Chapter Four:
A Snowy G.R.O.S.S. Meeting
The next morning, after getting dressed and having breakfast, Calvin and Hobbes went right to work on Calvin's remaining schoolwork. By now, two-thirds of it was done. Calvin seemed to be applying himself even more.
After reading a chapter for history, Calvin told his tiger friend, "You know, Hobbes, maybe this suspension and punishment was for the better. It used to be easier for me to slack off on homework, not pay attention in class, and act out. But now it feels easier to actually do the work after having done it for a while!"
Hobbes smiled. "That's good to know," he said. "And I'm also learning as well. I guess I'm not as smart as I thought I was…"
"I'll say," Calvin said.
…
Calvin managed to finish all of his work right before lunch. His mom was very impressed. "I'm amazed," she said with a smile. "All right, after you eat lunch you can go play outside."
"YAY!" Calvin cheered.
And so, after lunch, Calvin bundled up and Hobbes put on his scarf, and they both went outside into their snowy backward. The first order of business was to hold a meeting for their G.R.O.S.S. club, Get Rid Of Slimy girlS, in their tree fort. But they had to scoop the snow out of the fort and dump it underneath, except a small pile just in case of attack.
"This meeting of the Get Rid Of Slimy girlS club is now in session," Calvin began. "Dictator for life Calvin presiding, with first tiger Hobbes."
"Hear hear!" Hobbes said, clapping his hands.
"Today's agenda involves discussion on the successful sneak attack on enemy Susie Derkins, an acknowledged girl," Calvin announced. "It's a great day for the club!"
"This definitely goes in the log book," Hobbes said, pulling out their notebook and pencil from under a small wooden crate kept in the tree fort.
"There was a small price to pay," Calvin continued, "getting suspended from school, but it was all worth it! Promotions and medals are in order!"
"Whoa-whoa, wait," Hobbes said, holding up his hands. "Remember what we talked about before bed? On changing your behaviors at school?"
"Hmm," Calvin thought. "I must've forgot in the heat of the moment."
"Well, as president and first tiger, I propose a new amendment," Hobbes suggested. "We shall declare that no attacks on enemy girls be carried out at any public schools, inside or out."
"Sounds fair enough," Calvin agreed. "And you get an extra medal for that ideal amendment as well!" He handed Hobbes an old soda bottle cap from a pile of them kept in the wooden crate. "All attacks on Susie or other girls involving snowballs, water or other such weapons only be done outdoors, not on school grounds or near any public places. Everything is working out beautifully!"
"What a great club," Hobbes smiled.
…
At dinner, Calvin's dad was pleased to hear how his son finished all his class and homework before lunch and was learning his lesson on behaving in school.
"I'm very glad you're starting to apply yourself a bit more," Dad said. "I hope you remember all of this when you go back to school tomorrow."
"I'm sure I will," Calvin said. But in the back of his mind, he thought about having to deal with Moe again, getting beaten up. But now he had an idea on how he could still come out the victor without getting in trouble himself…