Mom, you need to sit down...

As you all know Lauren is 10 ( going on 17).. she reminds us daily that she is growing up. We have started to let her have a bit more freedom out and about in the neighborhood.  One this particular day she was out riding scooters with her buddy Emma. I told them to be back home by 4PM because Emma's  Dad was coming to pick her up. So off they went to ride around.  With the rule that they CANNOT go to the fort. We have 3 different forts in our hood.  But the one I am referring to always has a huge group of 5th grade boys always hanging out . There is NO good to be had at that particular fort. So they were both told not to go.. I'm sure you know where this is headed.  Emma's Dad showed up at 4 and they girls were NO WHERE to be found. What kind of parent do I look like when I don't where where his kid is? So he drove the hood looking as did I.. I got madder and madder as the minutes ticked away. I told him to go on home and I would find them.. Chew them out accordingly and bring her home.
 As I am driving around Ken calls to tell me they just walked in all jolly and happy. Claiming not to know what time it is.. I told him to not yell but to PLEASE let me have that satisfaction.  When I walked in Lauren says Mom,, you need to sit so that your head doesn't fume off ( her words). She then tells me that they decided to go check the fort out even though I had told them no.  I mean Mom I was with Emma and yes there were 5th grade boys there but we were only there for a few mins. Please don't be mad Mom I'm telling you before someone tells you. That has to count for something. As for me being late.. I have no excuse.. ok Mom, are you mad ??  I was still processing everything when she was done telling me..  On one hand she did come directly home and tell me.. On the other hand she went where she was told specifically not to go to. I did not yell which is my normal response.. I was very calm and told Emma I would be taking her home. Lauren kept asking what her punishment was, asking OVER AND OVER again.  Then I remembered when I was a kid and my mom would say wait till your Dad gets home. It felt like an eternity waiting.. So I made her wait to find out her fate. We don't need to get into the gritty details of her punishment.. Just know that she was not pleased. One thing for sure is this child is JUST LIKE ME... Scares me to death the older she gets.. WOW !! Dear Lord, Please don't give my Mother her wish. AMEN !!