Chapter 16 Summary

Matters get even worse in the Jewish community when Batsheva invites the girls to a Purim seudah party at her house. At first, the women refuse to let their daughters attend but when Arlene gives in and allows Ilana to attend, the other mothers soon follow suit. At Batsheva's party, the girls begin to sing and dance. Although they had not been invited, the high school boys also show up at Batsheva's house. Batsheva allows them all inside, determined not to ruin their fun, but also seems nervous about the situation. When the girls still haven't come home after midnight, Becky and Arelene walk over to Batsheva's house. At Batsheva's the house is in disarray and the girls offer no excuses for not being home. Becky notices that Shira is not there. Batsheva turns to Ilana who bursts into tears. She tells them...