Same as it Never Was

Specifications

LaZebnik, Claire Scovell, Same as it Never Was, St. Martin's Press, New York, 2003.

Reading

This was read well before today (06/23/2006). The original book was from the library, but I liked it well enough to buy my own copy. (Finally finished on 08/10/2006, after being held up by work.)

Review

This book is the basis for the movie Hello Sister, Goodbye Life. I thought the movie was interesting - the thought that some 21 year old college student could get custody of a child (seven in the movie) was intriguing. I saw the book in the library, and decided to read it - I've seen lots of movies where the book is significantly different than the movie (K-PAX is the only exception, I think).

The book is different than the movie. For one thing, Celia is seven in the movie, but only three in the book. I suspect the difference is that it's difficult to find three year olds that will cry on queue. In addition, the movie makes a thing out of Olivia's grades going down as a result of inheriting Celia, whereas in the book her grades actually improve, as her attitude toward life improves. That is, Olivia in the book is very intelligent, but not making the grade because she doesn't care. Celia allows her to care. Also, in the book Olivia ends up with Dennis, whereas in the movie she just breaks up with Joe. The reason for the breakup is much more evident, and reasonable, in the book as well.

All in all, I recommend the book. It is so much different than the movie that it could be treated as a different story. The only down side is now that I've read the book, the movie looks very superficial.

I think the theme might be stated as the traditionally Jewish idea, "You should do it, not because it will make you feel good, or because you gain insight, but you should do it because it is the right thing to do." This is the logic Dennis uses to persuade Olivia to accept the responsibility for Celia, and Olivia keeps throwing back at him. "Don't you think you ?E2?80?98should' do this?"

This book is about responsibility. That is, Olivia is a very irresponsible person at the beginning of the book, but she is forced to take care of Celia (unlike the movie, there is no other real alternative in the book). This really doesn't cause her to re-examine her life, but rather she has to respond in a mature fashion because of the situation she is faced with.

First, it would be wrong to say that Olivia just inherited a "daughter" in the form of her younger half-sister. As Dennis points out at the end, she inherited two young wards, Celia, and Barbara, Olivia's mother, who is not a whole lot more mature than Celia. At 21, Olivia is forced to become a full-fledged adult.

There are other things to be pointed out as well. Dennis is very much attracted to Olivia, even though she is half his age. To me this is obvious right away, but Olivia doesn't recognize it until much later. That is, Dennis spends a lot of time at Celia's house (Celia inherited the house) with Olivia, almost all his non-working time, until Olivia starts to "get serious" with Joe, then Dennis doesn't return until Olivia asks him to, showing that Olivia really was responding to his attentions, whether she wanted to admit it to herself or not.

The problem Olivia had in the park with a young boy causing Celia pain reminds me of a situation that occurred with my daughter Connie. We were at a McDonald's which had a slide. There was a line of kids waiting to ride, but one boy would not wait. That is, he would go down the slide, then immediately run around as fast as he could, and go down again. He totally ignored the other children, except that he would actually climb over them. I allowed this once or twice, hoping that the kid's parents would take an interest in disciplining him. The didn't, so I did. That is, when he was climbing over the line, I picked him up by the waist, and pulled him off the line. Then I put him down in front of me, and told him in no uncertain terms he was supposed to wait in line. He said, "Oh," and then waited patiently. I guess no one ever told him he was supposed to wait in line.

I found it interesting that right at the beginning, just after Richard and Alicia die, and Olivia takes over (less than 24 hours after she takes over) Dennis and Olivia are in the store together to get Christmas presents, and everyone there assumes they're married with a daughter.

Another situation to ponder is what happens in 18 years. Celia will have been living in the house with Olivia as the only mother she really remembers, and likely Dennis as the only father. In addition she will likely have some younger nieces and nephews which she will view as sisters and brothers, being the children of the person she views as her mother. But, now it is time for Celia to look at moving away from home. The point to consider is that the house they are living in belongs outright to Celia. Does she kick her "mother" out? Or do they continue to live there together? Or does Celia move somewhere else? I suspect the middle will be the case. Olivia is a good mother.

And what about the inheritance. That is, Celia is to receive 1.5 million dollars, but household expenses come out of this. $1.5 million sound like a lot, but its not if they hire a nanny, and housekeeper out of this. If the household expense comes to $20,000 per year, which is reasonable if there is a housekeeper and nanny, then over 20 years (for easy calculating) this will be $400,000, or 1/3 of the total. It could be more than this, even, as pools are not cheap to maintain, particularly if you don't do it yourself. I suspect that at that time, Olivia will be worth a lot more than Celia, because Dennis is making a lot of money. (A friendly lawyer - the type I'd insist on.)

Also, Dennis would be almost retirement age.

There are lessons to be learned from Joe as well. That is, can a tiger change his strips? Not without a lot of incentive, and Olivia isn't the incentive. (I suspect the incentive is old age.) If a man lies to other people, then he is likely lying to you, a lesson learned the hard way with Feng-chuan. Don't just base your opinion of someone else on their looks.

(This bring to mind another problem which can occur. That is, if sex is used recreationally before marriage, then it is easy to loose other problems in the sex. That is, someone may not be appropriate for you, but sex can hide the inappropriateness of it. Marriage in the United States is based so much on chance anyway, so why add more confusion factors.)

I reread this book in preparation for doing an overview, and ran across another point worth mentioning. The author, on at least one chapter, and probably more than one, has parallel plots. That is, she explores a particular aspect of the relationship between Olivia and Celia, then show exactly the same relationship between Dennis and Olivia. Easily missed on the first reading.

There is also the point the author uses well. That is, Alicia is not there (in the novel) often, and the relationship between Alicia and Celia is explored through play - that is, Celia plays "mommy" and we assume this is her mimicking the way Alicia treats her. After all, Celia's idea of what a mother should be like is initially based on her relationship with Alicia, her mother.

Overview

Olivia is a 21 year old college student who "thumbs her nose at authority," and always has.

Her parents were divorced when she was quite young - probably about 5 years old. Her mother, Barbara is a complete airhead. Her father is actually a good lawyer - he graduated from Columbia - however, he doesn't spend much time with his family.

Olivia was aware of his constant stream of girlfriends. However, he married one, Alicia. Alicia is a "South American Royalty," and so used to servants, etc. doing all the real work, and she does nothing. Three and ¾ years ago Richard and Alicia had a girl, Celia.

Celia was very demanding, and undisciplined.

Every year, Barbara and Olivia get together with Richard for Thanksgiving. Olivia claims (with cause) that its primarily to see her. That is, Richard "sees enough of himself in me" that he's willing to put up with Barbara. However, one should not assume this is a friendly relationship. Richard doesn't like Olivia's attitude toward school (see "thumbs her nose at authority" above).

(I think Richard thumbs his nose a bit at Alicia - I suspect they are well on their way to a divorce.)

This year, in addition to Barbara, Olivia, Richard, Alicia, and Celia there are two other people invited. One is Marcus, a cousin of Alicia's, and the other is Dennis Klein, a coworker of Richards. Marcus is a drug dealer - at least he tried to sell Olivia some Ecstasy.

Both Richard and Barbara drink too much. Olivia drinks some, but not too much.

Celia plays games (poorly) then starts playing mother and baby. Olivia is forced to play the nanny. It is obvious that Alicia really just dumps Celia with the maid, and treats her rather poorly.

At school, Olivia is taking English 34 (The Eighteenth Century Novel) from Dr. Green, a famous lesbian. She teaches the lecture, and Olivia gets Joe Lowden for the recitation. Olivia skips the first class, but comes 15 minutes late to the second. Joe (who looks like an undergrad) holds her up to ridicule, so she comes 15 minutes late to the next session as well. Joe throws a book at her, and tells the class they will meet 15 minutes later so "Miss Martin" can be on time. The next session she's 45 minutes late. Joe threatens her - "I'll be grading your papers, and nothing would please me more than to flunk you." Olivia is unconcerned, and when a paper is turned in, she turns in a perfect paper.

Joe has a reputation for sleeping around, and "needed to flirt like most people need to breath." The last day of class (before Christmas break) Joe had a party at his house. Olivia made no attempt at going.

Charlotte was a friend of Olivia's in high school. She had gone to college, and met a guy. They broke up, and she was commiserating with Olivia. Olivia has never had a boyfriend, and thinks its stupid.

Since Olivia missed Joe's party, Joe brought some pizza to Olivia's apartment. He said he had a party, and everyone showed up, except the one girl he hoped would (Olivia).

Alicia called at 11:00 PM to ask Olivia to go on a vacation with her and Richard. After a while, it is obvious that Celia's nanny (Rosivel) didn't fly, and therefore couldn't go. What Alicia was interested in was free babysitting. Olivia said "no."

Jacob is a gay guy, who is hoping Joe is gay. (Not likely.) He asked Olivia how she did in English 34 (after the semester is over). Olivia wouldn't even look at her grade.

Since Olivia didn't come to see her grade, Joe went to her apartment. This time, he had to wait for her, talking with Betsy, Olivia's roommate, who assured him she'd be home early, and didn't have a boyfriend. She came home drunk, but refused to ask how she did in the class. Joe even had Prof. Green grade Olivia's paper, so he wouldn't have a conflict of interest.

The next day Joe takes Olivia out on a date to a ocean restaurant. Olivia is silent, or sarcastic. Joe is persistent, and sets up a date for the next day.

When Olivia returns to her apartment, Barbara is there talking with Betsy, and their both crying. Barbara tells Olivia that Richard is dead, and Alicia, in an auto accident on the PCH (Pacific Coast Highway). She thought Celia was not with them, but she wasn't sure.

It appears that since Olivia refused to supply free babysitting service, Richard and Alicia left Celia with the nanny, and planned a vacation without her. Olivia was glad she hadn't agreed.

Olivia called Dennis to get the facts straight - particularly about Celia. Celia wasn't in the car, but was home with the nanny.

Then, Olivia moved into her mother's apartment until the funeral (a couple of days). Barbara nearly drove Olivia insane in that time. Then the funeral was held.

After the funeral, Barbara and Olivia went to Dennis' office to see what Richard left Olivia. Richard left roughly $3 million, to be divided evenly between Olivia and Celia. It was to be doled out in thirds - one third at age 25, one third at age 30, and one third at age 35. (Both the girls have the same terms, so Olivia notes that Celia has to wait a lot longer than she does.)

