Book 1, Part 2 Summary

Allison walks to one of her favorite places in town where area is marked with a sign that says "Road's End." She reflects on how lonely and immature she feels. Walking home, she passes through Allison's favorite section of woods. Along the way, she encounters a group of boys from school who taunt her. Doing her best to ignore them, she rushes down the street towards home.

Born and raised in Peyton Place, Allison's mother Constance was determined from a very young age to get out as soon as she could and marry a rich man. She did leave and become involved with a wealthy man, but he was married. Constance became pregnant, and she and her mother changed the dates on the baby's birth certificate to avert gossip. When Constance's lover died, he left her a significant amount of money...