How we cite our quotes: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
"Vera, I don't know how long you've been drinking and I don't know if you understand how bad it is for body or how susceptible to alcoholism your genes make you, but more important to me, you planned on driving home last night. You can never do that. Never. Do you understand me?" (3.1.56)
Vera's dad is terrified by the fact that Vera is starting to drink, especially with the history of addiction that runs in their family. But he knows that he can't control everything that she does, so he needs to make sure that she at least never drinks and drives.
Quote #8
DAD: That first night you came home drunk, I cried all night.
ME: You cried?
DAD: You're my daughter, for Christ's sake.
ME: But why'd you cry?
We look at each other until he speaks again.
DAD: I failed you. (4.4.54-59)
It's not just Vera's life and reputation on the line when she starts drinking; it's her dad's, too. All this time, he's just wanted to keep her away from alcohol in order to ensure that she has a shot at a good life. And now he feels like he failed.
Quote #9
Also, Dad has accepted that I swear, and I think I've convinced him that it's a fair trade-off. Swearing for drinking. (4.4.95)
Vera thinks therapy is useless and that it's just a time to be awkwardly stuck in a room talking with her dad, but it does help her come to an understanding with her father. And in the end, she stops drinking because of what she learns about him. Boo ya.