Lastly, Dennis tells Olivia that she has been named legal guardian of Celia, Olivia says not way, but, in fact, there are no other close relatives, except Marcus, the drug dealer, and possibly some relatives of Alicia in South America. Dennis talks her into it because she "should" do it, because it is the right thing to do. Olivia finally relents, but tells Dennis she needs until morning to get things in order.

Barbara said she would help. Her attitude was "think of the poor little orphan girl." Dennis also said he'd help.

Olivia tells Dennis that she needs until morning to get ready to care for Celia, so Dennis arranges to have the nanny stay one more day. Barbara raves about what is will be like when "We three girl" are living together in that huge house. Her vision includes s-mores and ice cream every day. Olivia listens, but ignore her. She has 15 hours of freedom left.

She drops in on Joe unannounced (she has his address due to the party she didn't go to). She pushes Joe to get intimate fast, and they end up in bed together. This is Olivia's first experience with sex.

Afterwards, Joe talks, and Olivia avoids any direct questions as usual. She hints at her coming relationship, but says nothing, other than, "This is the last night of my life." "Did you ever do anything because it was the right thing to do?" etc. Joe doesn't have a clue as to what she's talking about.

They go out, and continued their conversation at a restaurant. Then they returned, and had sex again. Joe was trying to get Olivia to spend the night, but she didn't want to, and was honest about it.

She actually returned to her apartment about 2:00, and started packing. Between packing and sleeping late she showed up at "my father's house - which I probably shouldn't call my father's house anymore" at about 2:00 PM.

Celia and Rosivel were there. Since it was Christmas Eve, and Rosivel had been there so long, she left as soon as Olivia showed up (and they could get Celia untangled from her leg - she was holding on quite tightly). So, Olivia was one-on-one with Celia. Celia didn't even know who she was.

She called Barbara, and invited her over (she admitted to herself that she was desperate). She also called Dennis, figuring that if he ruined her life, she could ruin his evening. He wasn't doing anything, however.

Olivia felt like a prisoner at the start of a long sentence.

Barbara came over, and immediately started telling Celia that she and Olivia would be taking the place of her parents. Celia didn't take it very well, and started crying, and calling for her parents. Then, Barbara tried to hold her to comfort her, but Celia didn't want her. The result is that Celia bumped her head on a table, and got a welt.

Olivia told Barbara that she was just to talk about food, television, and the weather. If she talked about more than that, she would have to leave.

Barbara suggests they fix dinner, but cannot find any good food - all Richard and Alicia had was pasta. So she suggest they order in, which Olivia agrees to. At 6:30, Celia is asleep, and Olivia doesn't know whether that's her bedtime, or not. Do you leave the light on? Should I move her to her bed? etc.

Barbara leaves to get some cigarettes, and Olivia is alone with Celia (but Celia is asleep) so she explores the big house. It has a two story library, separate offices for Richard and Alicia. She also runs across the master bedroom, which has two bathrooms off it - in in blue, and one in pink.

Dennis came over while Barbara was out. He brought some Chinese food, enough for everyone, so Olivia and Dennis looked through the cupboards to find appropriate dishes. Olivia smarts off at Dennis - "It's all your fault for saying I should to it." Dennis points out he's had a bad week, and is pushed to his limits, so he asks Olivia if she could hold off for ten minutes. She does.

Olivia expresses her concern over her situation. That is, she feels like a visitor in that house, but she is actually the head of the household.

Then, they they started eating, and just as they were starting to talk about drinking some wine, Celia wakes up. She wanted some. It appears Richard had given her some when he drank.

Olivia feels a bit overwhelmed.

Dennis offers her some Chinese food, but Celia says she only likes Chinese food from Chin-Chin's, which this is not.

Celia claims to be a very picky eater, and she backs it up with demands.

Although she said she would only eat Chinese food from Chin-Chin's, when she is on Olivia's lap, she grabbed some rice and ate it, in a very sloppy manner - there was rice all over everything.

Then Barbara came home with candy.

Then they are in the room with the Christmas tree, with all the lights off because Barbara wants them off. Barbara and Celia are on the floor, Barbara drinking wine, and Celia eating candy. Dennis and Olivia are sitting on the couch. This illustrates how much Barbara and Celia are really alike in terms of maturity.

Barbara says she wants to smoke, but Celia says she has to smoke outside because Alicia doesn't allow smoking inside (Celia hasn't fully realized what death means yet). Olivia agrees, so Barbara decides to wait.

Olivia is called a Saint by her mother, which she jokes about. Dennis revealed that he had been married, but his wife died. (He would probably have gotten a divorce if she had lived.)

Olivia starts to say things like Alicia was not a very good mother, etc. Dennis says that, although that is true, you shouldn't say that in front of Celia.

Dennis suggests Olivia and Celia see a therapist about the major changes that have occurred. Olivia doesn't like therapist because Barbara had been seeing one socially once, and he was too anxious to invite them to his place for a weekend.

Dennis announces that he's tired, and needs to go home. Barbara suggests he sleep over, but he says no.

(Olivia makes a backhanded reference to the fact that she calls Dennis "Jimminy Cricket" which Barbara doesn't understand.)

Barbara suggests to Celia that she ask "Mr. Klein" to stay over, but Celia doesn't know who Mr. Klein is.

Celia has to pee, but it all came out in her underpants before she got to the toilet. Olivia has to take all Celia's clothes off because they're wet, and suggests Celia take a bath. She refuses, so she runs into the living room naked. Barbara starts to tell stories about when Olivia was young, and used to run around naked. Olivia reminds her that she is restricted in what she can talk about, so she quits.

Then Dennis leaves, and the others sleep on the sofa, after Olivia tries to wash Celia.

The washing was hard. Celia fought her all the way Finally, she agrees to a sponge cloth bath, so Olivia can at least say she got her headed in the right direction.

The next day, Dennis brought over a ham. (Jews aren't supposed to eat ham, but Dennis says he's not a good Jew.)

Dennis got a good nights sleep, and Barbara slept in. Celia and Olivia shared a couch. Celia would not allow Olivia to take her to her bed, so Olivia eventually gave up on sleep.

After Dennis arrived with the ham, (it was now Christmas day) Barbara pointed out that they needed to open the presents. Olivia was somewhat concerned about giving Celia presents that were from her dead parents, so it was decided that Dennis and Olivia would go out to find some new presents (even though Barbara had brought some, but not enough). The presents from Alicia and Richard would be stored until they could figure out what to do with them.

Dennis and Olivia drive around in Dennis' very proper and plain Japanese car. They go to the store where Dennis bought the ham, and Olivia gets some plates and a cookie for Celia. In general the store was not acceptable, so they kept looking.

Olivia had not been in the house for 24 hours, but she thought she needed some fresh air, and was glad to get out for a while. Dennis talked about himself, answering Olivia's questions. He really didn't get along with his parents, or only sister that well. He was 39 years old. Richard had recruited him for the law firm the previous year from back east. He was honored to be named executor of Richard's will, but hadn't expected it to be relevant so soon.

At 11:50 they found a toy store that would be open until 12:00, so they went in. There was one other customer, who was looking for a "vegetable baby" doll for her 7 year old daughter. Dennis bought a big Minnie Mouse doll, which was twice the size of Celia, and Olivia bought some girl-type presents. She thought they were nauseating, but she was sure Celia would like them.

She found an Eloise doll, and noted that Eloise life is similar to Celia's, although, "some things read better than they live."

Dennis decided to pay for everything (after all, he's the banker) and while they were waiting, the other customer came up to them and asked them how old "their daughter" was. Olivia said "almost four" because she didn't feel like correcting the mistake. When Dennis agreed to pay for the Minnie Mouse doll, which he said was expensive, the woman commented to Olivia that she was lucky to have such an understanding husband - since her husband was likely to complain that the doll she bought was too expensive.

On the way home, Minnie Mouse had to ride in the trunk, which Dennis and Olivia thought looked illegal.

Olivia apologized because she had thought Dennis was over 39. Dennis did not take offense, but mentioned his 40^th birthday was only a few months away.

Olivia and Dennis arrive home, hide Richard and Alicia's gifts, and replace them with theirs. Celia notices the gifts are missing, but is satisfied with the new gifts, including gifts from Barbara. Barbara also bought Olivia some makeup, which she didn't appreciate since she doesn't wear makeup. She gave it to Celia, who trashed it.

Then Dennis, Barbara, and Olivia played with Celia. Olivia took her outside, and played kickball in the hopes that she'd get tired and sleep tonight.

Charlotte called - Olivia left a message on her apartment answering machine with her new number on it. She invited Charlotte over. Then Dennis went home, and Barbara put Celia to bed by reading to her.

Charlotte noted that in the short week she had been away, Olivia had begun to look like a mom. Olivia didn't like that, as she avoids the use of the term "mother" with regard to Celia.

Charlotte has made up with her boyfriend, at least until New Year's eve.

Olivia told Charlotte about Joe (in a typically clipped sort of way).

Charlotte was amazed that Olivia had the time to create a relationship (although Olivia shies away from that term). After all, her father died, she inherited a child, and had to move, all in one week.

Charlotte asks if she expects to be with him on New Year's Eve, and Olivia notes that that's the worst night of the year to find a babysitter, and she needs one now if she's going anywhere.

Unfortunately, before she was finished, Barbara came in when Olivia wasn't looking, and found out about Joe as well. Just when Olivia makes this last remark, Barbara unexpectedly chimes in with, "I can babysit for you."

Olivia tells Barbara that she's going to the toilet to slit her wrists, but Barbara doesn't believe it (of course). She goes to Richard's office with Charlotte, where they continue to talk about Joe (although his name does not come up).

Olivia absentmindedly starts to play with a paperweight on the desk, which is rough and uneven. She thinks that Celia probably made it.

Charlotte suggests setting Barbara up with Dennis as a means of getting her interested in something besides Olivia. Olivia notes that Dennis is 39, and Barbara is probably 46. (She's not sure, however.)

Charlotte notes the her boyfriends father is twenty years older than his wife. Apparently his wife has made some passes at Charlotte's boyfriend (or ex-boyfriend, as Olivia kept pointing out).

