Patty Ponder, an elderly woman who lives across the street from Pirriwee Public elementary school. She enjoys observing the activities and people at the school from her vantage point. Patty notices the mothers of the students taking their mothering responsibilities very seriously, and she also observes an increase in fathers dropping off their kids at the school.
The school is known for hosting trivia nights, which often turn into costume parties for the parents. During one such event with an Audrey Hepburn and Elvis Presley theme, Patty witnesses a chaotic scene. Two fathers dressed as Elvis start fighting, causing a commotion among the parents. Patty contemplates calling the police to intervene as women scream and shout.
As the narrative progresses, the traditional storytelling structure breaks away. Different members of the community provide their explanations for the fight, ranging from a simple misunderstanding to issues between working mothers and stay-at-home mothers. The detective-sergeant, Adrian Quinlan, announces that he is investigating the parents because someone was killed at the trivia night, although the identity of the victim remains unknown at this point.
Six months back in time, before the trivia night incident, and focuses on a character named Madeline Martha Mackenzie. Madeline has a five-year-old daughter named Chloe and a seven-year-old son named Fred. She is accompanied by her supportive husband, Ed, as they take Chloe to her kindergarten orientation.
On her fortieth birthday, Madeline reflects on the concept of hitting middle age, describing it as a colorless age and feeling somewhat stuck
in the middle of her life. Nevertheless, she looks forward to celebrating her birthday by enjoying champagne and getting coffee with her friend, Celeste.
While driving, Madeline becomes upset when she notices a young woman in front of her using her phone while driving. Madeline reminds her daughter, Chloe, never to use a phone while driving and realizes that Chloe had witnessed her doing the same thing in the past. Determined to address the situation, Madeline parks her car at the next red light, approaches the young woman's car, scolds her, and takes her phone away, throwing it onto the passenger seat. Feeling vindicated, Madeline starts to walk back to her vehicle but ends up twisting her ankle in her high heels.
Jane Chapman, a young single mother who is driving behind Madeline. Jane is also taking her son, Ziggy, to the same kindergarten orientation. She admires how well put together Madeline looks and describes her as a "glittery girl" who decorates herself affectionately. Jane witnesses Madeline twisting her ankle and falling to the ground but initially hesitates to help as she wants to make sure Ziggy reaches his new school on time. However, when Ziggy asks if the woman is okay, Jane decides to check on Madeline. They exchange pleasantries and discover that they are both headed to the same destination.
Throughout the chapter, various parents provide testimonies and engage in gossip. One parent mentions that the school community has divided into two factions, Team Madeline and Team Renata. Other parents speculate that the chaos at the trivia night was due to excessive alcohol consumption and the influence of a full moon. Harper, who is Renata's friend and known for being nosy, suggests that the murder at the trivia night can be traced back to an incident involving Jane's son, Ziggy, during the kindergarten orientation.
Jane accompanies Madeline to the Blue Blues caf?. They meet the laid-back barista named Tom and begin to get to know each other. Jane,
being a single mother, reveals that Ziggy was conceived from a one-night stand. She recalls her mother suggesting that she lie about Ziggy's conception, but Jane believes that lies become complicated. Madeline shares that fifteen years ago, her first husband, Nathan, left her and their infant daughter, Abigail. Nathan has since remarried a younger woman named Bonnie, and although he appears to be a better husband to his second wife and maintains a good relationship with Abigail, Madeline still holds resentment towards him.
Jane supports her family through freelance bookkeeping, and they have lived in several different places, often renting a new apartment every six months. Jane hopes that settling in Pirriwee will provide her and Ziggy with a fresh start. While they are talking, Madeline's friend, Celeste, enters the Blue Blues caf?, and Jane is amazed by her beauty.
Celeste, who is married to Perry, a charming man. They have twin boys named Josh and Max, who are the same age as Chloe and Ziggy. Celeste is slightly disappointed that her breakfast date with Madeline isn't just the two of them. Madeline offers to helpJane and Celeste navigate the politics and gossip of the elementary school, but both Jane and Celeste express their disinterest in getting involved. Ironically, they both state that they won't participate in any school politics, foreshadowing their future involvement.
Celeste gifts Madeline an expensive set of champagne glasses and a bottle of champagne. Madeline convinces Jane and Celeste to open the champagne and have mimosas to celebrate her birthday during breakfast.
More testimonies from different parents about seeing the three women at the school after their champagne breakfast. Some parents claim they were drunk, while others disagree.
The three women arrive at the school and wait for their children to finish the orientation. Jane meets several other mothers, each with their own distinct personalities. There's Chloe, who is hygienic, Harper, who is
a helicopter parent, and Renata, who is business-minded. Renata mistakenly assumes that Jane is a nanny, and Madeline, who already has a tense relationship with Renata, corrects her. Jane notices that Renata looks uneasy upon learning that she is a young mom. Before Jane can address the tension, the children are released from class.
