In the dining room, Meemaw, George, Mary, Georgie, Connor, Paige, Sheldon, and Missy were gathered.
"I've gathered you all here to discuss a decision that Connor and I have been talking about, one that we believe is best for our family during this time of change. With Connor and Sheldon heading off to university, things might change a bit, and I want to take advantage of this change to drastically shift our course," George spoke from his usual spot at the head of the table, where he could see his entire family.
Mary, nervous and uncomfortable with the situation and her husband's seemingly odd behavior, spoke up, "And what would this change be that you're talking about?" Taking the lead, Mary began to ask questions, which prompted everyone else to chime in.
"What kind of change? Are you finally going to admit that Sheldon is adopted? Frankly, I already knew," exclaimed Missy.
"What kind of change are we talking about?? Did you start drinking beer again and get into debt to buy that car, and now you're declaring bankruptcy? I'm not lending you any money," Meemaw said, arms crossed, prepared to witness George's embarrassment.
"Mom, am I adopted? I don't like the idea, but honestly, it would explain a lot," Sheldon asked.
With everyone trying to speak at once, creating chaos and not understanding each other, George had a brief glimpse of what Mary dealt with every day and didn't like it.
"EVERYONE, CALM DOWN!" George shouted with authority. "Let me explain. No, I didn't get into debt with that car because it's not mine. Second, Sheldon is not adopted. And third, and most importantly, I'm planning for us to move to Washington to be closer to Sheldon at college and Connor, and to take care of our family together."
Having said it all at once, George's mouth went dry, and he took a sip of water before continuing, "Now you can ask questions."
First, Mary spoke, "How? We don't have the money to move to Washington. And even if we did move, how would we handle things? We have friends here, church, school, and everything else. This is so sudden," Mary said, listing a dozen ensuing problems while holding her head in her hands.
"As for the money, we have no problem. Connor took care of everything for us. And I must say we don't need to worry about money for at least 30 years. Regarding the church, there are many churches in Washington. I don't think the location matters much for praying to God, as long as there are Christians, there will be a sanctuary. And regarding the school, there are also many good schools in Washington because it's a bigger city than Galveston, and we'll still be friends with our friends, just not here," George explained.
"I personally don't mind moving. The school isn't that great anyway, and there must be more baseball teams in the new city if we move," Missy said casually.
"I think it's great. There aren't many things in this Texas town, and I wouldn't have to worry about taking care of myself alone, since Mom and Meemaw will be with me," added Sheldon.
"Georgie, don't you have something to say? You've been quiet the whole time," George asked.
Georgie, lost in thought, suddenly snapped awake at the mention of his name. "No, nothing. Just thinking about some things. Please continue," Georgie said, gesturing to keep the discussion going.
Finding their eldest son's behavior odd, George and Mary exchanged glances but continued the discussion.
"Well, since you've come to this point, I think a change of scenery might be good for us. Maybe I'll make friends in the new neighborhood," Mary said, unconvinced by her own words. "But how did Connor solve our financial issue?" Mary asked, curious.
"With this!" George placed a considerable check on the table. "Connor gave us a portion from the sale of his book. He said it was the least he could offer as a family member when he has more than he could ever spend in a lifetime," George said, with a nod of agreement from Connor.
Mary took the check in her hands, and Meemaw and Missy leaned in curiously to observe.
"Wow, how many zeros are there? How much is this?" Missy asked, stars in her eyes.
"It's seven zeros," Meemaw counted mentally, her eyes widening before exclaiming, "It's 10 million dollars!" She looked surprised at Connor, who remained silent, watching them.
"How many ice creams and makeup can you buy with all that?" Missy asked excitedly.
At that moment, Mary froze upon hearing Meemaw mention the amount. As the adult managing the household finances, she knew the value of that money. With this money, she could consider herself a millionaire, and things would be much easier, but in her heart, she had doubts that quickly surfaced and were put on the table.
"Connor, is it okay for us to accept this? Does it not affect your capital?" Mary asked.
"Don't worry, Mary. My capital today is 1 billion in shares split between Apple and Microsoft, and that number is only going to rise. John Sculley sent me a letter to attend the Apple shareholders' meeting in Cupertino, California. I plan to present some ideas there and boost the company, which is in a bit of a rough spot. I hope Steve Jobs will be there, but since his departure, it'll be difficult," Connor explained.
Mary, not understanding a word of what he said, found it amazing that he had such an incredible amount at a young age.
Sheldon, on the other hand, was completely excited. "An Apple shareholder? I'm a big fan of this company's creations—the Macintosh Classic, Macintosh LC, and the beautiful PowerBook. Can I go to the meeting?" he asked.
"Uh, no, you can't go," Connor said to Sheldon, who looked at him with starry eyes before George intervened with a cough.
"Cough cough, I think we've veered off the main topic a bit. When we take Sheldon, Connor, and Paige to Washington tomorrow, we'll look at properties with a local real estate agent."
At that moment, the meeting continued before it got late, and Meemaw spoke up, "Good for you all, but unfortunately, I won't be going with you."
"Why not, Meemaw?" Sheldon asked.
"Yeah, Mom, why?" Mary inquired.
"I agree with the idea," George added sarcastically.
"Well, Mary, you should know the reason. I'm getting old and don't have much time left. I plan to stay in Texas, at least. I don't intend to move from the house where your father and I lived, despite him being a kind bastard. I don't want to let go of the memories we made in that house."
Seeing how right Meemaw was in this regard, despite Sheldon and Mary's dissatisfaction, they understood how important this was to her. Even Sheldon, a social outcast, understood.
When Meemaw left, George took the opportunity to end the meeting, as it was getting late, and bedtime was approaching. As everyone was getting up and going about their tasks, Georgie approached George and said, "Dad, I need to talk to you in private," sensing that the situation was serious from his son's expression, which he saw for the first time, George became a little serious and signaled to go to the garden.
In the garden, Georgie got straight to the point. "Dad, I don't intend to go with you guys. I want to be independent, and I think now is a good opportunity. I got a job at the mechanic's, and people said I have a talent for it. I can take care of the house while you're in the new house. I plan to drop out of school and go into business. I'm already 16 and want to start my life."
Not expecting these words from his foolish son, George was a bit surprised. "Are you sure? Is this really what you want? Washington is a good place to live."
"Yes, Dad, this is what I want. And Meemaw will stay here to help me with things until I get used to being alone, so you don't have to worry about that. I've thought about it a lot and was already planning to talk to you about it when this opportunity came up, and I think it's a good idea."
Looking at his foolish son and thinking about how time flies, it seemed like just yesterday his foolish son only thought about girls, but for some reason lately, he seemed a bit more mature about everything and was already becoming a respectable man. Maybe this is a good opportunity for him. Having decided, George said, "Alright, son. At your age, I was like that too. I don't intend to stop you because your performance has satisfied me lately, but try to finish school first. We'll financially support you; there's no need to rush," George said, playing his role as a father.
Unlike The Big Bang Theory series, George was much calmer and more controlled than Sheldon, and here he showed an even more admirable calmness and understanding.
"Okay, Dad, I'll try, but I won't promise anything," Georgie said determinedly.
"Alright, son," George said as he put his hand on his shoulder and led him back toward the house.
-End of the chapter -