After Charlotte left, Olivia went in search of Barbara, who she found lying on Richard and Alicia's bed. Barbara is reading a book left by Alicia, noting that she was reading the same book, but she forgot her copy at her apartment. She takes that as a welcome by Alicia (although Olivia is somewhat skeptical).

She noted that they had separate bathrooms, and suggested that if she and Richard had had separate bathrooms, maybe they wouldn't have gotten divorced.

Barbara suggest that Olivia sleep on the floor in Celia's room, but Olivia wants to find a room of her own. She finds a guest room, and sacks out there, until a few hours later she wakes up because Celia is screaming.

Celia was frightened by the memory of the Grinch - who she calls the "Ginch." So Olivia has to stay with her until she falls asleep, but every time Olivia tries to leave, Celia wakes up enough to grab her. Finally, after hours, she is able to extract herself from Celia, and ends up sleeping on Celia's floor, just as her mother suggested.

A few days later, Joe called to announce he was back in town. Barbara answered, and tried to get Olivia to pretend she wasn't currently available (so she wouldn't seem so eager) but Olivia grabbed the phone.

Olivia didn't say anything about Celia, or where she was living, etc.

Joe had been at his parents for Christmas, and had had a miserable time.

Olivia said her Christmas was "comparatively uneventful."

Olivia agrees to pick Joe up in the new Lexus she found in the garage.

In the garage Olivia met Dennis, who was coming in for one of his evening visits. She joked that she thought Celia was old enough to spend the evening at home alone, but Dennis saw through her joke. (Barbara was baby sitting.)

Dennis made several demand on Olivia (drive the speed limit, stop for children, etc.). He also suggested that since this was her vacation, Olivia should be getting to know Celia, and visa versa.

Olivia called Dennis "Jiminy." (For Jiminy Cricket from Pinocchio.) Olivia was slightly upset, because she thought she had done a good job - sleeping on Celia's floor, comforting her in the middle of the night, etc. yet Dennis was never satisfied, and seemed to demand more. So she drove off fast, with Dennis watching. Later, she stopped and put the top down, even though Dennis said not to.

When Olivia get to Joe's apartment, she called him on the intercom, and told him to come down. Joe's interest was only in getting Olivia into his bed, however, and all his remarks indicated this. Olivia was interested in waiting "to show to herself she could wait," but she thought it was hard.

Joe and Olivia go for a drive. Joe indicates that he knows she missed him, but Olivia (with some justification) says she was too busy. Joe says that if she keeps that up, her knows will grow longer. This reminds Olivia of Dennis, so she says, "Jiminy Cricket is watching out for me." Joe, of course, doesn't realize she's talking about Dennis.

Dennis asks where she got the car, and Olivia mentioned that it was probably a Christmas present for either Richard or Alicia. Joe mentioned that having her father die was not all bad, and Olivia almost mentioned that the car came with Celia, but she caught herself before anything was revealed to Joe.

They decide to go to Olivia's old apartment, where Olivia thinks she can check her mail, etc. and she will be meeting Joe on her turf.

Olivia really left her apartment in a mess. The bed was half made, there was some spilled shampoo, which Olivia thought smelled good. But Joe turned his nose up at it. (typical J reaction to the way a P lives.)

Olivia suggests they go back to Joe's place, but Joe is too eager to wait, and he practically forces Olivia into bed. (Not that she was not a willing partner, but I wonder if it would have made any difference to Joe if she weren't.)

Dennis and Olivia are resting in bed together, when the phone rings. It was Barbara, and after some babbling, Barbara tells Olivia that Celia won't sleep without her, both she and Dennis have tried, but Celia wants Olivia. Celia is afraid of the Grinch.

Then Celia was put on the line, and Olivia tells Celia that Dennis is the best Grinch fighter in the world (or he would be if the Grinch really existed). So Dennis will act as Olivia's deputy until Olivia gets home "soon." Then Olivia asks to talk with Dennis, and tells him to sit with Celia until she falls asleep, since she probably will now.

She also says to call back if Celia goes to pieces (but if Barbara goes to pieces, leave me out of it).

Joe, of course, is listening to Olivia's half of the conversation, and asks Olivia to explain, ("Do you have a kid you haven't told me about?") Olivia explains that she inherited Celia along with the Lexus (except she's not sure the Lexus is really hers. Celia is, though.)

Joe asks if this will curtail her social life "such as it is," and Olivia notes that she's here. Joe continues to make sexual advances toward Olivia, which Olivia enjoys, even as she feels like telling him so shut up.

She talked on the phone at 9:30, and at 10:30 she was home, so I guess she really didn't stay with Joe too long.

When she returned home, Barbara was asleep in front of the TV, which was on. Celia was in her bed, with Dennis sleeping beside her. She was stretched out, so Dennis was very crowded. Olivia would have let them sleep, but she hit a toy that was on the floor, and it started to make some noise, which woke Dennis (but not Celia). So Dennis and Olivia had a conversation.

Barbara told Dennis that Olivia had a boyfriend, but Olivia denied that Joe was a boyfriend (because she didn't like that word). Dennis suggested that it was a good thing to have people interested in her life, but Olivia didn't go for it.

Dennis mentioned that Celia missed Olivia earlier. Olivia became somewhat defensive, until Dennis pointed out that this is a good thing. That is, Celia was asking for Olivia, not Rosivel, and not her mother, indicating that Celia is starting to bond with Olivia.

In the end, Dennis agrees with Olivia that Celia and the weather are open topics for discussion.

Then Dennis says, "It's been unusually cold out, don't you think?" Olivia replies, "That's none of your fucking business," which causes Dennis to laugh. Then he goes home.

After Dennis left, Barbara woke up. She claimed she wasn't asleep, and that Olivia had sneaked past her. Also, she couldn't understand why Dennis had left without saying goodbye. Olivia noted that he probably didn't want to wake her up, but Barbara still claimed she wasn't asleep.

In the conversation, Barbara notes that she and Lindsey Patrick are going to a New Year's Eve party given by Sarah Torrino. Olivia noted that she had promised to babysit Celia on New Year's Eve, but Barbara denied it. She said that Olivia could ask Rosivel. The next morning, she did, and Rosivel replied that she was going to spend New Years with her family. Barbara had suggested offering her more money, but Olivia really would not have respected Rosivel if she had taken in, so she didn't.

Olivia thought she ought to call Joe and cancel, but she just put it off.

Charlotte left to be home with her family and ex-boyfriend on New Year's Eve. Olivia is betting that the boyfriend will remain a friend until after New Year's, then he'll dump her again.

That evening Barbara, Olivia and Celia went to Burger King. Olivia offers to buy Celia a burger, but Celia tells her that Alicia only allows her to have chicken salad. Barbara says that she is good for eating such a healthy diet. Of course, all Celia eats is the croûtons and the cheese, invalidating Barbara's comment. (Of course, I will add that for a small child like Celia, a burger and fries is health food.)

Olivia says, "Shut the fuck up" at her mother once, and it is revealed that she has an agreement with Celia that Celia gets a dollar whenever Olivia uses a swear word, so Celia gets a dollar. Also, a passing couple says, "Your daughter is very cute," to Olivia, and she doesn't even think about correcting them. Celia says you're not supposed to talk to strangers, but Olivia says that once your 21, you can because you're old enough to know when it's OK.

Celia drank most of Olivia's chocolate shake. She hadn't had one before. When she was finishing it, she hung over it and her hair hung down so that the back of her neck was showing, and Olivia touched it lovingly.

They also talked about Celia's up-coming birthday party. Celia wants a mermaid party, and Olivia says she can. Alicia told Celia she should have her party at Bright Child (a play place, apparently), but she doesn't want to because a friend had a party there, and they hurt their leg. Celia says her friend hurt the leg going down the slide wrong, but when Olivia reflects what she said, she denies it.

Dennis came over later that evening, and gave Olivia a cell phone, which he had set up. Olivia told him the cell phone wasn't for her, but for everyone else. Now she wouldn't get any time to herself, since she thought Barbara would call at odd hours.

She also mentioned that Alicia had a cleaning lady that came in three times a week to clean the house. Olivia just kept it up because she didn't want to clean the toilets, and it was convenient to have the maid pick up the dirty clothes and wash them. This made Olivia feel a bit uncomfortable, but not uncomfortable enough to quit having her show up.

The conversation gets around to the fact that Olivia paid Celia two dollars for bad words at dinner (although Olivia didn't think, "shut up" counted). Dennis made the comment that Celia might grow up to be civil despite Olivia. Olivia agrees that is anything turns out OK it will be in spit of her.

Barbara complains that Olivia is too sarcastic. Olivia disagrees only in that Barbara says that it hurts her feelings. Olivia points out that a "don't walk" sign hurts Barbara's feelings.

Barbara also mentions that she has a babysitter for New Year's Eve - Dennis. The way she said this should have made Olivia suspicious, but she wanted to go out so bad that she didn't listen to her suspicions.

It became obvious that Barbara had promised Dennis that he would be part of a local party when he came up the drive with a bottle of Champagne under his arm.

Olivia had been in the kitchen, with Barbara trying to get some makeup on her. She had managed to get a slight brush against one cheek, so Olivia had to have a bit more put on the other cheek to even things out. Celia wanted to have some makeup, however, so Barbara gave Celia the full treatment. Celia thought she looked beautiful, but Olivia said she thought Celia looked better with no makeup.

That's when Dennis showed up with the Champaign. He was surprised that both Olivia and Barbara were dressed up to go out. Barbara said a lot of things about anyone who was anyone had a date on New Year's, which could have been take as a slam, but he kept his nice man image intact.

Then Dennis opened the Champaign. Barbara and Dennis had a sip, but Olivia chugged the first glass, then had a second glass. After that, she announced that she was driving. Dennis wouldn't let her. That is, Celia kept saying she didn't want Olivia to go, and Dennis said she was too drunk. Actually, Olivia was having trouble standing, so she probably was too drunk.

When Olivia talked about taking the Lexus, Dennis pointed out that he'd call the police and say she stole the car if she did, so she'd spend New Year's in jail. When she tried to take her own car, Dennis started preventing her from taking it.