Initially, there is a joyful atmosphere, but it quickly turns sour when Renata's daughter, Amabella, emerges from the classroom visibly upset. Amabella informs the kindergarten teacher, Miss Barnes, that one of the boys hurt her. Renata becomes furious, and all the boys are lined up. Amabella points to Ziggy as the perpetrator of the incident.
Madeline observes the tense situation unfolding between Jane, Renata, and their children. Jane's son, Ziggy, maintains his innocence and insists that he didn't hurt Renata's daughter, Amabella. Renata demands that Ziggy apologize to Amabella, but Jane defends her son, stating that she can't force him to apologize for something he claims he didn't do.
The two mothers reach a stalemate in their disagreement. Renata, frustrated, directly tells Ziggy never to touch Amabella in that way again, which angers Jane. Renata leaves the scene with her daughter and their French maid, Juliette. Ziggy expresses his sadness, saying that he doesn't want to come to school anymore. This statement dampens Jane's hopes for a fresh start for her and Ziggy in Pirriwee.
It's Christmas, and Madeline's family is opening their presents. However, Madeline's eldest daughter, Abigail, is not present as she is spendingtime with Nathan, Bonnie, and her half-sister, Skye, who are also in the same kindergarten class. Madeline feels a sense of sadness as she observes the strong bond between Abigail and Skye, which seems to surpass Abigail's relationship with her other siblings, Chloe and Fred.
Nathan's side of the family decides to spend Christmas helping at a homeless shelter, leaving Madeline to wonder how Bonnie managed to change Nathan's previously selfish behavior. Abigail texts Madeline, describing her volunteering experience at the shelter as a "beautiful
experience," which surprises Madeline, as Abigail is usually lazy and complains about helping at home. Madeline vents her frustrations to her husband, Ed, who supports her. This support from Ed brings Madeline some relief, and she shifts her attention to Chloe and Fred, who are still excited about the more commercial and materialistic aspects of Christmas.
Statement from Harper, providing another perspective on Madeline's family dynamics. Harper reveals that she saw Bonnie throwing her drink all over Madeline at the trivia night, despite Bonnie claiming that everything was amicable. This foreshadows the drama that will later unfold.
Celeste wakes up on Christmas morning next to her husband, Perry, who is a successful banker. They have taken their twin boys, Josh and Max, to Canada for a snowy Christmas. Celeste envisions Perry waking up and eagerly taking pictures of the boys opening their presents against the backdrop of the snow. She knows that Perry will enthusiastically post the family pictures on Facebook, as he enjoys sharing his hobby.
Reflecting on her family life, Celeste acknowledges that there is much to appreciate. However, beneath the surface, something is deeply wrong with her marriage. Celeste believes that there is no need to leave Perry until the boys finish high school, implying that she is contemplating leaving him at some point.
A testimonial states that despite Celeste and Perry appearing to have a perfect marriage, someone saw them in their car on trivia night, both staring straight ahead and not looking at each other. They were dressed up in their costumes and not saying a word, adding further mystery and intrigue to the events of trivia night.
Jane wakes up on Christmas morning from a disturbing dream. The dream portrays Ziggy, her son, having his foot on her throat and refusing to remove itdespite her pleas. The dream unsettles Jane deeply.
However, when she wakes up, she finds the real Ziggy sleeping peacefully beside her. While Ziggy sleeps, Jane reflects on the kind of person he will become. Her mother has a belief, albeit somewhat serious, that Ziggy is the reincarnation of Jane's deceased grandfather, Poppy. While Jane sees glimpses of Poppy's traits in Ziggy, she doesn't consider him to be a reincarnation. Jane admits that she is uncertain about who Ziggy will grow up to be, acknowledging that children can change and develop new personality traits overnight. This triggers a painful memory for Jane, but she suppresses it and refuses to let it manifest. Ziggy wakes up, excited for Christmas, and accidentally hits Jane's nose when he jumps out of bed.
Celeste's family returns from Vancouver to Sydney. During the flight, Perry, Celeste's husband, playfully engages with their sons and pretends to have superpowers, keeping it a secret. Celeste admires the tenderness and affection Perry displays towards their children. Perry expresses optimism for the upcoming year, hoping that with the boys starting school, Celeste will have more personal time. He self-consciously states that he will do everything in his power to make it a good year for their family. The exact details of their marital troubles remain ambiguous, but Perry's words leave Celeste in a contemplative state as she considers whether she should stay with him.
Madeline, Ed, Chloe, and Abigail spend time together in the kitchen. Chloe expresses her desire to have a playdate with Ziggy, but Ed is hesitant due to Renata and her husband Geoff's wariness. Madeline jokingly argues with Ed, stating that they don't like Renata and Geoff very much. Ed tries to remember who Geoff is, adding humor to the conversation. Madeline, wanting to defy Renata, insists on letting Chloe play with Ziggy. Adding to the family dynamic, Abigail reveals her desire to become vegan, which upsets Madeline as Bonnie, Ed's wife, is vegan. Madeline becomes increasingly worried that Bonnie is becoming a more central figure in Abigail's life.
