No, I'm Not Ready For Finals

Wait? What?

“Anna Beth?” She calls.

“What Mom?” I call back.

“Come here please.” Mom calls.

“What now...” I grumble and set aside my textbook. Heading down the stairs, I find mom at the front door.

“I am going to pick up Karla at the airport. I will be back in about two hours. Assuming her plane is on time. I need you to watch Lilia.” Mom explains.

I can't watch that toddler, I thought. Deep breath. I tried to explain “Mom, its finals next week and that toddler-”

Mom Interrupts me. “She's not a toddler. She just turned five. AND you are going to watch her. All you have to do is make sure she does not trash the house. I want this place to be clean. It’s Karla's first time home since she started at college all the way across the country.”

“If I can't study, my 4.0 GPA is at risk.” I try again.

“You can study when Karla and I get back.” Mom says simply.

“No. I-” I attempt one last time.

“Bye. See you soon honey.” Mom says walking out the door.

“I can't study then because you will want me to be social with everyone.” I say to the closed door.

I hear a voice behind me. “Anna Beth?” Lilia asks.

“What?” I grouch.

“Anna Beth, are you mad?” Lilia asks

“Kinda...” I say

“Oh. Can I watch T.V.?”

I start to say no. Mom has a rule about how much T.V. We can watch. Lilia has already reached her limit. I reconsider when I realize that Lilia is less likely to cause trouble when watching her favorite shows.

“Alright,” I say. We walk into the living room and I get the remote from the top shelf. We have to put it so high because Lilia would watch Dora all day. Lilia curls up on the couch. I pick up her blanket off the floor and hand it to her along with the remote.

“Come on up here, Daisy” Lilia calls to our dog. Daisy runs in from the kitchen and curls up next to Lilia. I smile. That dog is double Lilia's age and still acts like a puppy.

“All set?” I ask.

“Yep” Lilia says.

“I'm going to go study. Stay here and watch Dora.” I explain.

“I will! Turn it on! Turn it on!” Lilia yells. I put in the DVD and push play. “Thank you Anna Beth.” Lilia says. “And don't tell Mommy because I'm over my T.V. limit.”

“I won't” I promise and head upstairs.