In the course of the argument between Dennis and Olivia (who was drunk) Celia attached herself to Olivia's leg. So Olivia tore her off, and held her in the air, and told Dennis he'd better grab her, or she would drop Celia. Dennis grabbed her, and told her to go in the other room, while he continued to prevent Olivia from driving. Finally, Barbara came in and told them that Celia had gone upstairs. By this time, Dennis had managed to get Olivia's keys, so she couldn't drive, so he said he'd go upstairs to get her.

Just then, Lindsey showed up. Barbara wanted to show off Olivia and Dennis (and even Celia) so she asked them to come meet Lindsey. Both Dennis and Olivia went upstairs to find Celia. The found her with behind some of Alicia's dresses crying. This was not a theatrical cry, but rather a quiet cry because Celia felt bad.

Olivia was drunk, but had to attend to the situation. She asked Celia why she was feeling sad, and Celia said she didn't want Olivia to go, but Olivia wouldn't listen. Olivia had threatened to drop her as well.

Celia said Alicia's dresses smelled like Alicia, which Olivia verified. Therefore, she concluded that: 1. Celia could come in and smell the dresses whenever she wanted, and 2. Barbara would not be allowed to touch the dresses, or to get rid of them.

Finally, Olivia tries to get up, but she's so drunk that she falls down again, and Dennis (who was in the room, but Olivia had forgotten about him) had to help her up. Dennis took Celia to go downstairs, but Olivia said she had a phone call to make.

She called Joe, and told him that he should go to the party without her, since she had to put Celia to bed. Joe was suspicious, it appears he though Olivia was with another man, and there was no kid. Given the liar that Joe was, I suspect he though Olivia was a similar liar.

Olivia offered to call "it" off, and Joe asked whether "it" was the evening or the relationship, and Olivia indicated either was acceptable. Joe said to call him later, but he might not be there.

Olivia was confused about what had happened. She had been trying to go out, but now she was alone on the floor of father's old bedroom.

After lying on the floor for a while, Olivia went downstairs, where Dennis was holding Celia, and Barbara was waiting with Lindsey. Lindsey had a look that worked, and she was good at displaying it.

Barbara told Lindsey about the argument that Olivia and Dennis had had. Lindsey hoped Olivia hadn't inherited Barbara's taste for alcohol, but Barbara refused to admit she had a problem.

Lindsey said she didn't drink because it was bad for her skin, which was tough and leathery due to too much sun in the past. Lindsey claimed it was too much time on the beach with men. Barbara started to embarrass Dennis, saying how useful he was around the house, so Dennis suggested he and Olivia leave for Olivia's party, but Olivia told him there was a change in plans, and she wasn't going.

Finally, Barbara gave Celia a hug (without hugging Dennis, which was a bit of a feat), and they were off.

This left Dennis and Olivia alone with Celia. Olivia explained that her evening was on hold, and Dennis suggested she should go out. Olivia said it was not that big a deal. She might go out later.

Celia didn't want her to go out.

They ordered a pizza, with nothing on it because Celia didn't want anything. It was 8:45, so at 9:00 they watched the big ball drop on Times square in New York. Then Olivia told Celia it was time to go to bed, but the negotiations allowed Celia to stay up until after the pizza came, provided she get into her pajamas immediately. Celia wanted Olivia to help her, but Olivia said Celia usually did it alone.

After Celia left, Olivia asked Dennis if he had anywhere else to go that evening. Dennis said nowhere important. Since Olivia was still recovering from the Champaign, Dennis apologies for bringing it.

Olivia said she knew he thought he was going to spend New Year's Eve with a couple of adults, and that Barbara had mislead him. Dennis admitted that it was not clear he would be alone with Celia, but he liked Celia, so it wasn't that bad.

They continued to watch Times Square, when the doorbell rang. It was rather early for the pizza, but Dennis just figure they'd managed to get it done fast. Dennis went for the pizza, but returned, very unexpectedly, with Joe.

Joe had looked up Olivia's father's address on the Internet, and came over. Since Celia was in putting on her pajamas (in theory) she want there, but Dennis was, so Joe assumed Olivia had dumped him for Joe, and there was no Celia, even when Olivia mentioned that they ordered a cheese pizza because that's what Celia likes.

About then, Celia runs in with only her underpants on, and Dennis behind her with her pajamas. Celia still doesn't want Olivia to leave, but Olivia gets her pajamas on my telling her they have to be on before she can watch TV. As soon as the pajamas got over her head, Celia says, "Don't go."

Celia is shy around Joe initially. Olivia has to trick her into telling Joe her name, even, and Celia says she's not interested in Joe's name.

Then Joe says "fuck" so Olivia points out that he owes Celia $1. He holds out the dollar, and pulls back on it as Celia tries to grab it. In this way he manages to get Celia to be less shy around him. However, she still doesn't want Olivia to go out.

Then the pizza come, so Dennis and Celia go to get the pizza, and Joe forces a kiss on Olivia. Olivia liked it, and was so caught up in it that anything could have happened and she'd have not known it.

Joe pulled back, and made a comment about Olivia's dress, which sounded like a "line" to Olivia. At that point, Joe and Olivia have a few words, however, when all is said and done, Olivia agrees to go out with him later.

Dennis gets Celia to agree to allow Olivia to go out by promising her that she can stay up as late as she wants. Joe teases Celia some more, then he leaves.

Olivia apologizes to Dennis for trying to drive what she was drunk, telling Dennis he did the right thing. Dennis acknowledges that he knows he was right.

Olivia went to the party with Joe. However, she had sworn off drinking after getting into so much trouble because of it recently. When they showed up, the other people there were drunk, and as the party progressed, everyone became more and more drunk, and Olivia became more and more sober.

She really wished she'd have stayed home with Dennis and Celia, she was so bored. In addition, as Joe became more and more drunk, he started being more and more publicly demonstrative of his affection, which was annoying.

She wondered into the kitchen to get away from the drunkenness, noise, etc. when she ran into Prof. Greene who taught her English class. Prof. Greene noted that this wasn't an undergraduate party, so why was Olivia there? Olivia told her that Joe had invited her. Prof. Greene warned Olivia about Joe's reputation. She told Olivia that she should have learned something from Richardson, but Olivia told her that that was literature, not about life. Dr. Greene noted that she was probably setting out on a difficult road, and she always felt sorry for arrogant people like Olivia.

After leaving the kitchen, Olivia runs into Joe, and tells him she's bored, and wants to go to his place for sex. He decides to leave.

By this time, Joe was drunk, so Olivia had an opportunity to understand why Dennis had acted as he did. Joe decided he wanted to drive, but Olivia tricked him so that she could get his keys. Then she jumped in the drivers seat, and told Joe he could take the passenger seat, or get left behind. He took the seat.

On the way to Joe's house they could hear the popping from all the houses all at once, and Olivia assumed it must have been midnight, so she said "happy new year" to Joe. When they got to Joe's place, they tried to get the "first orgasm" of the new year.

Later, Olivia wants to go home, but Joe talks her into spending the night so they could wake up together in the morning.

The book skip until several days later (I think), perhaps a week. Olivia has taken Celia to a psychologist, Dr. Elisa Rubillos. Olivia is there because, in addition to Dennis, the principal at Celia's school said she ought to.

The book starts after Dr. Rubillos has talked with Celia, who has been deposited with Rosivel in the waiting room. Olivia is trying to get the doctor to tell her what to do - I suspect a script, as it were. The Doctor is trying to get Olivia to trust her own reflexes, which she thinks are pretty good. She is also trying to get Olivia to submit to counseling. She suspects that Olivia probably is grieving a bit - after all, she lost her father recently, and got stuck with Celia.

Eventually, Olivia agrees to set up a time for the Doctor to see Celia.

On the way home from the doctor's office, Olivia decides to stop by Dennis' office, since she needs to see him, and he hadn't been by the house for a while. Stopping would keep Rosivel past her quitting time, so Olivia allowed her to leave early, taking the bus from somewhere near Dennis' office.

Celia immediately recognized the office as "daddy's office," which bother Olivia a bit - she was unsure how Celia would react when her father wasn't there. However, Celia seemed mostly interested in some candy that was there.

Olivia asked the receptionist to see Dennis. The receptionist recognized Celia as Richard's daughter, and asked how she was doing. Olivia said she was doing fine, and had to ask to see Dennis again, since the Receptionist got distracted by Celia.

Holly was Dennis' secretary, and told Olivia she would tell Dennis she was there. She had met Olivia when the terms of the will were first explained to her.

Celia asked if the people there knew that Richard had died, and thought about looking at his office. However, she had to go pee, so she didn't.

When Olivia and Celia return from the rest room, Dennis was talking with Heather Finnergan, a Harvard graduate who had joined the office only a few month before, but was trying to run the place.

Dennis and Heather were arguing about Holly. That is, Dennis needed some papers, and Holly didn't know where they were at, so Heather sounded like she wanted to fire Heather, Dennis pointed out she was going through a rough time - her husband had been in a major accident at work, and was not expected to be able to gain full use of his legs.

Celia was given a coke, and spilled it all over papers on Holly's desk, which only added to the tension, although Dennis noted it was an accident. Also, Celia had a cold, and sneezed in Dennis' face.

Dennis ask why they had come, and Olivia joked it was to spill coke on his important papers, and to give him a cold. (Aren't things going well?) Actually, she wanted to know how to pay Celia's expenses - such as the doctor she had just seen, and her school expenses. Dennis indicated they should just send the bills to him, and he'd pay them.

Also, Celia asked why Dennis hadn't been over, and said she wanted him to come over that evening. Dennis said he was busy, but would come soon. Celia insisted (as she can do). When Dennis tried to get some moral support from Olivia, she just told him, "Don't you think you should come?"

At this point, Olivia sticks in the events of New Year's Eve. She had spent the night at Joe's. Her mother got an invitation to go to a dawn party, and hadn't thought an instant about accepting it, so Dennis got stuck with Celia all night. Celia stayed up until 10:00, and Dennis stayed awake because he thought they would be coming right home. Celia woke up about 6:40, so she was wide awake, but Dennis was extremely sleepy. Then Olivia got home at 9:00, and it wasn't until then that Dennis could leave.

Dennis had tried to call Olivia on the cell phone he'd bought her, but she had left it home.

He hadn't come over since, and Olivia really didn't blame him.