Testimonials about Abigail are shown, with some expressing sympathy
for her growing up in a broken home. On the other hand, Bonnie claims that she and Madeline are helping Abigail cope with her teenage angst as a team. Harper, however, adds more tension by alleging thatMadeline said, "I'm going to kill someone before the night is out" during trivia night. The testimonials add more confusion than clarification to the situation.
Celeste accompanies Perry and their children on a tour of the primary school before classes officially begin. Celeste is tense from a fight she had with Perry the previous night, while Perry appears unaffected. The fight occurred when Celeste asked Perry for help with the home computer, but his anger escalated into violence when he couldn't fix it. Celeste recognizes that Perry's treatment of her is wrong, and a computer malfunction should not lead to abuse. After the fight, they had passionate and angry sex, which often concludes their fights.
Celeste watches Perry playing with their boys at the playground and questions the conflicting emotions she has towards him. She wonders if she loves him as much as she hates him and hates him as much as she loves him. Both Celeste and Perry acknowledge that their relationship is problematic and agree that seeing a counselor would be a good idea. However, Celeste doubts its effectiveness, recalling a previous attempt at counseling where they only went once, and their deeper relationship issues were not addressed.
While at the school, they encounter Renata, who informs Perry about the drama involving Ziggy. Renata criticizes both Ziggy and Jane, making Celeste feel uncomfortable and uninterested in getting involved in school politics. Perry appeases Renata, but Celeste senses that he takes Renata's words into consideration. Celeste reflects on Ziggy, acknowledging that although he seems like a sweet boy, there is something that makes her feel off-balance and fills her with mistrust. While lost in her thoughts, her son Josh pulls her arm, causing her pain as there is a bruise from Perry's abuse. Renata expresses concern for Celeste's well-being, and Celeste briefly contemplates confessing her inner turmoil to Renata, wanting to ask if her husband abuses her and if she fights back, but ultimately, she simply states that she is okay.
Madeline invites Celeste and her boys to a playdate with Chloe and Ziggy over the phone. Celeste informs Madeline that Renata is warning other parents and children about hanging out with Ziggy, which upsets Madeline. The two women have been friends since they first met when their children were toddlers attending swimming lessons. Madeline recalls a time when she saw Celeste's son struggling in the water and jumped in to help him swim. This incident sparked their friendship.
During their conversation, Madeline vents about aging and expresses her frustration with Abigail's fondness for Bonnie and Nathan's family. She reveals her desire to grab Abigail and remind her that Nathan left both of them, but she knows she has to be the adult in the situation. Eventually, Madeline and Celeste agree to befriend Jane and arrange a playdate with Ziggy.
While the children play, Jane shares with Madeline that she saw Harper at the gas station earlier, and Harper pretended not to see her. Madeline informs Jane that Harper is close friends with Renata and offers to text Harper on Jane's behalf, annoyed by the situation. However, Jane declines the offer, not wanting to escalate the drama any further. Although Jane believes Ziggy did not hurt Amabella, she admits that there is a small part of her that considers the possibility deep down. Jane feels an overwhelming desire to confide her doubts to Madeline but decides to keep her secrets to herself for now. Abigail enters the kitchen and announces that she is going to spend the night at her father's place, leaving Madeline upset once again about the amount of time Abigail spends with him.
Ed briefly appears in the kitchen and shares with Jane that he has been in love with Madeline since they were kids. It was only in their 30s, when they saw each other at a party, that he was able to act on his feelings. Jane finds their love story romantic and sweet. Soon after, Celeste arrives at the playdate. Surrounded by a loving couple and a beautiful woman like Celeste, Jane feels inadequate in comparison.
As they lie in bed, Madeline reminisces about the years she spent raising Abigail by herself in a small two-bedroom flat above an Italian restaurant. Reflecting on the hurt caused by Abigail's fondness for Nathan, Bonnie, and Skye, Madeline realizes that she always expected Abigail to love her more than anyone else. In a lighthearted manner, Ed jokingly offers to kill Nathan for Madeline, highlighting his support and understanding.
Testimony mentioning the inappropriate distribution of party invitations on the first day of kindergarten.
Jane takes Ziggy to his first day of school accompanied by her parents. While they are taking a picture, Jane encounters Bonnie, Nathan, and Skye. Bonnie offers to have Nathan take a picture of Jane and her family, and Jane agrees. Bonnie's style stands out with her Chinese tattoo and loose, long clothing, which appears out of place among the other parents dressed in casual beachwear, gym gear, or business attire. Before they have a chance to talk for too long, Amabella gives Skye an invitation to her fifth birthday party. However, Ziggy is not given an invitation, making it clear that the other children have received them.
Madeline prepares for Chloe's first day of school while dealing with intense premenstrual syndrome(PMS) symptoms that have become more severe as she gets older. She becomes irritated with Ed's positivity and prevents him from socializing with Mrs. Ponder across the street from the school. Madeline's frustration heightens when she sees Nathan taking pictures of Jane's family as they approach the playground. She struggles to be nice to Nathan and recalls when he walked out on her and Abigail when Abigail was just three weeks old. Madeline resents Nathan's excitement about Skye starting school, as he had been absent during Abigail's early schooling. Adding to her anger, Chloe approaches Madeline with one of Amabella's pink envelopes, revealing that everyone
is invited to Amabella's party except Ziggy.
