Chapter 6

• ~ July 23rd - 9:30 PM ~
• Rodger wandered into the apartment. "Rodger, Your dinner is on the stove!" His father yelled from the living room. The light from the television was the only sign of life in the apartment. Taking off his shoes, he shuffled his feet into the living room. He spotted his dad consumed in his favourite show. The light of the screencast off the walls. “Hey, Dad, can we chat for a minute?” he called out.
• Mr. Smart paused the episode, turning his attention to his son. “Looks like you managed to wrap up the project your grandfather had for you,” he said, clearing his throat as he set the remote on the side table.
• Chuckling, Rodger said, "Grandpa wants me to work on the fence tomorrow. I figure if I do it alone, it will probably take me a week or two. But the posts need to be replaced." Motioning his feet into the living room, Rodger took a seat on the sofa, excitement mingling with nervousness.
• “Soph just invited me to her family’s cabin for the August long weekend,” Rodger started, feeling excited about the chance to hang out with his friends. Since the last day of school, they haven't had the time to chat much. “I wanted to check if you needed me around here that weekend.” He hesitated for a moment, the next question lingering in his mind, unsure of how it would be received.
• “If your grandfather doesn’t require your help at the farm, I can't understand why you shouldn't go!” Mr. Smart said with a warm smile. As he was peering at his son, “Let me take a wild guess,” he grunted, leaning in a bit and moving his hand around to find his wallet. “You’re in need of some cash for food, aren’t you?”
• Rodger clenched his teeth, forcing a smile despite the discomfort he was feeling. The thought of asking his father for money made his stomach twist. Taking a deep breath, Rodger nodded, "Well, that and gas money. I spoke with Grandpa," he said, revealing the fifty-dollar bill he had been gifted. "This should cover most of the food, but I was really hoping you could help me out with an early allowance!" As the words left his mouth, he wrinkled his face as if he had just committed a sin.
• “Son, you’re not in high school anymore. I shouldn’t have to give you money for your entertainment.” Mr. Smart pulled out his wallet and checked the contents. He handed Rodger two twenty-dollar bills and a ten-dollar bill. “Rodger, I know you work hard on your grandfather’s farm, but,” he paused as Rodger accepted the money, “you need to start thinking about getting a job that pays!” He leaned back in his seat. "I understand that you are working for your grandfather without pay, and I see why you do it. However, now that you're older, you have to understand that there are responsibilities that need to be looked after."
• “I know, Dad, it’s just…” Rodger stared at the dollar bills in his hand, folding them nervously. He glared at his hands for a moment. “Grandpa told me today that he’s selling the farm.” His tone was low, still in disbelief at what was happening.
• Today, when he saw a truck carrying some of his grandfather's cattle, he inquired about the reason. Although the farm was making ends meet, his grandfather was struggling to pay the wages his hired hand wanted, as they were claiming that the farm down the road was offering five dollars more. Even though it was just a five-dollar difference, it was an amount his grandfather could not afford. Additionally, it wasn’t just the issue of paying the hired hand; the equipment was old and deteriorating, and his grandfather was unable to invest in repairs. With his age adding to the challenges he faced, his grandfather decided to start decreasing the number of cattle on the farm. Preparing the selling of the land. Something Rodger knew pained his grandfather but had to be done.
• For as long as Rodger could remember, he had gone to his grandfather's cattle farm each summer to work. Fifteen summers of memories had shaped him into the man he was now, and he was struggling to accept this news. It was going to be hard not to go to the farm to aid his grandfather in tasks that needed to be done.
• “Hmm!” Mr. Smart nodded thoughtfully. “Your grandfather is going to be 70 years old in less than a month. It’s hard work running a farm with so few hands.” He clasped his hands over his round belly.
• “Yeah!” Rodger placed the money in his coat pocket. “Grandpa has offered the farm to Pickten. He is considering it, but if Pickten takes over, it could quickly decline. Rider is already thinking about leaving, claimed the Cameron's are paying five dollars more for the same amount of work. And …” He leaned back against the sofa, “the repairs needed are not in Grandpa’s budget. He isn't looking at a few thousand ... it is closer to half a million.” He filled his lungs only to push out the air quickly.
• “Your mom is going to be heartbroken when she finds out about this. That farm has been in your mother's family for three generations. It’s where she was born and raised. Dreaming of the day you'd step into your grandfathers shoes.” Mr. Smart studied his son a moment longer. Noticing the tension in his son's shoulders. ‘Rodger has always been easy to read,’ he thought. With an encouraging smile, he probed, “You’re searching for a way to save the farm, aren’t you?”
• “Absolutely! The last thing I want is for Grandpa to end up in an old age home. He mentioned that would be his fate once the farm and house are sold. He’s feeling overwhelmed with the work and the bills these days.” Rodger let out a chuckle, a glint of mischief in his eyes. “I jokingly told Grandpa he should sell the farm to the Cameron's nemesis ... it would just be too hilarious not to see it happen!” He frowned again, thinking about the dilemma.
• A smirk spread across Mr. Smart's face. With a husky laugh, "You know he will do it! If only out of spite!" Silence had surrounded the two men for a couple of minutes. “Hmm…” He leaned back, lost in his thoughts. “I can only assume he’s thinking about moving to the city. Doesn't suit the old man. He likes the peace and quiet. But a small house on the out skirts would suit him well. I do believe there are plenty up for sale.”
