How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
Lily's eyes moved from one to the other. "Oh," she whispered, because anyone could see that this was serious, and for a moment anyway her brother seemed grown-up to her. And she felt the same little pang she'd felt in this very room on the day she'd found […] Clara's name scribbled over and over again. A pang of envy and distress—would anyone […] ever gaze at her the way he was gazing at Clara? Of course they wouldn't. (33.58)
We know that Lily wants to be a normal teenage girl, but it seems like her greatest desire is to be loved and identified by another person as valuable and desirable. Just as Rose fears loneliness for Clara, Lily fears not being wanted or validated by a guy, perhaps being isolated the way her mother and grandparents are. The fact that Lonnie has a love interest only makes her feel further behind.
Quote #8
"Clara's my girlfriend," he told Lily. "We—" a sudden perfect certainty rushed upon him. Lonnie had never felt so sure. "We're engaged." (33.64)
In what is quite possibly the world's first telepathic proposal, Lonnie finally discovers what he wants in life: Clara. Well, also a degree in literature, but mostly Clara. The fact that they've both been thinking about it and don't even need to have a discussion before reaching this decision shows just how perfect the relationship is.
Quote #9
Jessaline thought of the beautiful courtyard she'd glimpsed in her dream the other night: the courtyard of Chez Jessaline […] Then she squared her shoulders and approached the telephone. She'd have to have it out with them sometime, so why not get it over with? "It's my life, not yours!"—that's what she'd say. (38.5)
Jessaline's parents may be set on her becoming heir to their positions as Mercer College professors, but it's just not happening. Because Jessaline has the guts to tell her parents that she won't move on this, we wouldn't be surprised if Chez Jessaline eventually makes its way to New York, Chicago, and other fine cities here in the States.