David C. McLavic - 8. Chapter 8

We sat there listening to Dad and Aunt Dorothy. Mom sat there fuming because we didn’t go to the farm. I thought she was acting like a spoiled child. I didn’t realize how much of a spoiled child she was until we returned to the farm.

I heard the door opening and then in a loud voice, “Where is that scoundrel?”

Dad stood up and headed for the door. I followed Dad, and I saw this man in a black robe grab Dad in a hug. “David, David, David, I thought I’d never see you again.”

I noticed this man holding Dad was crying. I couldn’t see Dad, but I’m sure he also had wet eyes. Releasing Dad, he saw me.

“Who is this?”

“Frank, this is my son, David.”

I expected to be picked up but instead, he held out his hand to shake. “I’m your Uncle Frank. You look like your dad when he was your age.”

“David, is Ann here?”

‘Yes, she is in the sitting room with Dorothy.”

“Still the same?”

“I’m afraid so.”

“I’ll never understand that woman. She was so cold when you brought her home for us to meet. Dolores and I have commented on how aloof she acted.”

“She hasn’t changed. She is upset because we are here and not at her sister’s farm.”

It was as if a light bulb went on, “Not that I’m complaining but why are you here?”

“We enrolled our oldest daughter at Penn’s nursing school. Being so close, I had to come and see you.”

While they were talking, they were walking. As we entered the sitting room. Uncle Frank glanced at Mom, who had turned her head away. Then he saw Beth Ann. His face went white and I heard, ‘Jean]. He looked at Dad. “This is Beth Ann, my daughter.” Uncle Frank picked her, and all I heard was ‘Jean.’

From that moment on, Beth Ann was Uncle Frank’s favorite.

I was glad for her. With Mary Lou gone and Mom ignoring her, it was Uncle Joe and Dad who gave her any attention. That has changed with Uncle Frank. With him, she got all of his attention. I wasn’t jealous I was glad for her. The only time Uncle Frank left her was when he went to change his clothes. He said he wanted to get more comfortable.