Blume, Forever (1975)

1
Blume, Forever (1975)

• Before I went to sleep my father came into my
  room and sat down on the edge of my bed, like he
  used to when I was little. He took my hand.
• Wellyoull be off to college in the fall I
  have to let you go sooner or later I guess
  youre not a little girl anymore.
• I guess not.
• You have a lot of common sense, Kath. Youve
  always made intelligent decisions still, you
  and Michael are very young. I just dont want
  to see you get hurt. (53-54)

2
Blume, Forever (1975)

• But you have to be sure you can handle the
  situation before you jump into it sex is a
  commitment once youre there you cant go back
  to holding hands.
• I know it.
• And when you give yourself both mentally and
  physically well, youre completely vulnerable.
• Ive heard that before. (76-77)

3
Blume, Forever (1975)

• On the way home I thought, I am no longer a
  virgin. Ill never have to go through the
  first-time business again and Im glad Im so
  glad its over! Still, I cant help feeling let
  down. Everybody makes such a big thing out of
  actually doing it. But Michael is probably right
  this takes practice. I cant imagine what the
  first time would be like with someone you didnt
  love. (98)

4
Blume, Forever (1975)

• My mother came into my room that night. I cut
  this article out of todays Times, she said,
  handing it to me. I think it has a lot to say
  you might find it interesting.
• I got comfortable in bed, adjusted my lamp, and
  looked at the article. Maybe mom could tell me
  about me after all. The title was What about the
  right to say no? and the subtitle was Sexual
  liberation. (102)

5
Blume, Forever (1975)

• Dear Kath, I hear that you and Michael are
  officially going together. Thought these might
  come in handy. And remember, if you ever need to
  talk, Im available. I dont judge. I just
  advise. Love, Grandma. (109)
• I pulled out a whole bunch of pamphlets from
  Planned Parenthood on birth control, abortion and
  venereal disease. At first I was angry. Grandma
  is jumping to conclusions again, I thought. But
  then I sat down and started to read. It turned
  out she had sent me a lot of valuable
  information. (109)

6
Blume, Forever (1975)

• Eighteen years he said. A quarter of our
  lives gone by over kaput just like that
  He snapped his fingers. From no on its all
  downhill . Sure you spend your whole life
  trying to make and for what so you can wind up
  in some cancer ward full oneedles and tubes with
  nobody giving a shit thats what youve got to
  look forward to thats what weve all got
  coming
• Erica touched his arm. Youve got to enjoy
  whatever you can and forget about the rest.
• The odds are stacked against us (143-144)

7
Blume, Forever (1975)

• Both Michael and Erica blamed themselves.
  Neither one of them believed me when I said that
  maybe this was the best thing that could have
  happened because now, at least, Artie will get
  the kind of professional help hes needed all
  along. (150)

8
Blume, Forever (1975)

• Daddy went to a lot of trouble to find you a
  good job.
• Who asked him to?My mother put down her knife
  and fork. I cant say that I like your
  attitude.
• I fought back tears. Do you think Im stupid
  do you think I cant see what youre trying to do
  
• This has nothing to do with Michael, my father
  said.
• Dont life please!
• All right, my Mom said. We both think you
  could use a change of scenery. (140)

9
Blume, Forever (1975)

• She sighed and then smiled at us. Thanks for
  coming. Im glad you did. Are you going to
  Michaels graduation? She directed this
  question at me.
• Yes.
• Then youll hear them call my name.
• Ill clap for you okay?
• Sure for me and Artie, Sybil said. Then she
  looked up at Erica and shook her head. Im
  sorry.
• Its okay.
• Id rather be here than where he is, Sybil
  said. (157)

10
Blume, Forever (1975)

• Most of the kids here are okay. Theres just one
  15 year old brat I cant stand. Her name is
  Marsha. Everyone says shes a fantastic
  ballerina but I havent seen her dance yet.
  Shes too busy hanging around the tennis courts
  because of Theo. When I compare us at 15 to
  Marsha, I can see that imes are really changing
  and not for the btter, in my opinion. I wouldnt
  want to see Jamie carrying on like that in two
  years (169).