Betty Before X

Betty has been at the Malloy’s house for a month. She likes living there but she misses her sisters. One morning she hears Ollie Mae talking with Mrs. Malloy downstairs. Mrs. Malloy says she wants Betty, and Ollie Mae says to keep her. She’ll pack the rest of Betty’s things for them to pick up later. Betty wants to know why her mother would give her up twice. She tells Mrs. Malloy that she wishes she could hate her. Mrs. Malloy urges Betty to forgive Ollie Mae and heal herself. Betty asks if she can start counting her blessings tomorrow, and Mrs. Malloy agrees.

Mr. Malloy brings Betty’s possessions to their home and gets her a record player. Betty lists the things she is grateful for, and it makes her feel better. She thanks God for the Malloys.

Betty goes to Suesetta’s house after church. Suesetta is thrilled that they are neighbors now. Kay cuts Betty’s hair now that Ollie Mae can’t disapprove. Betty decides to join the Housewives’ League that day.