Chapter 8 - “BARRETT PROPERTY”Bernice loved the phrase Barrett property.
At family dinners:
“Barrett property should stay Barrett.”
Nobody questioned because sounded traditional.
Audrey did now.
She gathered old texts.
One:
Bernice: Mallory will eventually realize girls need permanent roots.
Another:
Bernice: If she remarries, we need structure before then.
Audrey:
Who is we?
No response.
Mallory saw.
She had not dated anyone.
Bernice fought future ghost.
Why?
A month before Caleb’s death, he and Bernice had argued about family cabin sold by cousin after divorce. Bernice angry “assets leaving name.” Caleb mocked:
“Mom, land doesn’t have surname.”
Audrey remembered.
Mallory laughed sadly.
He had said.
So Bernice knew Caleb disagreed.
That weakened claim “for him.”
She was imposing own ideology.
Family identity vs ownership.
Mallory explained to Wren:
“Last name doesn’t decide who deserves home.”
Wren:
“But Grandma says Barrett girls.”
“You are Barrett.”
“Elsie Barrett.”
“I’m Barrett.”
“Also my family name before was Collins.”
“You are part of them too.”
Children can have multiple lineages.
Bernice had narrowed.
At school Wren completed family tree and included maternal grandparents.
Bernice once corrected:
“That’s Collins side.”
Wren:
“Still mine.”
Maybe new.
Good.
Meanwhile, Naomi learned Bernice had outstanding business judgments? Later.
For now, Barrett Property LLC bank account opened with $5,000.
No house.
Good.
Mallory wondered why so much effort for pride.
Naomi:
“Follow money.”
They couldn't without legal basis.
But Audrey mentioned Bernice had sold a vacation condo recently.
Why?
Bernice told downsizing.
May you like
Maybe debt.
Seeds.
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