Summary

Chapter 31 continues Noelle’s narration. She told Floyd that she had lied about going on the pill. They conceived a baby, but the pregnancy ended in a miscarriage. Floyd was relieved by this, and he offered Noelle a clean break from their relationship.

Instead of leaving, Noelle overstayed her welcome. She became infatuated with pleasing Floyd. Another baby was conceived and lost, but Floyd was unaware of it that time. The day that Noelle lost the second baby coincided with her first day tutoring Ellie. Because of Ellie’s youthful beauty and well-mannered nature, Noelle became obsessed with her.

In the present, Laurel visits her mother once again. She jokes about her mother still being here and then tells her that the birthday dinner went well. Before she leaves, her mother tells her that she won’t be seeing her again. Laurel leaves...