Summary

For several months Becky "had been . . . happy" (532). She was excited to graduate, satisfied with her relationship, and uplifted by her newfound faith. She had been accepted to college, and she and Tanner were planning to spend the "summer in Europe" together (532).

Shortly before spring break, Becky had a conversation with Marion. Marion had pointedly asked her if she and Tanner had had sex (533). If they were going overseas together, Marion said Becky would have to have the proper protection. When she returned from the gynecologist with the proper "gear," Becky felt that love had been "reduced . . . to something medical" (535). Although Becky’s faith made her hesitant about losing her virginity, after obtaining contraception, she "wondered if withholding herself from the man she loved might constitute . . . a kind of vanity" (535). Besides, Becky had felt herself especially annoyed with her family of late. Her...