• He listened to what his father had to say. “Yeah! Saw a place that was up for sale when I was driving home.” Rodger exclaimed. Shifting his position and getting settled into the sofa. “If I thought for a second that the bank would actually give me a loan ... to take over the farm ... I would jump at the chance!" He was travelling deeper into his thoughts. "I want to look after Grandpa and keep the farm thriving.” He paused, tilting his head thoughtfully. “But first, I’ve got to save up some money.” His expression grew serious. “I even considered doing the hard work myself while Grandpa relaxes at home. It would give him peace of mind, knowing he can stay in the place he loves until the end.” He frowned as he looked down at his hands. "Grandpa said he would give me the farm, but I have to pay for the land transfer. And then there are the other fees ..." he rubbed his hands down his face, "sorry for rambling, I am just trying to figure out how to save the farm and look after grandpa."
• "You and your mother will do the same." Mr. Smart tapped his fingers on the armrest, looking contemplative. “Well, the lumber yard is on the lookout for a strong worker. I can get you in there starting tomorrow,” he suggested, knowing it wasn’t precisely Rodger’s dream job. “I know it’s not glamorous, but it pays the bills and keeps food on the table.” He closed his eyes for a moment, weighing his words. “Honestly, we could really use your help with expenses, especially since you have quite the appetite!”
• Rodger chuckled, knowing full well his love for food might be a bit excessive. “You and Mom were just letting me have this last summer with Grandpa, weren’t you?” He’d known this for a while. They were far from struggling, nor were they rich either. His mom worked as a waitress, and his father managed the lumber yard, so they did well. Their parent's goal had been to buy a house and retire. The only obstacle was Rodger and his unknown future.
• “Yes son!" Mr. Smart pushed the air out of his lungs, not wishing to have this conversation but had to. "The truth is, you’re becoming a man now. Sooner or later, you’ll want a girlfriend, and I doubt she’ll want to marry someone without a plan for the future,” Mr. Smart advised gently. He cleared his throat, his mind drifting back to Rodger’s dreams. “Your mother and I aren’t asking for much ... just that you contribute to your meals, which, by the way, seems to be everything!” They both erupted in laughter. "I have never seen you turn down a meal!" He added.
• “Can I at least finish out the summer with Grandpa, or until he sells the farm? It troubles me to think of him managing everything alone,” Rodger said, a serious note creeping into his voice. "Grandpa figures he can have the farm sold before the end of the year." he glanced at his hands.
• Mr. Smart leaned forward, patting Rodger’s knee. “You do that, and then," He leaned back into his recliner. "Once summer’s over ... you’ll work with me at the lumber yard. If you work hard and save your earnings, you could be on your way to school in a year or two. Hell, you could probably buy your own land and build up from that!” He leaned back, a smile forming. “Who knows, maybe you’ll even take over my position someday,” he chuckled. "I can't count how many time the equipment runs into issues. I am sure if you can take your skills from the farm to the lumber yard ... the boss will love you." Mr. Smart nodded his head once. “Mr. Yurkovich is tough, but he pays well ... better than most jobs out there.”
• After considering his father’s words, Rodger started to formulate a plan. It wasn't what he wanted, but it would do. “Alright, I’ll help Grandpa until September, and then I’ll send my resume to Mr. Yurkovich. What do I really have to lose?”
• “Your mother’s pot pie!” Mr. Smart laughed, noticing the comical horror sweeping across Rodger’s face at the thought of giving it up.
• “Not Mama’s pot pie!” Rodger gasped dramatically, clutching his chest. “I will starve!”
• They both laughed heartily as Mr. Smart shifted the conversation. "You don't even need to send in a resume. I've already spoken to Mr. Yurkovich. I may have bragged a bit about your skills. He's interested in hiring you and has just been waiting for you to show up. I will let him know that come September, he'll have the best of the best on the site." He watched his son nod with a smile on his face. Although it wasn't precisely what Rodger wanted, it was a step in the right direction. Changing the subject, Mr. Smart asked, "What’s the plan for the trip to Sophia’s parents’ cabin?"
• "We will be leaving on Friday, July 31st, in the morning and come back Monday afternoon." Rodger shook his head good-naturedly. “For the details, Sophia will hand that to Zoe, the queen of rules, regulations and planning. Sophia as great as she is as a person, has always gone with the flow. So it will be the usual type party with drinking, food and laughing!”
• Chuckling, "As long as you are safe! Where abouts is this cabin?"
• Rodger shrugged his shoulders, "I have not a clue! All I know is that it is in the middle of nowhere where there is no internet or electronics." He clapped his hands together, "and that is my type of resort!" Mr. Smart watched with pride as Rodger stood up. “I’m going to eat and then head to bed; Grandpa wants me at the farm bright and early.” He paused at the doorway, looking back. “Do you mind if I stay at the farm the rest of the week?”
• “Shoot your mother a quick message and let her know,” Mr. Smart replied, turning back to the TV, a grin forming. “Also, make sure your Grandpa drives you back! I can already picture Mrs. Cramp complaining if she sees that rust bucket in the parking lot ... again ... for the weekend." he snorted as he recalled the last time Rodger left the truck in the parking lot for the weekend. "Every neighborhood has to have its own ‘Karen,’ right?” He chuckled at the thought, hearing Rodger shuffle his feet to leave the living room.
• Smiling again, “Sure thing, Dad!” Rodger stopped moving his feet. “Oh, and thanks for the money!” He then moved his feet to the stove to get his dinner.
• Bellowing, “Anytime, son!” Mr. Smart replied with a smile, feeling a sense of pride in his heart.