Book 1, Part 6 Summary

Allison experiences a strange feeling discontent and is eager to get older but is reminded by Constance that time passes all too quickly. Constance plans a birthday party for Allison, who is disgusted when she begins to menstruate. When it finally happens, Allison "wept that she was not, after all, going to be as unique as she had wanted to be."

While Allison has her birthday party in the living room, Constance hides from the noise and the music upstairs in her room. When the noise suddenly ends, Constance realizes the kids are playing a kissing game. She worries about what might happen to Allison but realizes Allison isn't participating in the kissing, but is directing who will kiss whom. Downstairs, Selena is enjoying the kissing game, particularly when she gets kissed by Ted Carter. After the game is finished, Rodney...