Meanwhile, Celeste contemplates whatto do about her troubled marriage. Perry is away on a business trip, and Celeste entertains the idea of having an affair to escalate their marital issues. However, the thought of being with anyone other than Perry brings a heavy, listless sensation to Celeste. She also struggles to get her boys ready for school and acknowledges that Perry would have had them out the door on time.
Celeste encounters Renata and Madeline, where Renata claims that the party invitations were meant to be distributed privately. Madeline informs Renata that Chloe will not be attending Amabella's party and declares herself at war with Renata, a sentiment that Celeste finds overly dramatic.
Madeline, Ed, Jane, and Jane's parents gather at Blue Blues for coffee. Madeline continues to harbor anger towards Renata.
In a private conversation, Jane's mother, Di, expresses her gratitude to Madeline for befriending Jane. Di acknowledges that while Jane has done an excellent job raising Ziggy, she has become different - quieter and more guarded. Di senses a deep unhappiness in Jane that she tries to hide. Madeline connects Di's observations about Jane to her own concerns about Abigail. Di reveals that Jane's doctors had informed her that she might have difficulty conceiving naturally, making Ziggy's conception a surprise. Madeline promises Di that she will look out for Jane.
Jane works from home while Ziggy is at school. She is worried about Ziggy adjusting to school life, Amabella's party, and her strained relationship with Renata. Jane decides to volunteer for school events in order to be more involved.
Jane contemplates the potential consequences if Ziggy did indeed hurt Amabella. She fears that his social life would suffer and they would have to seek the help of a child psychologist. Jane acknowledges that she would have to face her deepest fears and share her secret terrors about
Ziggy.
She daydreams about presenting her life as more put-together than it actually feels. Jane considers posting a cute picture with a status update on Facebook or venting about Ziggy not being invited to the party to gain support from others. She envisions how sharing these snippets on social media would make her and Ziggy seem like "normal people." Jane also reflects on the stability she has achieved, supporting herself and Ziggy, and contemplates the possibility of going on a date now that Ziggy is enrolled in school. However, her thoughts are interruptedby a painful and suppressed memory of her one-night stand, causing her intense nausea.
Celeste waits for her twin boys, Josh and Max, to finish school and encounters Jane. Celeste finds Jane's simple life of working from home with just her and Ziggy appealing. They exchange pleasantries and discover that they both had plans to become lawyers before having children. Realizing their commonalities, they agree to take regular walks together.
A brief testimonial from Harper serves as a scene break. Harper recalls witnessing Celeste apologizing profusely to Jane just moments before the trivia night murder, saying, "I'm sorry. I'm just so, so sorry." This detail adds to the mysterious atmosphere surrounding the upcoming tragedy.
Madeline receives a call from her part-time job at the Pirriwee Theatre. Her boss offers her a bundle of Disney On Ice tickets. Madeline realizes that the event falls on the same date as Amabella's birthday and eagerly accepts the tickets, hinting at a devious plan forming in her mind.
Perry returns from his business trip, and he and Celeste spend time together watching The Walking Dead. Perry asks Celeste about Amabella's party, to which she reveals that they plan to take the twins to Disney On Ice instead. Perry expresses his disappointment about not being invited and feels left out during the limited time he spends at
home. Celeste feels guilty for upsetting Perry but insists that she never intended to hurt him intentionally.
As Celeste gets up to take out her contacts, Perry grabs her arm forcefully. Celeste pretends to be surprised and tries to calm Perry down, but her efforts are in vain. Perry shoves Celeste, causing her to stagger back. Celeste considers her options in this familiar situation: trying to talk him down, yelling, walking away, or fighting back. She recalls the first time Perry hit her when their twin boys were only eight months old, and she had threatened to leave him if it ever happened again. Unfortunately, the abuse did happen again when the boys turned two, and Celeste did not leave, making Perry's behavior seemingly acceptable. Tormented, Celeste realizes a painful truth: she is still in love with Perry despite the abuse. She clutches her arm where Perry grabbed her and mutters incoherently.
Perry suddenly becomes apologetic and remorseful, a pattern Celeste recognizes. She knows he will act sweet and kind until his next businesstrip. Celeste rationalizes Perry's abusive behavior, considering it an illness or an ugly side of him that he tries to resist. She believes it could be worse, citing accounts of domestic violence far more horrific than her own. Celeste acknowledges that everyone has both good and bad sides, and she finds herself unable to leave Perry, just as she could never leave their boys. Still in the room with Perry, Celeste goes back to him and cuddles up beside her husband.
Madeline takes Chloe and a group of other kindergartners to see Disney On Ice. She feels guilty about the rift between herself and Renata and hopes the kids will have a good time to justify her actions. Madeline notices Ziggy among the children at the show, accompanied by Harry the Hippo, a class toy that they take turns bringing home for the weekend. She also observes that Celeste looks pale and unwell.
