Nothing to See Here

Things are quiet in the guesthouse. The children are doing breathing and yoga practice, and there have been no fires. Lillian’s eye has swollen shut, and its substantial bruising fascinates the children because they are impervious to harm. The day’s lesson is Tennessee history, so the trio prepares a list of famous Tennesseans in advance of a trip to the library. After another brief bout of frustration about their ignorance, Bessie and Roland choose to research Dolly Parton and Alvin York, respectively, while Lilian selects Davy Crockett.

Carl okays the field trip and fetches a massive bucket of flame retardant stunt gel. This is the only option, as the Nomex clothing is not yet ready. Carl is startled by Lillian’s face, but much less so when he learns a basketball game with Madison was the cause. The instructions for the retardant’s use are unclear, so Lillian coats her arms first before applying it on Roland and Bessie. When Carl does a flame test, Lillian is exhilarated by her feeling of invulnerability. She privately wonders if this is how Roland and Bessie feel while on fire.

The twins’ excitement dissipates as the car approaches the library. Bessie worries that they will seem like “weirdos” and begs to stay in the car to avoid stares. Lillian quells this anxiety, and as the group enters the building Roland greets everyone enthusiastically. Bessie remains wary and uncomfortable with the gel, but Lillian stays with her and reassures her. They select a few books, but neither the children nor the adults have library cards. Lillian makes Carl and Roland sneak the books out in their pants with instructions to “act normal […] nothing to see here” (112). Although they set off an alarm, their caper is successful. Bessie is grateful Lillian stole for her and thrilled when she realizes no one noticed them. Roland says they looked “like a normal family in there” (113). On the way home, Lillian, who usually hates being touched, allows the children to read their books while leaning against her.

The next day the routine of yoga and schoolwork continues, progressing incrementally but positively (so too are the children’s basketball skills). Lillian begins to notice the twins enjoying themselves, or at least not “looking entirely blasted” by their terrible lives (114). She thinks of them as hers, despite never wanting a man to “give” her a child. Lillian gives both children haircuts to look more “normal,” and they all pick outfits. She talks with Bessie about her feelings towards Jasper, using it as an opportunity to practice control over the fire. Bessie shows strong control even when heating up after imagining biting her father. She and Lillian also talk about Lillian’s mother, whom Lillian hates for resenting her existence. Even as they solemnly acknowledge that parenting is difficult, Lillian again yearns to have the children as her own, surprising herself. Bessie asks how much of the summer break is left and is glad to learn there is “a long time” to go.

At the mansion, Madison greets Lillian and the twins and commends their outfits and hair. She expresses concern about Lillian’s bruising, but Roland and Bessie proudly defend their caretaker’s toughness. To herself, Lillian curses Madison for going “psycho” during the game. They all go in, and Mary brings everyone their requested meals. Lillian notes Timothy’s eccentricity and recalls that Madison likes it, choosing to let him be his weird self because her mother denied her that freedom. Small talk circles around to the twins’ Tennessee research and an argument about whether Dolly Parton qualifies as a notable Tennessean. Jasper talks about Parton disdainfully and seethes with rage when Lillian corrects his erroneous argument about former Tennessean presidents. Carl makes a timely appearance and calls the senator and his wife away for an urgent phone call.

The others finish their dinner and take Timothy with them back to the guesthouse. While Roland and Timothy play together, Bessie and Lillian have a debriefing on the dinner. It was a passable experience for Bessie, and she hopes Madison likes her and Roland. Timothy, wanting a demonstration, interjects to ask about them catching fire. Just then, Madison returns and quickly takes Timothy back to the mansion. Carl is also there to inform Lillian of the secretary of state’s death and the expedited process for Jasper’s confirmation. Lillian takes a photo of the twins while they’re still dressed up, telling them they “look cool”; then they prepare for bedtime and a story. Roland is disappointed he never got the hug Jasper promised, but Bessie does not want their father’s hug.