Olivia notes that Barbara was constantly smoking, and really acting like a baby (I really think Celia is more mature than Barbara). For example, she insisted on drinking wine every evening out of wine glasses the wouldn't fit in the dishwasher, so Olivia had to wash them by hand on the days the maid didn't come in. Barbara just refused to take that into consideration.

That evening (that is, after visiting Dennis' office) Celia was a pain. First, she bumped herself slightly, and cried for 10 minutes, with no discernable injury. She quit when Olivia promised her some hot chocolate (which was really just warm). Celia, with her sloppy eating habits, spilled a drop in herself, and yelled that is was hot, and dropped the glass. Olivia asked her to clean it up, but she said no. Then, Olivia asked her to clean it up before she'd make her any supper. Celia ran to the refrigerator dumped some tuna salad that Rosivel had made onto the floor. Olivia indicated she had to clean this up as well. Then Celia went into the pantry, and got some Cheerios, which she also spilled all over the floor.

In the middle of all this, Barbara left for the evening, totally ignoring Olivia's problem.

Finally, Olivia "helped" Celia clean up the messes, even though she noted it would have been much easier for her to have done it by herself. At this point, Celia said she wasn't hungry, I suspect as an act of defiance. So Olivia tried to put her to bed, but it was only 6:00, and Celia wasn't ready to go to bed. Finally, Olivia gave up, and through her into bed, and told her she didn't want to see her anymore - just don't bother her, and Olivia went into the kitchen to drink some water.

Celia followed behind, and was very repentant. She cried, and wet Olivia's shirt with her tears.

The rest of the evening, Celia clung to Olivia. So Olivia cooked dinner with Celia attached. Celia watched TV still attached, so Olivia had to watch TV as well. Finally, Olivia put Celia to bed, with Celia still attached.

While they were trying to sleep, Celia apologized for making Olivia angry, and Olivia admitted to Celia that she was angry.

Later that evening, Dennis came over. He was sorry he'd missed Celia, but Olivia enjoyed the conversation with a competent adult. Olivia implied that Dennis was attracted to Heather, which he denied. He asked were Joe was, and why wasn't she talking with Joe for conversation. Olivia indicated that she wasn't that attached to Joe.

Dennis indicated he wanted to leave (but he didn't). Instead, he took Olivia into Richard's office, and showed her the messages he'd FAXed over. While they were there, Dennis noted the paperweight that Olivia had looked at when she was talking with Charlotte so many days ago. (Actually, Dennis noted here that Olivia has only been in the house for less than two weeks.) When Olivia indicated that Celia had made it, Dennis noted that she, Olivia, had made it. It was signed "Livvvy." Olivia decided just to through it out, over Dennis' objections.

They also ate some ice cream together. Then Dennis went home, while promising to come over in the next couple of days. Olivia wanted him to come over every day.

When Dennis left, Olivia was wishing he hadn't.

(This chapter is interesting in that the problems Olivia had with Celia are really almost exactly reflected in the problems Dennis has with Olivia. That is, Celia acted like a little devil, until Olivia was mad, then when Olivia left her, she was very apologetic. Similarly, Olivia was really not very respectful of Dennis, until he was telling her he was leaving, but then she was the first to suggest that he come back often.)

About two weeks after the semester started (which would be about a week after the events above) Olivia met Jacob again, and they went out to talk. Jacob (who is gay) had Joe for Shakespearean Drama. He keeps hoping Joe was gay too, because he thinks Joe is attractive. However, Joe flirts with all the girls, so much so that Jacob has given up on Joe.

Olivia brought this up with Joe - not that she was jealous, but just for conversation. Joe claimed there were no girls in the class he could be interested in. Olivia thought Joe was not her type, but Joe claimed he was in such a way that Olivia was very impressed.

Olivia notes that her time with Joe is an escape from her life with Celia. Celia wakes her up every morning, and makes stupid demands of her, in the morning and evening. Joe is an escape from that.

Also, she admits that she likes sex (or at least sex with Joe). In fact, she is really afraid of how much she enjoys sex because it is something that obsesses her, but it depends on someone else.

(Scene in the park.) The day she saw Jacob, Olivia got home at 4:15. Rosivel left at 4:30, so she had a bit of time before dinner. Since this was usually a tough time, Olivia decided to have an outing, and Celia wanted to play at the park.

Celia played on a rope bridge between two towers. First, she walked across the bridge to the far side, and Olivia noted that she was really cute - with her dark curly hair. When Celia started back, a boy slightly larger than Celia started across in the other direction. When they met in the middle, the boy started jumping up and down, obviously trying to make Celia fall.

Olivia came running, and arrived in time to catch Celia after she started to fall. She swore at the boy, who ran away. His mother (who was obviously in her 40's) threatened Olivia - first with informing her "employer" about how she had acted. When Olivia pointed out that Celia was her sister, the woman threatened to tell her parents. When Olivia informed her that her parents were dead, the woman asked who was in charge. Of course, Olivia is. So the woman threatened to call Human Services. The threats, of course, were idle. Then they exchanged some unpleasantries, and Olivia left.

Celia claimed her ankle was hurt, so Olivia had to carry her all the way home. When she got home, Barbara was cooking. She informed Olivia that Joe was coming over for dinner. Olivia complained that she really didn't want to see Joe just now, and in any event, she should have been asked first.

Then Olivia called Joe, and tried to talk him out of it, but he said he would come anyway.

During all of this, Celia was complaining about her non-existent injury. First, she wanted some ice (they had a fancy bear which was made out of blue ice that were used when ice packs were needed). Then she asked for a Band aid. Then she complained because Olivia hadn't put it on right. Fortunately, it did not end up with either party getting overly frustrated.

Olivia tried to get Celia to bed before Joe got there, but was unsuccessful. While they were in bed together, Celia wanted to talk about what happened in the park, so they review it. Celia was glad Olivia had come to her aid, but noted that the boy's mother was very upset.

As soon as the doorbell rang, she was ready to get up again to see Joe. Olivia made her promise to just see Joe, then she would go to bed.

They said "Hi" to Joe, but Celia refused to go to bed. Olivia carried her into her room, with her complaining the whole time. Joe followed them in, and asked Celia if she'd go to bed if he read to her. Celia insisted that he read her five books, which he did. Then she went to sleep.

During the meal, Barbara kept telling stories of Olivia, and of her days as a model. Joe drank it up.

Joe mentioned that Olivia had been a student in one of his classes, and Barbara noted that she'd never been told that. Then Dennis called, and Barbara left to smoke. Joe took the opportunity while they were alone to make some suggestive remarks to Olivia, and finally they decided to have sex on a rug.

After that, Olivia left Celia at home with Barbara, and she and Joe went to a movie. When Olivia returned, she discovered that Barbara had left Celia alone and gone to the store. Barbara said there was nothing wrong with this because Celia was asleep, but Olivia pointed out that there was a problem. Therefore, Olivia decided she couldn't let Barbara babysit any more (which she concludes hurts her more than Barbara).

Finally, it was Celia's birthday. By this time Olivia had gotten used to dropping Celia off at school, although she really didn't feel comfortable talking with the "real" moms. She did enjoy playing with Celia, however.

What most of the kids did on their birthday was bring cupcakes, so Celia brought some cupcakes, and passed them out. That made her really popular on her birthday. Everyone (except on girl who didn't get the cupcake she wanted) sang Happy Birthday then.

That evening, Olivia gave Celia a "family party" (noting that she was the only blood relative of Celia's there). The party included Olivia, Dennis, Joe, and Barbara as well as Celia.

Celia chose what to eat for dinner - sushi and tamales. Celia ate the frosting off a piece of cake.

Everyone gave Celia presents. Barbara gave her a makeup kit, Dennis gave her a game (which Celia already had), Olivia gave her a book, with a protagonist named Olivia the pig, who acted a lot like Celia. Joe gave her a "doo-rag" from Tiffany's. Barbara went ape over the Tiffany's box even before the present was opened.

Finally, Olivia gave Celia one of the presents her parents had picked out for Christmas before they died. She gave a short, overly rehearse, speech that Dr. Rubillos had made up. All the adults were afraid Celia would go to pieces at the mention of her parents, but she took everything in stride. It was a play cash register, so Celia could pretend to sell things, and have a pretend cash register to sell them with. Celia enjoyed it.

After that, Joe asked about the possibility of he and Olivia going out for a movie. Olivia pointed out that that was not possible because she couldn't leave Celia with Barbara, since Barbara had left Celia alone that once.

Barbara had worked up a defense, but Dennis (being a lawyer) pointed out that what she had done was illegal. Joe came to Barbara's defense, but in the end, Olivia had the final word. Joe decided to go to rent a movie.

Celia wanted to stay up for the movie, but Olivia told her she had 15 more minutes, then she had to go to bed.

Dennis had to leave, so Olivia walked him to the door. He reiterated that what Barbara had done was illegal, and apologized for really not adding much to the party. Celia had not liked his present, since she already had that game. Olivia pointed out that Celia had really wanted him to be there, him specifically. (Actually, Joe had not really been invited, but more or less crashed the party.)

When Dennis suggests she find a babysitter, Olivia jokes about finding a "college student" ("Oh, yeah, I'm a college student.") Dennis suggests she not forget that. Also, he suggests that she could think about what she would do after college. Olivia joked about becoming a "soccer mom." but Dennis suggested she wasn't that type of person. He suggested she could try law school.

Dennis pointed out that he alwaysed worked too hard, even when he was married, because he didn't have any reason not to.

Then Olivia returned to the kitchen, this time with just Barbara. Barbara really complained about Olivia not trusting her with Celia, but Olivia was insistent, particularly because Barbara really didn't think she'd done anything wrong. Meanwhile, Barbara had been moving the dishes around, claiming to help out, so Olivia had to load the dishes in the dishwasher, even though Barbara kept telling her to leave them for the maid, who would come in in two days.

During all this, Celia had gone to her room, and brought back a big box of Barbie dolls. She played with them for a while, then Olivia joined in until Celia had to go to bed.

Joe got a movie that was some sort of modernization of a Shakespearian play, but they didn't really watch it. Joe gave Olivia a present (from Tiffany's). Olivia pretended to to pieces over the box in a sarcastic way because Joe said all women get woozy over a gift from Tiffany's. It was a silver bubble wand, which Olivia said she liked.