Meanwhile, Celeste continues to contemplate her dangerous marriage. She tells herself that she needs to leave Perry immediately, but something always prevents her from taking that step.
After the ice show, Jane and Ziggy visit Jane's parents. In the midst of their conversation, Jane realizes that they left Harry the Hippo at the
show, causing her to panic. She calls Madeline in a hysterical state, worried about what the other mothers will think of her for being irresponsible. Testimonials confirm Jane's fears, as one parent comments on the fuss caused by Jane losing the class toy. Jane buys a replacement Hippo, but her reputation with the other parents is tarnished.
Madeline and her family prepare for a school athletics carnival. Tension arises between Madeline and Abigail when Abigail confidently claims that Bonnie, her father's wife, will win the mothers' race because she is young and athletic. Their argument escalates, and Abigail reveals her plan to move in with her dad and Bonnie full-time. Madeline has been apprehensive about this happening, but she tries to restrain her emotions despite being deeply upset. Madeline reflects on the memories of raising Abigail alone, particularly the moments they shared together, hoping that Abigail will remember them as well. However, Abigail confirms her decision to live with her dad and Bonnie, leaving Madeline heartbroken.
At the school carnival, Madeline encounters Nathan, her ex-husband and Abigail's father. They have a tense conversation about Abigail's choiceto live with Nathan. Nathan mentions the possibility of adjusting the amount of child support he pays if Abigail moves in with him. He also reflects on his absence as a father during the first 10 years of Abigail's life. Frustrated, Madeline questions Nathan about why he had to move to their town in the first place, to which Nathan simply responds with confusion. Their conversation abruptly ends as the mothers' race is about to begin.
Jane prepares herself for the mothers' race at the athletics carnival. The day is beautiful, and the atmosphere at the event is inviting. Jane contemplates the efforts she has made to become a part of the school community, such as volunteering, hosting playdates, and engaging in small talk with other moms. However, despite her efforts, Jane senses that something still feels off. She notices subtle signs of judgment and insincerity in the interactions with other mothers, including forced smiles
and guarded body language.
Negative thoughts start to invade Jane's mind, taking her back to the details of her one-night stand that resulted in Ziggy's conception. She remembers the ugliness of that night, the pressure on her throat, and the haunting words that were whispered to her. Thankfully, she manages to shake off those thoughts, refusing to let them consume her.
Before the race begins, the women engage in conversation. Jane struggles to remember the name of one of the women, either Audrey or Andrea, who asks her about a petition circulating among some of the moms to ban cupcakes. Madeline objects to the petition, and Bonnie adds her thoughts on the importance of stretching before the race. Amidst the chatter, the sound of a gunshot signals the start of the race, capturing everyone's attention.
Celeste stands at the finish line of the race, holding one end of the finishing tape while Renata holds the other. Renata asks about Perry, and Celeste lies, claiming that he is doing well. In reality, they had another fight the previous night. The argument started when the boys left a mess with their Legos, and Perry dumped them on Celeste. Furious, Celeste retaliated by throwing Legos at Perry's face, and he responded by slapping her across the face. However, in the morning, Perry was cheerful and upbeat, creating confusion and ambivalence in Celeste about the state of her marriage. She continues to questionwhether it is worth staying in such an abusive relationship.
The other moms rush toward Celeste and Renata as they near the finish line. Bonnie and Madeline lead the pack, and a debate ensues about who will win the race. Bonnie and Madeline cross the finish line almost simultaneously, causing disagreement over the winner. Madeline, however, insists that Bonnie beat her and hands over the first-place ribbon to her, expressing that Bonnie deserved the victory. Their eye contact reveals that Madeline's gesture carries a deeper meaning related to Abigail and their complicated relationship.
Testimonial from Samantha, describing the diverse mix of people living in the seaside community, including blue-collar locals, alternative hippies, and wealthy businesspeople. Samantha finds the situation amusing, considering they all share the same primary school for their children, which adds to the humorous dynamics within the community.
Celeste enjoys the luxuries afforded by her wealthy lifestyle, including the services of a cleaning crew to maintain her beautiful home. She reflects on her mother, who was a working woman and would come home to cook after her shifts. Celeste recalls her childhood days, fighting with her brother and standing up for herself when he would hit her. She wonders if her upbringing had been different, perhaps she wouldn't tolerate Perry's abusive behavior.
As Celeste browses the internet, she searches for organizations around the world to donate money to. She already sponsors multiple children in impoverished countries but desires to give even more. In a strange twist, Celeste pinches herself, intentionally bruising her body, and views it as a strange hobby and interest. She then proceeds to donate $20,000, but feels no real satisfaction from it. She contemplates the comfort that Perry's wealth provides compared to others in the community, including Madeline. Celeste has always felt the need to be humble and grateful for her personal beauty. Perry, too, is generous with his money, willingly bidding large sums at auctions and helping others in need.
