'm sorry, and I won't do it again.
Susan:
I know you won't. And to make sure, we're also not allowing you to perform in the talent show.
Rodrick: [shocked]
What? No. No, you can't do that. Ground me for a year (instead), I don't care, but you have to let me play in that show! This could be my big break.
Susan:
Sorry.
Rodrick: [upset]
Dad, come on, this isn't fair. I just got Bill in the band!
Frank:
Actually, Rodrick, that doesn't help your case. Bill's kind of a jerk.
Susan:
Our decision is final.
Rodrick: [whispers angrily to Greg]
You are so dead.