The next day, Barbara found the box, and discovered the present cost $120. Lindsey was there as well, and when Barbara suggested this was good, Lindsey was skeptical. She thought it indicated Joe was hiding something that made him feel he needed to give Olivia an expensive gift.

Olivia played with the wand a bit, with Celia joining in by batting the bubbles.

One day Olivia was at Joe's apartment in the afternoon. Since she couldn't go out at night due to lack of a babysitter, she started spending afternoons at Joe's apartment.

On this day, Joe received a phone call, and took it in the bedroom while Olivia waited in the other room. When he came back, he said it was a call from his mother, and she was feeling bad, etc. Olivia asked if he was going to go see her, since it was a local call. Then Joe told her that it was really an ex-girlfriend of his that needed consoling. Olivia couldn't understand why Joe would lie to her, when there was no need - she didn't care if he received phone calls from other girls.

It bothered her that he had lied to her, and she mentioned this to Charlotte via instant messenger. Charlotte claimed everyone lies, and expressed the opinion that Olivia had a problem if the lie bothered her.

Charlotte's ex-boyfriend (again) was now seeing a rich girl, after having spent some time running around with a girl with large breasts. Charlotte was trying to show she didn't care, but she noted that the fact she needed to show him that showed that she did care.

It is also significant that Celia was now starting to wear jeans, like Olivia. Also, Olivia was starting to hate the color pink less. (Originally, Celia always dressed in pink dresses, and it drove Olivia up the wall.)

One day Olivia was running late, and so decided to skip a class to go to Joe's apartment. Before going there she stopped by Starbucks for some coffee. While waiting in line, Professor Greene started a conversation with her. At first the professor didn't know who Olivia was, but Olivia was easily able to tell her.

Prof. Greene mentioned having seen Olivia at the New Year's party with Joe, and also at the English department party later. I don't remember any English department event, do you?

The next day, Celia decided to have a party at some point in the future. However, she only listed all the people she didn't want to invite. She asked if she could invite adults, and Olivia said, "yes," so she started talking about inviting Joe and Dennis.

Celia said she thought Joe was silly, and Dennis was nice. Olivia asked which she'd rather be with, and Celia said she though Joe was more fun, but that if she were scared, she'd rather have Dennis around. Being silly is more fun, but it has its limitations.

The next day, Olivia was at Joe's apartment getting ready to have sex, when Joe's mother called. Joe said that she wanted him to go home for a one year anniversary of his grandfather's death. He explained that he couldn't because his girlfriend (Olivia)'s father just died, etc. so he got out of it.

Olivia explained that she couldn't get out this weekend because of Celia, and Joe said he'd come visit her.

Then Olivia brought up the conversation with prof. Greene. That is, she had said that she remembered Olivia from an English event she had gone to with Joe. The problem was that Olivia hadn't gone with Joe. Joe just said she must have seen him talking with someone, but that he hadn't gone with anyone. He got very defensive about it.

That Friday, Olivia went to pick up Celia at school, but Celia was crying. It appears the mother of some girl named Cheyenne had invited some of the girls in the class to a party, but not all the girls. She had made a big deal out of it as well. One of the other mothers, Caroline (mother of Lucy) was also in the same situation, so she invited Celia and Olivia to go to Baskin-Robbins.

Celia sat with Lucy, and Olivia sat with Caroline. Olivia and Caroline started talking. Caroline was 37, and had three kids. She mentioned that she thought Olivia was doing a good job with Celia, who was turning out OK, despite Alicia.

The conversation turned to life in general. Olivia said she couldn't believe she was now in charge of Celia, she was waiting for life to get back to "normal," but it never would because this was normal now. Caroline said she had the same feeling at times. That is, she had been married for 15 years, seven of them in their current house, and she had three kids, but at times she still thought she her life was unreal, she couldn't be in charge of three kids, have a nice house, and a husband.

While they were at the ice cream parlor, Joe left a message for Olivia to call him. She did, and he explained that he was going to his mother's after all. He said she'd called, and others in the family weren't coming, so he had given in. Olivia wished him luck, and asked to go out with him when he got back on Sunday. He said yes.

Celia was a bit upset because Olivia had told her she might be able to go have sushi with Joe. She didn't want to go with just Olivia, and she'd been promised Joe. Olivia suggested Betsy, her former roommate, who Celia had met when Olivia had taken her to her old apartment to pick up her stuff. Celia agreed.

They went to a restaurant that evening with Betsy. Celia asked for a coke, but the restaurant only had Pepsi, so Celia ask, "Am I picky about pepsi?" Olivia answered, "No" so she had a Pepsi.

While they were waiting for the food to come, Betsy took Celia for a walk around the restaurant. Celia sneeze in someone's food, so Betsy thought they'd better wait at the table. While they were gone, Olivia found some paper and pens in her purse, and gave them to Celia so she could draw. She drew a picture of Joe. Olivia noted that she had just begun to add fingers and toes - line fingers and toes. Olivia thought the picture was funny because Celia had drawn seven fingers on one hand, and only four on the other.

Betsy managed (inadvertently) to talk Celia into giving the picture to Joe. Since Joe was going to be out, it was decided to put it in his mailbox. Celia insisted.

By the time they got to Joe's apartment, Celia was asleep. Olivia insisted the picture be delivered, however, since if Celia woke in the middle of the night, she'd ask if it had been delivered, and if not, Olivia would be making the trip at 3:00 AM.

Betsy asked to take it up, but Olivia volunteered since she know where his apartment was. She scooted in when an old lady left (noting that if she'd have been a big man, the old lady would have called the cops). She couldn't fit the picture into his mailbox, because it was too big, so she thought to slide it under his door.

When she got to his apartment, she saw a light coming from inside, and thought Joe must have left the light on. She heard talking, and thought he must have left the TV on. Or had he? She knocked on the door, and could hear Joe's voice saying, "It's about time." She hid so he couldn't see her before opening the door, but there was Joe, with another girl in his room.

Joe said, "I just screwed up," which was very appropriate.

Joe tried to lie his way out of this situation, but Olivia wouldn't believe him. He thought the problem was his seeing other women, but Olivia talked about being lied to. She couldn't trust anything he said.

The girl Joe was with stuck her head out the door, asking Joe what was taking so long. Olivia noted that she did look a bit like her, enough that Prof. Greene could have confused them. Finally, she just left, with Joe telling her not to go, he'd clean up his act, etc.

When Olivia got back out to the car, she told Betsy that Joe was there. Betsy got very excited, and told Olivia that Joe was like that - she had been warned. Olivia noted (privately) that Betsy didn't get it either. It wasn't so much that Joe had been with another girl, but rather that he had lied to her about it.

That evening, Olivia couldn't sleep. At first it was the adrenalin rush, but then she got to reviewing her relationship with Joe. Joe had been dishonest with other people all the time, but Olivia had assumed he'd been honest with her. She realized now that this was a mistake.

Joe called, but Olivia didn't answer, allowing the answering machine to pick it up. She realized that Joe was begging her to come back, and maybe he would be honest in the future, but he had been so dishonest that she couldn't trust him.

She was somewhat skeptical of the future - that is Charlotte had said everyone lies, but Olivia wouldn't go with anyone who did, so maybe she'd be alone in the future all the time. She decided to sleep on the floor of Celia's room just so she wouldn't have to be alone.

A week or so later Barbara asked Olivia if she could invite Joe over, since she hadn't seen him for a while. Olivia told her that it was over between her an Joe, so she was not to call Joe, and he wouldn't be calling her.

Barbara assumed that Joe had left Olivia, and tried to get Olivia to use makeup, etc. to try to win him back. After all, only an idiot would break up with Joe, and her daughter was not an idiot. Barbara was convinced that since Olivia had broken up with Joe she would never be happy again.

Then she left to get some wine, came back, and started in on Olivia again.

Just then, Dennis showed up. They hadn't heard him, so he used his key to get inside. He asked if he was interrupting, but Olivia said "no," in fact she indicated she very much welcomed him to get away from her mother.

Celia, who had been zoned out in front of the TV before this, said "Hi" to Dennis, and sat on his lap, then zoned out again. As Dennis said, "A warm greeting followed by a complete lack of interest."

Then Barbara brought up the fact that Joe and Olivia had broken up. When Barbara left the room to get more wine, Olivia asked about locking the door, but the door didn't have a lock.

When Dennis and Olivia were alone, Olivia said it was really nothing, Joe was exactly what she should have expected. Dennis said that Joe was a moron for letting her go. Olivia pointed out that her mother said exactly the same thing, except that Olivia was the moron.

Olivia did miss the attention Joe had given her, the petting and sex, but she could live without it.

Barbara came back into the room, and announce that they needed to "change their energy." Dennis suggested that he could take them out for ice cream, but Barbara chose to stay home, probably to drink more wine, and smoke.

Celia even came out of her trance at the mention of ice cream, but she wanted to have it brought to her so she could continue to watch TV. Olivia turned the TV off, and told her she had to come with to get ice cream, and Celia was mildly annoyed.

Dennis drove the Mercedes, while Olivia played some Beatles music. She told Dennis that she was trying to raise Celia's music awareness level. I guess she didn't like the children's music. Celia sang along with the music.

Dennis asked Olivia if she'd ever thought about asking her mother to leave. Olivia pointed out that she had not intended to have Barbara stay as long as she had, but that she really couldn't ask her to leave. She had asked her because she was really uncomfortable with the thought of being alone with Celia, but that didn't bother her any more. (Olivia said she realized it was true just as she was saying the words.)

Dennis asked about Joe. Olivia said he lied and cheated, and the was the end of it. Dennis said he never liked Joe, and Olivia pointed out that was obvious. He also said she should spend more time with people her own age. He asked it Richard and Alicia had any babysitters for the weekend, and Olivia pointed out there were two, Denise called and asked for Alicia. When Olivia told her that Alicia was dead, she freaked out. That is, she went, "Oh, God, Oh, God, Oh, God..." then hung up. Olivia did not hear from her again. The other was Pilar. Pilar had been babysitting Celia for three years, but Celia did not like her at all. So Olivia stayed home and watched what went on. Pilar just sat in a chair, ordering Celia around, and telling her that Olivia didn't want her. After a few hours of this, Olivia gave Pilar some money, and told her she wasn't needed any more.