Madeline helps Abigail pack her belongings as she prepares to move in with her father. Madeline struggles to suppress her emotions, feeling the pain deep withinher. She recalls the early days when Abigail first met Ed and how they had formed a bond. However, Abigail became more distant with Ed once Nathan reentered her life. Ed wonders if he is part of the reason why Abigail wants to leave, but Madeline keeps her thoughts to herself, believing that Abigail's fondness for Bonnie is the primary reason for her decision.
Ed, who works as a journalist for the local newspaper, leaves the house to interview the community's longest-running book club. This gives Madeline the idea to start her own book club. Rumors circulate about Madeline's book club, with some suggesting it is an erotic book club, while others dismiss it as a mere joke.
Jane spends time at home with Ziggy while also reading the first book for Madeline's book club. Surprisingly, a brief sex scene in the book arouses Jane, which is a revelation for her since intimacy has been difficult for her in the five years since her traumatic one-night stand. She finds pleasure in experiencing something so basic and biological.
Shortly after, Madeline arrives with supplies to help Jane complete the family tree assignment. Jane is moved to tears of joy by Madeline's timely assistance.
Madeline assists Jane and Ziggy with his family tree assignment. Ziggy's project progresses smoothly until he reaches the part where he needs to write his father's name on the tree. Jane reminds Ziggy that he doesn't have a father, as she has always been honest with him about it. Ziggy becomes frustrated and insists on following his teacher's instructions.
To diffuse the situation, Madeline suggests that Ziggy simplywrite "Ziggy's dad" on the family tree. After reading a bedtime story to Ziggy, he falls asleep quickly. Jane expresses her gratitude to Madeline and admits that she thought she would have more time before having a complex conversation with Ziggy about his father. Both Jane and Madeline acknowledge that the truth is not always easy to hear.
Jane reveals that she knows Ziggy's father's name: Saxon Banks. Madeline asks if Jane has contacted Saxon to inform him about Ziggy. Jane explains that she hasn't because Saxon was not a good person. Intrigued, Madeline asks Jane what Saxon did to her.
Jane opens up to Madeline about her one-night stand with Saxon Banks. It occurred shortly after Jane's long-term boyfriend, Zach, had broken up with her. Jane and her friend Gail went out for a night of drinking and dancing. At a bar, a group of men in their thirties, including Saxon, bought drinks for Jane and Gail. Jane describes Saxon as
charming, and eventually, she agrees to go up to his hotel room with him. She views this as an opportunity to have a one-night stand, something she had never done before.
In the hotel room, Jane and Saxon drink champagne. As Saxon moves in to kiss her, Jane notices that his aftershave smells like money. Jane asks if Saxon has a condom, assuming that he does. However, instead of producing a condom, Saxon grabs Jane's throat, testing if she likes it. Jane expresses her dislike and repeatedly tells Saxon to stop choking her, but he refuses and continues to berate her. Saxon proceeds to rape Jane without using protection, whispering cruel and demeaning comments throughout the assault. Jane dissociates from her body and finds herself agreeing with Saxon's degrading remarks. After the assault, Jane dresses quietly and leaves the hotel room. Saxon, seemingly casual and unconcerned, turns on the TV. Jane exits the hotel and reflects on the long-term impact of the incident, noting that "After that, nothing ever seemed quite the same."
Madeline empathizes with Jane and expresses her desire to confront Saxon on Jane's behalf. The incident with Saxon had a profound impact on Jane. She dropped out of school, slept excessively, and experienced weight loss. Jane admits to Madeline that sheconstantly thinks about Saxon's hurtful words. She passionately shares her belief that a woman's self-worth is often tied to her appearance in a beauty-obsessed society. Jane acknowledges feeling ashamed of how Saxon's actions have affected her life but expresses gratitude for having Ziggy. However, Jane admits her fear that Ziggy might inherit traits from his father, especially after Chloe accused Ziggy of choking her.
Madeline reassures Jane that Ziggy is a good and kind boy. She suggests looking up Saxon Banks online and formulating a plan, but Jane pleads with Madeline not to take any action. Reluctantly, Madeline agrees and the two share an affectionate embrace. Madeline is surprised by Jane's vulnerability and embraces her back, thinking about her own daughter, Abigail, and assuring Jane that she is a wonderful person.
Celeste pays a visit to a domestic violence counselor named Susi. Celeste expresses her fear of Perry's violent tendencies but also acknowledges that Perry is afraid she will leave him. She recalls a particularly terrifying incident when Perry forcefully pressed her face against the corner of a couch, fearing for her life. Despite the abuse, Celeste has struggled to leave Perry due to his role as a caring father and his lack of violence towards their twins.
Celeste also reveals her difficulties with getting pregnant, having experienced four miscarriages in a row. These challenges have further deepened her attachment to Perry, making it incredibly difficult for her to break away from him. Celeste emphasizes that the boys are unaware of Perry's violence and that, for the most part, they appear to be a normal and happy family. Susi questions Celeste's reason for seeking help, and Celeste reflects on Perry's nonchalant and even playful behavior the morning after he had shoved her. After the violence, Perry's kindness and affection make Celeste question herself. Sharing her experiences with Susi provides Celeste with a sense of relief, and they discuss strategies for Celeste to handle the next violent episode.
