The Chattel Farmer

Ch 19 The Decision

Aaron was really looking forward to trying strawberry shortcake, so he hurried as fast as possible through his responsibilities. After milking time, we’re all back at the house for dessert. As Mary serves up the lightly browned sweet biscuits, topped with diced sweetened strawberries, and thick whipped cream into bowls she asked us if we should eat out on the porch. Both of the men agreed that it was a good idea. The dessert was outstanding and we both complimented Mary, who also seemed to be thoroughly enjoying the treat. We were mostly silent but it was very comfortable as we enjoyed the flavor of the sweet berries and watched the sunset pour colors across the sky.

George isn’t naturally talkative. Which was a good thing around his dad, who tended to smack kids who spoke when he wasn’t in a good mood. That trait was harder on some of his other brothers who like to talk. The dessert, sunset and comfortable quiet was about the perfect sort of evening to him. With mild shock he realized that this evening truly felt like family time which shouldn’t be true with a kid that he’s known barely a week. Looking over at Mary, he smirked to himself knowing that she thought that he was fooled. Like he hadn’t noticed the care she was taking with her outfits on the nights Aaron had dinner with them and how she used her mother’s dishes tonight. He knew that she hadn’t done much if anything with the boys that she’d grown up with. Maybe if her mother had been around to help her when puberty hit her like a ton of bricks things would have been different. Damn, he missed Theresa. She was an angel who helped save the mess his father made of his soul. Some fathers never want to think about their kids growing up but George respects the rhythm of life, and he wants Mary to experience what he had with Theresa. He took a minute to think about Aaron as a son-in-law. So far, Aaron had shown himself to be a hard worker, kind, respectful and a quick study. All good things, but he might get tired of life on this farm and break Mary’s heart.

Mary was thinking about how Aaron handled her “dinner test” and that she would have to say that he did really well. Maybe the idea of dating a city boy like Aaron wasn’t as foolish as it seemed at first. She didn’t want a broken heart and she was afraid that she wouldn’t be able to just have a summer fling like her girlfriends were telling her to do with Aaron. Mary knew that Aaron hadn’t officially decided to stay on the farm for the summer but she was pretty sure that he was going to decide to stay.

Aaron was quiet because he was thinking about the conversation he was about to have with Mr. Farber and he was enjoying the dessert very much. He needed to remember to tell his mom about this dessert to see if she’d be willing to try to make it sometime. It was nice just sitting and enjoying the beautiful view, and he didn’t feel any pressure to fill the silence. Mr. Farber told Mary he was going to walk me back to the apartment. I didn’t know how to start the conversation so I didn’t say anything. I just wasn’t sure how to talk about the issue, partly because I was starting to really value Mr. Farber’s opinion of myself. It seemed like just a second until we’re standing in the little lobby area of the barn.

“Aaron, do you want to talk in my office or someplace else?” I look up the stairs to my apartment. “Uh, your office sounds good.” We sit down in the office and Mr. Farber says “Tell me what you need to say.” Then he starts doing something with the mini auto chef. I wipe my sweating palms on my pants. “I’ve kept you waiting on my decision about the internship all week, but I wanted to be sure in my decision. I want to commit to working the entire internship. But I do have a question first and I’m not really sure how to ask.” Mr. Farber hands me a cup of hot liquid and focuses on me. “Aaron, here’s some peppermint tea with a bit of real honey. I’m glad you took your time to decide. I can tell that you’re a thoughtful person. I’m just a blunt old farmer so just spit out your questions.” He sips his tea, and patiently waits. I try my tea while my mind scrambles for the right words. “I like the tea. I thought you’d be upset that I’d. . .bred the heifer before the bull did it. Is it ok for me to . . . do stuff with the chattel?” We sip tea for a few moments. I’m relieved that he doesn’t look upset and that I got the problem out in the open.

“As I said, I’m a blunt man and I’ve spent my whole life around chattel. I think I’ve seen just about every situation that can come up on a farm like this, so I don’t think you can shock me. If you are not allowed to f**k the chattel, do you still want this position?” I looked up from my tea and I didn’t see any judgement at all. “I want to work here this summer no matter what the rules are about f*****g the chattel.” Mr. Farber has a pleased as he leans back and drinks more tea. “Breeding is the intention to make a baby calf. You need to wear a condom so that breeding doesn’t happen when you f**k the chattel. I don’t think I need to tell you this but the calves are off limits. Your fun shouldn’t interfere with the work I expect of you. Don’t damage them, or tie them down to get your rocks off. I’m spelling this out because you asked, not because I think you’d do something like that. Getting a little personal, but my wife died over eight years ago, so sometimes I enjoy some private time with chattel.” A few more sips of tea and I reply “I’ve got the implant so I’m shooting blanks but I’ll wrap it up every time.” He makes eye contact, “Good. Any other questions tonight?” I’ve finished my tea. “No more questions tonight. But you know I’ll find more for tomorrow.” We share a smile as I hand over my empty cup. As we stand up Mr. Farber reaches out his hand to shake, “Welcome to Farber Farm, why don’t you call me George now?” We firmly shake hands. “Thank you, George.”