Whatever It Takes
Page 30
“Why don’t you two try to patch it up?” she said, in an effort to make it easier for her mother.
“That’s what I want more than anything,” Cynthia said. “Am I going to serve a life sentence for what I did?”
“I’m serving the same sentence that you’re serving,” he said, “and I am trying my best to forgive you, but until I die, I will remember what I saw. I can’t do it. I’m sorry, but it is out of the question.”
Cynthia turned around and left the room. Marshall Graham looked at his daughter. “Remember this, Kellie. Some things are never forgotten. I’m glad you had the guts to leave Fayson. I’ll be over around noon Monday to get your things. Borrow a couple of those boxes that I brought here for your mother. The parsonage will close when she leaves.” He kissed her cheek. “Welcome back, daughter.”
“You mean she actually left him and for good?” Lacette asked her father Sunday evening as he sat with her, Douglas and Nick at dinner in Mealey’s Restaurant.
“Yeah. I think she’ll be all right now, but she’s got some emotional wounds that may not heal easily.”
“Is she going to be in the wedding?” Nick asked his father.
“No, son. Lacette’s Aunt Nan will be her matron of honor.”
The constriction in her chest was not the first she’d felt because Douglas had ruled out any role for Kellie in his family’s life. “Of course, I wouldn’t interfere with your seeing her; she’s your twin sister,” he’d said, “but I don’t want to lay eyes on her ever again.”
She understood, for she had already decided that it wouldn’t be appropriate to have Kellie as her maid of honor. “She isn’t likely to become an issue between us,” was all she said.
“You can’t get married till Daddy and I get the house fixed up,” Nick said, “can you, Daddy?”
“We’re getting married June fifteenth,” Douglas said, “if we have to sleep on the floors.”
“Gee,” Nick said, “I’m getting a new mother, a new grandfather, a new house, and my own pony. I can hardly wait!”
“You’re also getting another grandmother,” Douglas said, and best of all, I am getting a wonderful woman for my wife.”
EPILOGUE
Four years and three weeks after that weekend, Kellie Graham received a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Hood College, a local institution founded in 1893. Along with Nick and Lacette Rawlins, Cynthia Graham and Marshall Graham stood side by side as their daughter received her degree. As firm in his resolve to avoid contact with Lacette as Marshall Graham remained in his decision not to resume his marriage with Cynthia, Douglas stayed away from the commencement exercises and the celebratory dinner that followed.
“I love you, Lacette,” he assured her, “and I’d do anything for you but that.”
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. What explanation, if any, does Marshall Graham give his children for leaving their mother? Is his stand justified?
2. What is Cynthia’s attitude when she learns that Marshall has moved out of their home? When she learns of it, what does her demeanor suggest to you?
3. There is a second break in relations between family members. What is the occasion for it?
4. What is Mama Carrie’s role in this turmoil? Do you think she might have anticipated it?
5. What does each member of the Graham family inherit? Do you believe the distribution is fair? Why?
6. Why is Kellie dissatisfied with the will?
7. What is the first thing Kellie does in connection with Lacette’s inheritance that gives a clue to her real character?
8. What is your opinion of Lawrence Bradley? How does he react after making love with Kellie the first time? The second time?
9. What is Bradley’s response when Kellie puts her cards on the table and tells what she wants? Does your opinion of him change? What do you think of him at this point?
10. Why do you think Lacette is closest to her father and Kellie closest to her mother? Do you think parents should not show favoritism among their children? Lacette is not bitter. Why is this?
11. Give examples of ways in which Kellie’s greed leads to her downfall.
12. Does this story provide a lesson in the way parents influence the development of their children’s values and ethics?
13. Do you believe that Melvin Moody is in any way responsible for Kellie’s lack of morals?
14. Lacette is strongly goal oriented. How is this expressed? Compare this to Kellie’s outlook.
15. For what reason does Lacette develop a liaison with Jefferson Smith? When he came into her life, did she need him? Should he have told her his marital status? Should she have asked? Why does she regret the liaison with him?
16. How is Lacette’s brooch finally located? Who provides the tip? Why is Lacette susceptible to belief in the occult?
17. How does Douglas’s son effectively derail progress in Douglas and Lacette’s relationship? How is he responsible for its repair?
18. What accounts for Douglas’s initial negative reaction to Kellie? How did that influence his relationship with Lacette?
19. Which two characters represent reason and morality in this story? Which two most represent depravity?
20. In what specific ways does Douglas demonstrate his profound love for Lacette?
21. What incident leads Cynthia to see and acknowledge her role in Kellie’s self-centeredness and arrogance?
22. Throughout the story, Kellie engages in immoral behavior. As a result of what amoral act on Kellie’s part does Lacette break ties with Douglas? In a vicious act, she exacts revenge against Douglas. To whom does he turn for help in solving the problem Kellie creates, and what is the result?
23. How does Marshall bring about the reconciliation between Lacette and Douglas?
24. Kellie’s lover abuses and controls her. What cruel act shocks her so that she leaves him and returns to her parental home, remorseful and contrite?
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