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Title: Father Barber Predicts the Worst.
After a picnic, as an attempt at getting his son Andrew to like Roberta Evans a little better, and with litttle result, we find Paul and Pa Barber talking. Pa is still frustrated that his grand daughter, Joan is getting too many freedoms, or indulgences as he calls it. He’s very doubtful that the girl that she is out with, Mary Smith, is actually a real person., He’s certain that Joan has snuck away with her grease monkey boyfriend. A phone call to Paul proves that Mary is a real person, but Pa refuses to let it pacify him.
Cliff talks to his brother Paul about the troubles in getting Andrew to get along with his love interest, Roberta. Cliff has suffered from amnesia after a car crash, and has no memory of the last 11 years in his life. He and Andrew are getting to know one another for the first time in their lives, and Andrew doesn’t want to share his dad with anyone yet. What will Paul offer for advice? Take it easy and move slowly.
In the wee hours, and after finishing their book, Cliff and Andrew make an early start, only to find that Pa Barber has been up all night, worried about footsteps running up and down the hallway all night. He has been restraining himself from investigating, leaving the responsibility to Paul for Joan’s safety. Will there be any sneaky behavior to uncover? Paul is distraught as well, when Joan hasn’t come home all night. Is Pa’s worst fears about the rebellious Joan founded? Will Paul’s trust for his niece be proved true? He has already been phoning all over town to see if she is in any hospitals. A call from the police is inconclusive, but Paul races out to check up on it.
On the way back to Sky Ranch, Andrew shares that he’d like to give it another try with Roberta. Checking the mail, it seems to be full of bills, and another letter from Pinky at the lumber camp. Hazel shows her motherly side, and missing her teenage twin son. The homesick boy claims to not remember what everybody looks like, can they send a photo of everyone? His hints at missing home are more open. Its enough to make Hazel jump out of her skin and want her baby back. Dan is touched, but still not willing to let Pinky come home from his summer job.
Claudia has been called to town, and hear Pa Bsarbers worries in person. Are they bsad parents for leaving Paul in charge? Will their worries be whipped into the same frenzy as Henry’s? Despite the upsetting developments, Claudia and Nick are sure that Paul has been good for maturing their rebellious teen. Will a phone call from Paul serve to establish trust in Joan, or to feul the fire of Pa Barbers doubts?