Madeline and Ed are in bed when Madeline brings up the topic of erotic asphyxiation. Ed assumes she wants to add excitement to their sex life, but Madeline quickly dismisses this notion. She proceeds to recount Jane's story to Ed, which troubles him. However, Ed makes a dismissive comment, referring to Jane as a "silly, silly girl," infuriating Madeline. Ed denies victim-blaming, but Madeline storms out of the bedroom tomake tea in an attempt to calm herself down, doubting its effectiveness. Madeline realizes that her anger stems from Saxon Banks and retrieves her iPad.
Madeline decides to disregard Jane's request not to look up Saxon Banks and searches for him online. She finds a businessman named Saxon Banks based in Melbourne and wonders if it is the same person. Madeline examines his photos, trying to determine if she sees any resemblance to Ziggy. She discovers that Saxon Banks is married and has three daughters. Learning this information triggers guilt in Madeline, as she contemplates the possibility of Ziggy having half-sisters. She acknowledges that she has intruded into Jane and Ziggy's lives and
reflects on how she herself was judged when Nathan walked out on her and Abigail. Feeling unwell, Madeline looks at Saxon's picture before hearing Chloe scream from a nightmare. She finds solace in addressing her daughter's problem and goes to console her.
Jane starts going to the Blue Blues regularly to work and develops a friendly relationship with Tom, feeling comfortable around him as he is gay. She enjoys discussing TV shows and music with Tom, rediscovering joy in these pleasures. Jane feels a bodily awakening since reading the sex scene for Madeline's book club, not just in terms of her sexuality but also in her overall appreciation for life. Sharing her secret with Madeline has brought her relief.
During one of their regular morning walks, Jane confides in Celeste about Saxon Banks as well. Celeste remains quiet but offers reassurance, and the next day she presents Jane with a gift: a blue gemstone necklace believed to aid in healing emotional wounds. Jane expresses gratitude for the gift and appreciates the daily exercise, which helps her regain her appetite. However, when Tom gives her a homemade muffin, Jane's instinct is to resist eating it, as her eating disorder still lingers despite her returning appetite.
Jane receives a call from Mrs. Lipmann, the school principal, who arranges a meeting regarding Ziggy. Although the details are vague, Jane agrees to the meeting. She takes a bite of Tom's muffin, aware that her upcoming meeting with the principal will likely be unpleasant.
Jane attends a meeting with Mrs. Lipmann, the school principal. Mrs. Lipmann informs Jane that Amabella has been a victim of secret and systematic bullying for the past month. Amabella has not revealed the identity of the bully, butRenata assumes it is Ziggy. However, Mrs. Lipmann assures Jane that she does not make any assumptions about Ziggy being the bully, and Miss Barnes, the teacher, has not witnessed Ziggy being mean to anyone. Mrs. Lipmann asks about Ziggy's background and his father, which makes Jane uncomfortable. Jane
imagines telling Mrs. Lipmann about Saxon but decides to mention that Ziggy has positive male role models in his life, despite not having a father.
The conversation is interrupted by the arrival of Renata and her husband, Geoff, who forcefully insert themselves into the meeting. Renata confronts Jane, lecturing her to control her son. Geoff attempts to defuse the tension, but Renata insists that she wants Ziggy to stay away from her daughter.
It is the weekend, and Abigail comes to stay at Madeline's house. Madeline feels that their relationship has become awkward and strained, unsure of how to interact with her daughter anymore. She senses that Bonnie has taken over as the role model for Abigail, with her focus on global issues, while Madeline perceives herself as being materialistic. Madeline acknowledges that Bonnie is instilling a social conscience in Abigail, whereas she feels she might be promoting negative body image.
While Madeline attempts to engage in conversation with her daughter, Abigail spends her time reading about child marriages and sex trafficking. Madeline silently disapproves, attributing it to her own privilege. Abigail is determined to take action regarding the distressing issues she has learned about but keeps the details to herself. Once again, Abigail leaves for her father's house before Madeline can learn more about her plans.
Celeste signs a six-month lease for an apartment in McMahons Point, a nearby area. Although she is unsure if she will actually go through with moving out, Celeste wants to prove to Susi, her counselor, that she is a person who takes action. She walks around the empty apartment, relishing the idea of being able to decorate it according to her own taste, even with things that Perry would find tacky. Celeste feels a sense of happiness and freedom knowing that she can take her time to create her own space, and she plans to bring supplies and clean the apartment herself. The possibility of leaving Perry is becoming more tangible for
her.
Jane takes Ziggy to the beach, where they build a sandcastle together. Jane decides to have a serious conversation with Ziggy and tells him that someone in his class has been hurting Amabella. Recounting the details of the situation is difficult for Jane, and she empathizes with Renata's anger upon realizing the severity of the situation. Jane asks Ziggy if he is the one hurting Amabella, but he responds by saying he doesn't want to talk about it.
