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Show Pepperr.-u.rit Monda; visit. Uncle William and Aunt Georgia were touring the state, which actually meant hitting the campaign trail. I guess politics require a lot of dedication, because elections were still months away. Anyway, while Uncle William was busy, Barton had nowhere to go. He was sixteen, which I think is old enough to stay alone, but ma insisted, and I guess Aunt Georgia felt better about having him with us. Ma and Georgia only had one other brother, and he was working in Europe. I'm sure Barton would have rather gone to Europe, but he wasn't given the choice. Ma said Gerogia thought Barton might like the Ozarks, especially in the spring. That was a hilarious idea, but I knew better than to say so to ma. Barton would detest everything about my home, especially the fact it was mine. "Do I have to take him anywhere?" I still couldn't believe it. Barton Carlisle in our humble home. "Certainly. We want him to enjoy his stay here." Ma was defensive about Barton because he was her sister's only child. Ma and Georgia had been real close once. They didn't have much in common anymore though, especially in the line of offspring. Georgia had Barton. Ma had Russ, Jason, and me. Jason only had one pair of dress pants for church, and they were too short. • "Is he supposed to go to school with me?" I'd die if he was. Billy Crowley kidded me enough already. I'd never live through a day with Barton following me around. "He'll only miss three or four days since their spring vacation is sooner than yours. He won'.t need to attend school, but you can show him around." "Sure," I muttered. Maybe ma didn't know Barton's type, but he certainly would not be interested in Chester's Store or the kiddy spiral |