Camilla

Camilla sat at the kitchen table, head resting on one hand, staring at the floor. Across from her at the other side of the table sat her 19 year old daughter, Helen. Her son, 18 year old Thomas, stood next to the refrigerator, his butt hitched up on a kitchen counter.

"Mom," Helen said, "you lost the bet."

"I know, but... I didn't really think you meant-"

"A bet's a bet mom," Thomas added. "But I think we'll take it easy on you. At least, I will, I can't speak for Helen."

"I don't know, she said she'd get us another car, that would be pretty huge. We'd have to share it, but still..."

"Helen, we both know we can't afford another car. I don't know what mom was thinking when she agreed to that, but it's not an option."

"I thought it was a sure thing," Camilla said, "Getting you two to keep the house clean for a whole month... And who knew the Cardinals would suddenly turn their season around like that?"

"Look, I'm sure we can come up with another way to settle the bet," Helen said. "In fact, I might have an idea."

"I have one too," Thomas added.