Driving across the country, the family was headed for Welch, West Virginia. In Welch, Jeanette was introduced to Rex’s family, who consisted of his mother, ’Erma,’ his father, ’Grandpa Walls,’ and his brother, ’Uncle Stanley.’ Jeanette was astonished by the differences in his family members compared to Rex. Erma was bitter and cruel, Grandpa Walls hardly spoke, and Uncle Stanley was perverted and sinister; they were all unlike Jeanette’s opinion of Rex which was a sweet, intelligent, and unforgettable man. Welch was a pretty distressed town with a high unemployment rate, even though it used to be a thriving coal mining town. Many families survived with the help of food stamps. Welch was not a happy time at all for the Walls’. It was the worst condition…show more content… Instead, Rosemary applied for a teaching job after a child services agent came to the house. Since she needed to renew her certificate, she left Welch that summer to receive it. Jeanette was put in charge of the household because Lori had a summer camp she gained acceptance to. Following a strict budget, Jeanette made sure everyone had enough to eat. Later on, Rex tried to pursue her to give him money. Loving her dad and not wanting him to be disappointed in her, she handed him money every time he asked, even though it killed her inside. Once Lori came back from her summer camp, she was determined to get away from Welch after discovering what it felt like to be treated ’normally.’ Also, when Rosemary came back, stating she was going to quit her job, her and Jeanette quarreled over the situation. Jeanette argued that they needed the money, and Rosemary became upset for questioning her and told Rex to punish her. Rex obediently followed orders and whipped Jeanette with a belt. That day, Jeanette planned her trip out of Welch; she decided to continue babysitting so she could save up