So there were no babysitters, except Rosivel, who could do a few evenings and weekends, and she had friends that she could ask if needed.

By the time they got to the ice cream parlor, Celia was asleep. Olivia was a bit concerned because she didn't know when Celia had peed last. "See what sort of things I think about now?" she told Dennis.

Dennis stayed in the car with Celia, and Olivia went in to get some ice cream. Dennis and Olivia split a sundae. While they were eating, Dennis told Olivia that the office was putting on a party for Dennis' fortieth birthday, which was coming up soon. He really didn't want one, but if he didn't agree, they'd just throw a surprise party, which he would like even less. He asked Olivia if she would want to go, although he hesitated so much that Olivia had to point out that she asking her to the party was really not a bad idea.

As they were finishing up, Celia started to wake up. Olivia told her they were going home, and Celia asked if her mother would be there. Of course, Olivia said "No" but that she would be there. Celia started to really throw a fit because her parents wouldn't be there when she got home. "I've never seen them for the longest time."

Celia continued to throw the fit after she got home, telling Olivia that she wanted her mother and father, and didn't want Olivia. She kicked and screamed. Barbara was at home, but she just left the room when Celia came into the room. Nothing would comfort her. Finally, after about an hour, Celia fell asleep - she really just totally exhausted herself, and finally the adults (should Barbara be called an adult?) were alone - Olivia, Barbara, and Dennis.

Olivia called Dr. Rubillos, who had told her she could call in case of an emergency, and Olivia rightfully felt this was an emergency. The doctor told her that Celia had finally figured out what being dead means. She might think that because Olivia is here, her parents can't be, therefore, if she wants to see her parents, she can't want to see Olivia. The doctor told Olivia that she might be that way for a while - that is, she might be hard on Olivia, which caused Olivia to get somewhat depressed. The doctor did say she'd get over it.

When Olivia got off the phone, she told Dennis what the doctor had said, and put her head on the table and started swearing. She thought that was better than crying, which is what she was on the verge of doing.

Dennis offered to stay overnight. Olivia thought it sounded good, but she didn't think he could really do any good. Dennis said that he thought she was carrying too much on her shoulders, and she shouldn't have to deal with all of this alone. Olivia said, "Why not? I deal with everything else alone." Dennis was very sympathetic.

Olivia was wondering how Celia could miss Richard and Alicia, who were not good parents at all. Dennis said Olivia was a much better parent than Alicia, and Olivia noted that a pig would be a better parent.

Barbara came in, and after Olivia exchanged some insults, she claimed to know more about raising children than Olivia. Her attitude was that this was just a small tantrum thrown because Celia was four. She said Olivia used to throw tantrums, but Olivia noted it was because her parents were there, whereas Celia's parents aren't there. Olivia said it like she really wanted her parents to be dead, "and now I'm half way there."

Dennis cut in before Barbara could respond. Dennis threw Olivia a look which indicated she should watch her language because of the insults.

That night, Celia didn't wake Olivia up, Barbara did. She was whining about Olivia loosing Joe, and how they would be old maids together. Olivia pointed out that the old maid part didn't bother her, but the being alone with Barbara did. With every soliloquy that that Barbara put out, Olivia told her that she just wanted some sleep. Barbara brought in some wine, but Olivia didn't want any. When Barbara said she didn't like drinking alone, Olivia suggested that she not drink. Finally, Olivia got Barbara to shut up, and she was able to sleep.

The next morning, Olivia woke up at about 7:30, and Barbara was still lying at the foot of her bed, with an empty wine bottle, and drips of wine all over her pajamas. Olivia was surprised, because usually Celia woke her up before 7:30.

When Olivia went into the hallway, she could hear Celia playing with her dolls in her room. Olivia went in quietly, and said "Hi" to Celia, but Celia totally ignored her. She thanked Celia for allowing her to sleep, but she was ignored.

Finally, Celia told Olivia to put a blanket on one of the dolls because she couldn't do it right, all the time without looking at Olivia. When Olivia tried, Celia blew up at her, "You're not doing it right." After several attempts, Olivia got frustrated, and told Celia she was leaving. Then Celia grabbed her, and told her not to leave. Olivia lay her head on Celia, like a little child, and said "I'm trying." They embraced for a while, with Olivia telling Celia that she wasn't going to go anywhere.

Later that day, Olivia got a call from Holly asking if she'd be at the birthday party. She checked to Rosivel, who said she could babysit that night, so Olivia could go.

That evening, Dennis came over, and asked how Celia had been during the day. Olivia said she'd been a bit on edge in the morning, but had recovered. Barbara woke Olivia up at 3:00, but both Olivia and Celia had had time to sleep during the day. She told Dennis that Barbara had told her she would never be happy again, which Olivia took as a good sign. She never did what Barbara suggested, so if Barbara thought she would be miserable for the rest of her live, she would be happy just to show her up.

Barbara was out getting made up, because Olivia suggested it would make her feel better. Celia commented that Barbara was getting purple fingernail polish, Olivia had said so. Olivia noted it was pure speculation, however, so Dennis decided to speculate that they would be green, with pink polka dots. Celia said she couldn't have polka dots on her fingernails, but Dennis pointed out that there was a woman at work who had faces drawn on her fingernails, complete with eye, etc. So Celia decided she wanted some polka dots. Olivia told her to get some magic markers, and she could have some.

When Celia came back with some markers, Olivia told her that she would be going to a party on Sunday - Dennis' fortieth birthday party. Celia thought she and Dennis must be the same age, until Dennis pointed out it was forty, not four. Dennis asked if Celia could count that high, and Celia said it was too big a number. Dennis agreed with her.

Finally, Dennis read several books to Celia. But he had to go to the office, so he promised one more. During that one, Olivia leaned against the chair, and closed her eyes to listen to the book, too, enjoying being read to.

Then the scene shifts to Dennis' party. Dennis got cornered by some of his older colleagues, and Heather (Heather from Harvard) cornered Olivia. Heather kept making Olivia feel uncomfortable saying such things as, "It's such a nice surprise that you're here." The party was a very quiet, upscale party in a private dining room.

Olivia had on the same dress as she'd worn on New Year's eve, but she had put her hair up into a "sloppy bun" in an attempt to make herself look older. The hairdo hurt, but she didn't want to go to the restroom to take it down because Heather from Harvard would comment in it, which she thought was uncomfortable.

After a time, Henry Williams, the youngest man in the group came over to talk with Olivia, so Heather left them alone, and went over to get Dennis out of the shop talk.

Henry talked with Olivia like he was dispirit. He joked about wanting to get engaged to her before the night was out, noting that she and he were the youngest people there. He was 25, and she was 21. Henry had always been ahead in school, which is why he was a full blown lawyer at such a young age. He was trying to act the same way everyone else did, to the point of ordering a scotch when he didn't even like them.

Dennis came over, and Henry said he would be falling head over heals for Olivia, but Dennis told him he would have to wait in line. In the course of the conversation, they talked about moving the place cards that were set for each of the guests. Henry wanted to move Olivia's card so that she would sit next to him. This inspired Dennis to check out the arrangement, and, after an argument with Heather, he moved one of the place cards.

Henry hinted, when talking about Heather, the Heather had a romantic interest in Dennis. In the course of this discussion, he noted that Heather thought of Olivia as competition.

When Henry and Olivia checked out the place cards, they discovered that Henry was at the very foot of the table, and that Olivia's card was the one that Dennis had moved to a place beside him.

Just then it was time to sit down and eat. Olivia promised Henry that she would see him after the meal. Henry asked that she not forget him, and her reply was that she didn't think she could.

Olivia looked over at Dennis, and saw him as if she'd never seen him before, noting how handsome he looked. And he was honest, and not Joe. Women wouldn't fall over him like they did Joe, which was to his advantage.

And Henry had noted that Heather viewed her as competition. Dennis waved at Olivia, and Olivia blushed and ran from the room, to the lady's room. There she sat, thinking about Dennis, and thinking she'd never had a crush on anyone when she was a teenager, and now that she was technically an adult, she didn't think she'd be that stupid now. But the fact was that she had some very strong feelings for Dennis.

Olivia didn't stay in the restroom long. Primarily she didn't want to make a solo entrance at the last minute. When she got back Dennis and Heather were already seated, and were talking in a low voice. Olivia sat in her seat next to Dennis, and Dennis greeted her. Then Heather started talking again.

An older lawyer by the name of Jerome was seated on her other side. He mentioned that he had known Richard, and that his death was a lose to the firm, and the legal community in general. They both tired of that topic rapidly, and Jerome started talking with the person on his other side.

Olivia could see Henry down at the other end of the table, and the waved at each other. At this point Dennis noticed this, and suggested she could go sit by Henry if she wanted. He was closer to her age. Olivia said, "After all the trouble you went through to put me up here?" then explained that she and Henry had seen him switch the name cards. Dennis claimed this was because she was seated between two of the most boring people in the firm. Dennis said he was being selfish in sitting her beside him.

When the waiter came around to offer everyone wine, Olivia requested water instead. Dennis noted this, and said he wouldn't lecture her if she drank, but she pointed out she hadn't had a drink since getting drunk on New Year's eve. When asked why, she thought about the reasons: She didn't want to be drunk in front of Dennis, she had grown up with her mother always being drunk, she didn't want to be drunk and have Celia need her again. She just shrugged and said nothing, however.

Then Dennis held a hand straight out, it was shaking. He said he was supposed to give a speech, and he didn't like public speaking. Olivia suggested that if he didn't want to give the speech, then he shouldn't have to. When Heather tried to enter the conversation, Dennis told her that Olivia didn't think he should give a speech. Heather told him he had too because she and Holly had spent a lot of time at this party, and he was going to have to thank them for it.

Then Dennis was presented with a gift - a set of golf clubs. Everyone laughed. Jerome told Olivia that everyone there knew that Dennis hated golf, but the clubs were expensive. Olivia (like me) thought it was really stupid to buy someone a present they would never use.

Then Dennis gave his speech. Once he was into it, he was not really very nervous. The thanked everyone, and noted that they obviously knew him because they had bought absolutely the worst possible gift for him. He especially mentioned Heather and Holly, saying, if you're going to have a party forced down your throat, this is the pair for it.

