217 Peggy Arrives
After Mike and the two girls went back to playing poker, George and Hershel also started drinking at Cooper.
Perhaps he had been holding in too much frustration at home, for Hershel soon became a little tipsy.
"You know, all I ever wanted was to open a farm in the countryside and live a comfortable pastoral life. But Brenda doesn't support me at all..." With a slight buzz, Hershel couldn't help but complain about his situation at home.
As a true Texan, Hershel's dream was to own his own estate and live a leisurely, idyllic life.
Raising chickens and fishing—that kind of life sounded wonderful just thinking about it.
However, Brenda, who was allergic to animals, was very reluctant to move to the countryside with her husband.
In her opinion, the town, whether in terms of medical standards, educational resources, or living facilities, was much better than a small rural area.
So, for long-term considerations, Brenda would rather work a bit harder in town than move to a place in the countryside with no prospects for development.
This was a difference in their philosophies of life.
Therefore, Hershel and his wife had argued many times at home over this matter.
George, whose family life was also not going well, felt some empathy for Hershel's predicament.
The situations of the two middle-aged men were very similar: both were strongly obstructed by their wives, one unable to live his ideal rural life in the countryside, and the other losing a good opportunity to coach a football team at a university.
So, with George's occasional affirmations, the two equally frustrated middle-aged men drank more and more.
Thus, the drinking session continued until after five in the afternoon, and it wasn't until Billy came looking for him that Hershel, with faltering steps, followed his son home.
"If Hershel hadn't said anything, I would have thought Brenda's family was very happy..." Mary, who had been listening to Hershel complain all afternoon in the side room, walked out with a somewhat gloating expression.
It was clear she hadn't forgotten the unpleasantness between her and Brenda last time.
And knowing that the other party was not doing well made Mary feel very happy.
As the saying goes: happiness is relative.
"This is someone else's family matter; let's not discuss it," George said, frowning slightly at his wife's gossipy demeanor. Then he added, "I need to rest. Don't disturb me before dinner."
"You really are something, drinking so much with Hershel for no reason..." As her husband returned to the room reeking of alcohol, Mary grumbled at him while also tidying up the mess he left behind.
...
For a while after, little George, having gained Hershel's approval, began a life of early mornings and late nights, learning car repair skills at the repair shop.
One day before dinner, when Mike dropped off the two girls and arrived at Cooper, he found the atmosphere at the dinner table a bit unusual.
"What happened?" Mike asked.
"It's Hershel... He divorced Brenda and has already taken his young daughter to the countryside..." Little George, unable to keep a secret, explained.
Evidently, Hershel, who yearned for a leisurely rural life, abandoned his wife and son for his ideal.
And because it happened so suddenly, little George, now without a guarantor, also lost his status as an apprentice at the repair shop.
Normally, without someone leading the way, wanting to learn skills at a repair shop not only requires doing heavy physical labor for the shop but also paying a certain learning fee.
It was precisely for this reason that, after discussing it, Cooper decided to abandon the plan of letting little George continue to learn car repair.
And little George, who had finally found his interest, was feeling depressed about his current situation.
"Little George, school starts in a few days..." Noticing his eldest son's low spirits, George comforted him, "It's fine if you don't go to the repair shop. You can use this time to prepare your schoolwork well."
From a parent's perspective, a student's most important task is still studying.
However, compared to studying, which he wasn't good at, little George clearly preferred working as a mechanic.
After all, with his strong talent for hands-on work, it was only when repairing cars that he felt he was no worse than anyone else.
This sense of satisfaction was enough to immerse any young person.
It was just a pity that little George did not receive enough attention at home.
Hearing his father's words, the light in his eyes faded, and he silently lowered his head.
Indeed, the eldest son's emotions did not surprise George and his wife as much as Hershel and his wife's divorce did.
Mary, overflowing with sympathy, had previously disliked Brenda, with whom she had quarreled.
But upon learning that Brenda had been divorced and would have to raise her son alone in difficult circumstances, Mary began to pity her again.
"George, if you have time tomorrow, go see Brenda at her place. If there's anything you can help with, please do," Mary instructed.
Brenda's salary at the Bowling alley was not high, and she also had to raise a nine-year-old son. Her future life, without a doubt, would be very tough.
"No need, Brenda seems like a strong woman. She should be able to handle her problems herself," George declined.
Although he also felt some sympathy for Brenda's family situation, his fear of trouble still made him unwilling to have too much contact with Brenda, who was a newly divorced young woman.
It could be said that George's family values were still very upright at this time, and he did not want to disrupt his current peaceful life due to some special circumstances.
"Go help Brenda. I remember she's allergic to animals, and the chicken coop at her house will definitely need someone to take care of it." Connie, with more life experience, understood the hardships of a single mother even more.
So, she said, "I'll go with you tomorrow."
As neighbors and due to her love for bowling, Connie had always had a good relationship with Brenda, who worked at the Bowling alley.
Within her capabilities, Grandma truly wanted to help Brenda out.
"Alright, I'll go tomorrow," With the conversation having reached this point, George agreed to the two ladies' request.
Seeing that Brenda's matter was settled, Connie, feeling relaxed, seemed to remember another important thing.
She turned to Mike and said, "Peggy's parents have already communicated with the school about her transfer to Melford High School. The little girl will be coming to live here tomorrow, so please look after her for me."
"That fast?" Mike knew a little about the little girl's idea of transferring to Melford, but he hadn't expected them to move so quickly.
However, it was understandable. As a super genius, it was an honor for Melford to have Peggy transfer.
In such a situation, giving a genius some special treatment was no big deal.
"Alright, I'll take good care of Peggy," Mike said, having understood the reason, and immediately promised.
And after receiving Mike's assurance, Connie smiled and said no more.
The next day, a free George took his idle eldest son and accompanied Connie to Brenda's house.
Their arrival helped Brenda, who was overwhelmed, a great deal.
"Connie and George, thank you for coming to help." Brenda, who had just gone through a divorce, was emotionally fragile. Having people come to help not only eased her mood but also deeply moved her.
"As a thank you, I'd like to give you the chicken coop in the yard..." Brenda said, "You know I'm allergic to animals, and I can't take care of the chicken coop if it stays here."
"No, no, no, we appreciate your kindness, but we can't take the chicken coop," Connie firmly refused her offer.
As a single mother, Brenda's future life would certainly not be easy.
And having a small chicken coop at home, even if she just sold eggs later, would help ease her financial situation a bit.
"That's right, Brenda. We can't take the chicken coop..." George said softly, his heart softening. "How about this: when little George and I have time, we'll come over and help you manage the chicken coop. You don't have to worry about your allergy."
"Thank you so much," Brenda had been impulsive earlier, but now that she had calmed down, she recognized her situation.
She still had a child to care for, and life had to go on.
Moreover, personal preferences aside, selling eggs was a good skill.
So, Brenda, having calmed down and reconsidered, again offered half of the eggs as payment for George and his son's help.
After all, favors fade, and mutual benefit is the long-term solution.
After George declined twice, to reassure Brenda, he agreed to the compensation she offered.
At the same time, Mr. and Mrs. Barry were driving a large pickup truck filled with luggage, bringing their daughter to Grandma Connies doorstep.
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