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3rd POV
George S. laughed as he patted Georgie's shoulder while walking out of the Luminous Records studio.
"Hahaha, are you sure you don't want to be my Godson?" George S. teased, grinning at Georgie, who could only offer an awkward smile after hearing it for the third time.
"Stop trying to take my son!" George C. snapped, glaring at George S. with clenched teeth.
Ignoring him completely, George S. continued, "You know what? I have an even better idea! How about I just adopt you? What do you think?" He smirked and gestured toward George C.'s shirt, which now bore his signature along with the words: 'You lucky bastard!!!'
George S. obviously knew Georgie wouldn't accept the offer—this was all just to poke fun at George C. and get a rise out of him. His smirk widened as he glanced at George C. more than once, deliberately provoking him.
"That's it! You and me, right here, right now!" George C. growled, stepping forward, ready to swing a punch—only for Georgie to hold him back, keeping him from lunging at George S.
George S. raised his hands in surrender, still laughing as he backed away. "I'm kidding!" he chuckled, but the playful wink he shot at Georgie only made George C. more irritated.
"Alright, knock it off, guys," Georgie sighed, trying to calm his father down. "Thank you for your time, Mr. S." he added, flashing his signature business smile.
"You too, son. I hope you keep practicing and put on a hell of a performance at my concert!" George S. said, shaking his hand.
"Yes, Mr. S. I'll keep training and give 120% on stage!" Georgie replied, his voice filled with determination.
George S. nodded approvingly before shaking hands with Rosie and Fenley, both of whom expressed their gratitude for his visit.
Finally, George S. turned to George C., extending his hand. "You've got an amazing son," he said sincerely.
George C. hesitated for a moment before shaking his hand. "You too."
"…Wait." George S. paused. "You mean Georgie is mysontoo?" He gasped dramatically. "Really?" He turned to Georgie in mock surprise.
"GET OUT OF HERE!"
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3rd POV - At the Cooper residence.
Mary, Sheldon, Missy, and Veronica had finally returned from the church picnic.
Though tired, Veronica's face remained lit with a smile as she stepped inside.
Today had been one of the best days she had experienced in a long time—she had felt warmth, family, and a sense of belonging that had become rare in her own home.
So even though exhaustion weighed on her, it couldn't wipe the smile off her face.
"I'm tired!" Missy groaned, dramatically collapsing onto the living room sofa. "BIG BROTHER!" she called out, her voice muffled against the cushions.
Mary sighed at her daughter's antics, while Sheldon, equally exhausted, silently trudged off to his room.
"George! We're home!" Mary called out as she walked into the kitchen, looking for something to drink. But there was no response.
She frowned. Normally, George or Georgie would've shouted back.
A strange feeling crept up her spine as she scanned the house.
Veronica noticed her expression. "Where are Coach George and Georgie?" she asked, suddenly alert.
"I… don't know," Mary admitted, her concern growing. "Let me make a call." She walked toward the landline.
"It's like déjà vu," Veronica mumbled under her breath.
Mary's eyes widened, instantly realizing where to call. She quickly dialed Luminous Records, glancing at Veronica, who gave her a knowing nod.
"Where's my brother?" Missy asked, looking up from the couch.
"We don't know. Maybe he went to the studio with Coach George." Veronica guessed.
"Oh, alright," Missy shrugged before grabbing the remote. She immediately started watching TV, much to Veronica's surprise.
She had expected Missy to throw a tantrum, like before.
Mary finally got through.
"Yes… Hello… Are Georgie and George there? …Yes… Alright… Thank you." She sighed in relief before hanging up.
"They're on their way home," she reassured them.
Veronica nodded. "…I think I should head home now," she said hesitantly.
She didn't want to leave, but she also didn't want to impose on the Coopers any longer. Today had been perfect, and she didn't want to overstay her welcome.
"Aww, at least wait for Georgie to come back," Mary suggested before adding, "You can take a shower first before you go."
Mary had grown to genuinely like Veronica—maybe she had even started seeing her as part of the family.
Though a small part of her still worried that Georgie might repeat 'her mistakes', Mary had begun to trust him more.
Veronica studied Mary's expression and saw nothing but sincerity.
"…Thank you," she said softly, genuinely touched.
"You're welcome, honey," Mary replied, pulling her into a brief hug. Then, she suddenly pulled away with a teasing grimace, "…That's it, you sweat a lot! Go take a shower!."
Veronica laughed and hurried off.
Meanwhile…
Sheldon had changed into fresh clothes and returned to the living room, only to find Missy watching TV alone.
"Where's Brother?" he asked.
"I dunno," Missy mumbled, eyes glued to the screen.
Sheldon sighed and sat beside her.
"We should watch Professor Proton. It's educational," he said, reaching for the remote.
Missy immediately snatched it away.
Sheldon frowned, annoyed, he huffed and stood up, walking toward the garage.
Missy barely acknowledged him. "Go play with your little toy trains." she muttered.
Sheldon stopped.
Slowly, he turned around.
"It's not a toy. It's a hobby—it helps me relax." he corrected, arms crossed.
Missy smirked, not even looking at him, "Oh yeah? It's a toy—just like my Barbie."
Sheldon's eye twitched.
Taking a deep breath, he turned back toward the garage.
"Hufftt… take a deep breath…" he mumbled to himself, trying to calm down.
But then—
"Choo… choo… choo…"
Missy made a mocking train noise.
Sheldon froze.
His mind suddenly flashed back—
February 14, 1982.
"…I remember the recipe…" Sheldon said, his eyes locking onto Missy.
Missy, who had barely been paying attention, finally turned to look at him. "What recipe?"
"Memaw's brisket!" Sheldon exclaimed, his eyes wide. "Brother was right—I do know the recipe!"
"Wait!" Missy gasped. "We have to tell Brother first!"
Sheldon nodded. He wasn't sure what else he could do to help fix their family, but this… this felt like a step in the right direction.
Maybe sharing the recipe with him was the answer.
Missy, however, simply shrugged, giving him a bored look. "Alright, go play with your train."
"….."
Sheldon clenched his fists in frustration but knew arguing with Missy was pointless.