And very trying.
Their 'habits', as he'd often noticed, were baffling indeed.
Spending time together, but hardly interacting.
Often sitting reading....
.... separately, with Geoffrey quietly reading indoors in the comfort of the old overstuffed chair,
whereas Nancy would be found outside on the cold hard slatted wood picnic bench. Often screwing her face up in the dim light.
Because of her apparent squint, on more than one occasion, Andy was tempted to suggest she see an optician and get herself some glasses. But, he didn't dare.
After all, in Nancy's eyes, perfection ruled supreme. And she was too proud to admit that her eyesight was starting to fail.
There were times when Geoffrey would find solitude in the garden, pulling weeds, harvesting the fruit and chatting to the plants.
He even tried (unsuccessfully) to dabble in fishing.
More often than not landing on his rump. But at least it got him out of the house and away from his 'taskmaster' of a wife.
This was how retired folks were supposed to live. But definitely NOT Nancy and her aggressive, competitive manner. Oh no. She didn't have TIME to relax. Always finding new stuff to challenge her and getting stressed out if things didn't go down so well.
In fact, she got so stressed out that she'd often be seen downtown, going to the spa for a little relaxation and massage therapy. Much to the shock of Andy's frugal nature. But, Nancy being Nancy. When you're loaded with cash, who cares, as long as you're happy.
Also, the relationship between Malcolm and his mother... was strained. She called him up mid afternoon, knowing that he was home from work. And got an instant brush off. Wouldn't have minded if it had been the twins keeping him busy, but no. He said he was on his way out and to call back in a WHOLE DAY!!!!
However, Geoffrey was having much more success with his daughter in law Sonia. He called her on a whim and got the whole low down on how romantic his son was with her. How he'd bought her a HUGE bunch of red roses and everything.
Yep. Out of the two, Geoffrey was definitely the most approachable.
There was one thing, however, that even Andy couldn't resist.
Despite the garishly decorated walls (that he admitted, hurt his eyes), the treadmill stood in the corner, was too much to resist. And Andy just couldn't help hopping on board, just to see what it was like.
He didn't hear Nancy coming in. But instead of shouting and yelling at him (as he'd expected), she decided to give him a little training, juicing up the power that little bit more and screaming....
"Come ON!!!! FEEL THE BURN!!!"
Nancy had found her newest project, much to the dismay of Andy. And Andy, deep down, wished that he'd never set foot on that darned treadmill in the first place!!!!!
Geoffrey, thankfully, slept all the way through it (or at least he pretended to)
As soon as Andy and Nancy were done, then Geoffrey snuck out of bed to have a quick burst on the treadmill, before raiding the fridge to polish off the leftover apple pancakes.
Never mind the endless supply of health drinks. Geoffrey needed his comfort food.... badly.
Although he wasn't that good a cook and was caught out a few times, fussing over the scorched frying pan.
All in all, things weren't too bad with the grandparents.....
.... just a little different.
But still, Andy would go about his business, school, work, sitting clipping coupons from the newspaper.
Even having the occasional wish to paint. After Nancy had thrown out the old easel, he'd had to save up his hard earned pennies from his part time job, and treat himself to an easel.
It was a small price to pay, for a hobby he dabbled in occasionally.
He just wondered how mom, dad and Jessica were doing coping with the twins, and settling down in that HUGE mansion.
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