Things didn't change overnight in the Marrett household but there was steady improvement. Habits are hard to change so Suzy was still occasionally sharp mouthed but now she realized when she had said something harsh as soon as it was said and now she felt badly about it. Since they had begun arriving, Suzy had resented Les' kids. If Lesie would come to her with a question about his first grade work, she'd sent him away with a nasty remark. Now Suzy made a constant effort to interact with all her smaller siblings. Lesie was a little tentative at first but soon started coming on his own again to Suzy for help. Larry, the five year old - no question where he got that name - was a really funny kid. Suzy had never noticed but he had a constant twinkle in his eyes and he knew how to make people laugh and he was cute. Suzy began to change three-year-old Beth's diapers as well as the baby's, Barney. She didn't enjoy the messy ones but she did enjoy their playfulness and giggles. She decided that she had been crazy to resent them. The more she helped them, the more she loved them.
Les was making a point to greet and hug Suzy every evening when he came in from the chores. Suzy liked that and soon realized that it was something he liked to do, not something he thought he had to do. Suzy talked Lesie into drying the dishes and Maxine was surprised at Suzy's initiative but glad to be relieved of that job. At first it was a kind of a thank you but the togetherness on the couch after the little kids were in bed became a very important part of the day for both Maxine and Suzy.
By Christmas, sharp words were very rarely heard from Suzy Marrett. Millie repeatedly complimented Jan for her insight and her role in solving Suzy's sarcasm problem.
When School started again, it was a fun class. They missed Mrs. Whitby but Miss Rogers was OK. Of course, there was still Otis but Freddy's "looks" kept the pest pretty much in check.