After the speech, Heather tried to talk Dennis into going golfing with her the next Saturday. After Heather had her say, Olivia told Dennis that she enjoyed the speech. Especially in that he had used the word "such" (as in "my twenties were better than my thirties, and my forties look like they are going to suck.") Dennis said he picked it up from her.

After that, Dennis and Heather stood by the door and shook everyone's hand as they left, like a husband and wife. Olivia acted a bit jealous.

Then Henry came up to her, and touched her on the shoulder. She had forgotten about him. He told her he'd had a miserable time. There was only one person sitting next to him, the wife a a partner, and he'd spilled wine on her dress. Maybe he should fill out an application for a waiter position this evening, as his law career was over. Olivia mentioned he'd better not mention spilling the wine.

Henry said he'd enjoyed talking with Olivia, and asked for her phone number. But he didn't have a pen, so Olivia suggested he could ask a waiter. When he got back, he didn't have any paper, so Olivia suggested he could write it on a napkin. He really acted pretty dispirit.

Olivia talked with Henry until all the other guests had left. Then Dennis talked with her for a while. He was pretty drunk because he couldn't pace himself, since the waiters kept refilling his glass. Olivia noted he was in no condition to drive home, and he said he'd get a cab to drive him home, but Olivia said she'd driven the convertible, and the wind in his face would be good for him, so she'd drive him home.

Then Heather came by, and offered to drive him home, but he pointed out he was getting a ride from Olivia. Heather was very jealous, but Dennis appeared to have made up with her before she left.

Olivia said there was no way she was going to take those clubs to her car. The head waiter said the restaurant would see to it that they were sent to Dennis' office in the morning.

Olivia had to ask Dennis where he lived, and he told her. Then they drove in silence for a while. Finally, Olivia asked Dennis why he hadn't ridden home with Heather, she's obviously in love with him, and she's smart and good looking.

Dennis agreed, if he were smart he'd be in love with her. Olivia said, "I guess you don't like them beautiful and smart, what do you like?" and Dennis replied (in a rush), "I guess I like them snotty, half my age, and half my size." an obvious reference to Olivia. Olivia pulled over then, and put the top up, and they sat there talking for a bit.

Dennis kept saying that what he had said was totally inappropriate, but Olivia said it wasn't. She admitted that had really been jealous of Heather because she was interested in him. And Dennis admitted that he was a bit jealous of Henry, but didn't want another New Year's eve situation. That is, the reason he was upset about New Years was not the Olivia had stuck him with Celia, but rather that he had had to take a back seat to Joe.

Olivia acknowledged that she had always been happy to have him come over, not for Celia, but because she enjoyed his company.

Then they got to Dennis' apartment. Dennis got out, and Olivia followed him. He kept telling her to go, that they needed to think about this a bit, but she didn't. He held the door to his apartment for her, but then asked her to leave. She didn't. Finally they got into a very honest moment, and Dennis said she really couldn't like him. All he did was make demands of her, and make her life more difficult. She pointed out that all he did was make her feel that what she thought and did really made a difference.

Finally, I think Dennis got the idea that she wasn't going until she'd had sex, but he wasn't ready like Joe. He hadn't had sex in a decade, and didn't have any condoms. So he went to the store to get condoms, and Olivia called home to ask Rosivel to stay overnight. She promised her tomorrow off, with pay, in addition to the payment for staying the evening.

Dennis' apartment was perfectly neat. Everything was in order (Olivia wondered why all the guys she'd been with were so much neater than she was). She used the bathroom, then put her head in some of Dennis' suits the way Celia had with Alicia's dresses. She could smell and feel Dennis in them.

Then Dennis returned with a small bag. He said the clerk was laughing when he came in dispirit for condoms.

Dennis did not understand why Olivia had gone with Joe, he was such an obvious creep. Olivia said that she want going to suddenly be a nice girl, she would keep being who she was.

Then he and Olivia used one of the condoms. She thought sex with Dennis was really great.

Then, while they were lying there together, Dennis told Olivia that she was wrong. She was really a very nice girl. Olivia mentioned how she had insulted her mother, and Dennis pointed out she really had it coming. But Olivia housed and care for her mother. She gave her a place to sleep at night, and food to eat. She even let her think that she was helping with Celia, when, in fact, she was just one more person for Olivia to take care of.

She pointed out that she had fussed with her hair (he had told her she was someone who never tried to make herself look like someone she was not). Dennis mentioned that he had noticed, even the hairs that had fallen out of place. And he had noticed she had a scratch on her ear (Celia got her once recently with a fork). Olivia was really the reason he was shaking so much at the party, not the speech.

In the morning, Dennis mentioned that he was not going to be executor of Richard's estate any more (due to conflict of interest). Someone else was named as a backup, and Olivia (joking) said she'd wasted sex on him then. She hoped the next guy was young and handsome. Dennis pointed out he was very old, and "I guess the honeymoon's over."

Also, the new guy might cut back on her allowance, sell the car, etc.

Then Olivia asked what his mother would say. She would say, "At least she's half Jewish, even if it's the wrong half." and "Why couldn't you have picked someone your own age?" Olivia pointed out that her mother would say, "you'll never keep him." Dennis said she was wrong, and Olivia pointed out she was worried with Heather breathing over her shoulder. Dennis said she needn't worry. Then they had sex again.

Then Olivia finally got home around 8:00. She thanked Rosivel for staying, and sent her on her way. She noted that Rosivel and her were acting as a team - they didn't talk much, but they were both pulling for the same side. Rosivel was very glad that Olivia had had a good time.

Celia was already dressed and ready for school. She asked Olivia where she had been, and Olivia mentioned she had been to a birthday party. Celia asked if there were any party favors, and Olivia shook her head. I suspect Celia thought it was a lousy party without favors.

Olivia mentioned that she had gotten something, and showed Celia the parking ticket she had gotten for parking in front of Dennis' apartment.

Half an hour later, Dennis came over. He said that he had taken a taxi to work, but on the way up the elevator had decided to take the day off. He really wanted to be with Olivia and Celia.

Olivia and Dennis hugged, then Celia jumped up on Dennis, noting that he was never here in the morning. Dennis said he wanted to spend the day with the two of them, and they ask Celia what she wanted to do. She said go miniature golfing because someone was doing at a party. Dennis decided she could take the day off from school, and they would go golfing.

Then Barbara came stumbling down the steps. She was surprised to see Dennis there in the morning. Joe had called the evening before, and Barbara told Olivia that she thought Joe was still interested (so maybe she hadn't lost him permanently). Dennis told Barbara that Joe was not good enough for Olivia, but Barbara just said men don't understand these things.

Finally, he told her that if Joe calls again, to hang up on him. If Henry calls (poor Henry) to hang up on him, too, or that if any man calls, to just hang up on them. In fact, if a woman with a deep voice calls, hang up on her too, just for safety's sake.

Dennis, Olivia, and Celia left for the miniature golf. Olivia put a Beatles song on for Celia (remember, she was trying to upgrade her taste in songs) "Bang, Bang, Maxwell's Silver Hammer." (I don't know this song). Dennis said that the lyrics were not appropriate for a four year old. Olivia very reluctantly (and slowly) skipped that track. Celia asked why, and Olivia said because Dennis made her. Celia was just "Oh."

Then Celia looked at the way Olivia was looking at Dennis, and asked why she was looking like that. Olivia said, "for once it doesn't look like the future is going to suck." Celia said she shouldn't say "suck." Dennis agreed with Celia.

Olivia agreed to pay the dollar, but said it looked like Dennis and Celia were ganging up on her. Dennis replied, "Get used to it."

And the book ends.

Quotes

"I wouldn't take him back even if he begged me."

"Don't worry," I said. "He ain't begging you."

It had been a few years since her last boyfriend, and she was getting a layer of desperation on top of her base coat of ... well, desperation.

I was glad I missed the first week of class. It was more fun coming to the while scene when everything was in play already, when the girls were already dressed to please and so anxious to attract his notice that they had - hold onto your hats here, folks - actually done the reading.

"... What did you want to see me about?"

"I bet you could figure it out."

"Let me think . . . Lacks respect for authority?"

"Thumbs nose at authority. Drives authority up a wall."s

"Who's dead?"

"Richard. Richard's dead, Livvy. Your father."

"And I say, "Does this mean you're finally over him?"

"What is my sentence, exactly? To live with her until she's eighteen?"

"That's part of it. Look out for her. Pick her schools, her clothes, her activities. Help plan her future. Steer her in the right direction. Make sure each and every babysitter is kind and trustworthy. Listen to her. Comfort her at night if she has bad dreams."

An error: "... Like my parents think I should finish my god damned thesis and get the hell out of graduate school."

"Because it's the right thing to do, or because they want to stop paying for it?"

"The latter, I guess."

The error is that as a graduate student teaching more than one section of classes, his tuition would be paid, and he'd probably get a hefty salary of his own. The guy is a professional student at this point.

"Do you mind my asking so many questions?"

"Not at all. As long as you'll answer mine when it's my turn."

I shook my head. "I didn't agree to that."

Under the throw blanket we'd shared that morning while we watched TV, she'd been soft and warm, my own little space heater.

I ... found an Eloise doll you could dress up in different outfits. I always liked Eloise. She had a great life - no parents, and indulgent nanny, tons of money . . . all of which, come to think of it, Celia had. Some things read better that they live, I guess.

Mildly alarmed by the faces my mother was making, Celia said, "What's wrong with Barbara?" and I said, "Oh, so many things, Celia. So many things."

He was the one to pull back suddenly. "I don't know whether to be pleased or annoyed that you look incredibly sexy tonight," he said.

I shrugged his hands off and moved away from him. "Why does everything you say sound like a line?"

"How about, ?E2?80?98Thanks for the complement, Joe'?"

"Thanks for the compliment, Joe, and why does everything you say sound like a line?"

[Talking about how Dennis had treated Olivia when he told her she had to take care of Celia.]

"How could you like me for that?" he said. "For forcing things on you, for criticizing you, for making your life harder?"

"Yeah," I said, "how could I? All you ever did was make me feel like what I did mattered. Like I wasn't just . . . some little shit. Like maybe I had a chance at being someone that someone like you could think was a decent human being."