How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Chapter)
Quote #7
[Lorraine:] I can't tell you what she'd [her mother] do if I ever took anything, but she isn't even ashamed of what she does. She figures they don't pay her enough, so she'll even it up her own way. (6)
Like John's parents, Lorraine's mother has a double standard regarding stealing.
Quote #8
[Lorraine:] I could tell from the way she [Lorraine's mother] spoke that it was her way of thanking me for giving them [new stockings] to her. "Where did you get the money for them?"
"I told you."
"Tell me again."
"I walked to school a few days instead of taking the bus."
"You said you skipped lunch."
"And I skipped lunch a couple of times."
She mulled that over a few seconds, but she had to get to work on time and couldn't devote her full energies to interrogating. She always makes me tell the same story over a week or so later to see if I slip up on any details. (10)
Ironically, Lorraine's mother's suspicions that Lorraine lies to her are well-founded. Lorraine lies to her every time she goes to Mr. Pignati's, which is nearly every day.
Quote #9
[John:] "Mr. Pignati, there's something Lorraine and I think we should tell you."
Mr. Pignati looked very serious and worried. […]
"You see, Mr. Pignati, we're not charity workers."
He just stared at us.
"We're high-school kids," John added a little nervously. "We're sorry we lied to you." […]
"We just had to be honest with you because we like you more than anyone we know."
Finally we had to stop talking and wait for some response from him. He had turned his head away and seemed to be looking out the window. Perhaps John had been right when he said we should've forgotten the whole thing—never mentioned it. Maybe there are some lies you should never admit to. (10)
Mr. Pignati's kindness to Lorraine and John forces them to feel guilty for lying to him, and to confess to him. Lorraine's raises a good question: are there, in fact, some lies that should never be admitted?