During the meeting, Chloe abruptly enters the room, startled out of bed by Ed's snoring. Chloe shares with the women that someone's dad told Ziggy to stay away from his son because Ziggy is a bully. Chloe admits to punching the other kid in response, but insists that it wasn't a hard punch. Madeline is left shocked and unsure how to respond to Chloe's revelation as more parents continue to arrive for the book club.
Jane is getting ready to attend the book club meeting when she receives a call from Miss Barnes, a teacher at the school. Miss Barnes informs Jane about the petition targeting Ziggy and the difficult situation it has created. Jane feelsdisheartened by the news. Miss Barnes tries to offer Jane some comfort, assuring her that Amabella and Ziggy get along and are even friendly with each other based on what she has observed. Despite this, Jane realizes that neither she nor Miss Barnes knows what to do in this situation. After hanging up, Ziggy enters the room with tears streaming down his face, expressing his fear that no one will want to play with him anymore.
With Perry away on another trip, Celeste arranges for her elderly
neighbor, Gwen, to babysit the boys so she can attend the book club meeting. Before leaving, Gwen notices a bruise on Celeste's arm and questions its origin. Celeste quickly comes up with a lie, claiming that she got the bruise while playing tennis with her doubles partner. Gwen suggests finding a new tennis partner, but Celeste dismisses it, taking the blame upon herself. Celeste realizes that she has never heard Gwen mention having a husband during their time as neighbors.
Ziggy continues to cry, expressing his sadness about other kids no longer wanting to play with him. Just then, the teenage babysitter, Chelsea, knocks on the door. Jane consoles Ziggy and decides not to attend the book club meeting, but still pays Chelsea for her time. Shortly after, Chelsea's mother, Irene, returns the money, refusing to accept payment from Jane. Jane shares with Irene the issues Ziggy is facing at school, hoping for some insight. Irene, who has experience teaching primary school, doesn't see Ziggy as the type to bully others. She dismisses the situation as "little kids, little problems," which irritates Jane. As Irene leaves, Jane hears Ziggy crying in the other room, his weeping sounding different and more sorrowful. To cheer him up, Jane suggests they spend the night at Ziggy's grandparents' house and indulge in snacks during the journey.
Celeste arrives at the book club gathering and feels disappointed to find that the women are engaged in gossip instead of discussing the book. The topic of conversation shifts to the petition, and eventually, someone asks about Perry, as many of the attendees have not yet met him. Celeste explains that Perry travels frequently for work but will be present at the upcoming trivia night, which Perry is genuinely excited about. Celeste imagines that Perry will surprise her with an expensive necklace to complement her costume for theevent.
A testimonial describes Celeste's appearance at the trivia night. She is described as stunning, wearing an expensive pearl necklace as part of her costume. However, there is also a sense of melancholy surrounding her that night, as if she had seen a ghost. It is suggested that she might
have had a premonition that something terrible would happen that evening.
Celeste is torn about whether she should inform Perry about Saxon's connection to Ziggy's father. She worries that it might anger Perry and create an uncomfortable situation when Perry interacts with Jane at school events. Madeline agrees with Celeste's decision to keep their knowledge about Saxon a secret from Perry and Jane. Both of them acknowledge that there is a possibility that Jane's assaulter could be a different Saxon Banks, but they consider this Saxon to be the primary suspect. Madeline admits her weakness at keeping secrets, to which Celeste replies that she is actually quite good at it.
Celeste returns home and reflects on the last time she saw Saxon, which was at a wedding for another one of Perry's cousins. She contemplates the possibility of Saxon having a darker side similar to Perry. Considering Saxon's alleged violence and Perry's history of domestic abuse, Celeste wonders if there is a genetic predisposition for a mental disorder that both men may share. She ponders whether it is her responsibility to warn Saxon's wife and prevent him from assaulting other women in the future.
Upon arriving home, Celeste examines a bruise on her arm and compares Perry's behavior to that of his cousin, thinking that at least Perry isn't as bad as Saxon.
Towards the end of the day, Jane expresses her desire to stay in Pirriwee, and she believes that Ziggy feels the same way. Despite her family's reassurances that Ziggy cannot be the bully, Jane's mother suggests that Ziggy might be the reincarnation of Jane's grandfather, Poppy. Jane becomes upset and considers revealing the truth about Ziggy's father hurting her, but she refrains from doing so. Instead, she
lies and claims that Ziggy's father was a stranger, making it difficult to determine what traits Ziggy may have inherited from him. Although Jane's parents are willing to believe her, she senses that her brother, Dane, sees through the lie. Despite the skepticism from Dane, Jane's family collectively refuses to believe that Ziggy is the bully, and her mother remains steadfast in her belief about Ziggy's supposed reincarnation.
Madeline realizes that with Abigail gone, her responsibilities as a mother have become easier in terms of logistics. However, she is still upset about Abigail's absence and finds herself constantly checking Abigail's social media accounts. While browsing Abigail's posts, Madeline comes across a peculiar message from Abigail's friend, Freya. The message mentions a secret project that Abigail is working on. Abigail instructs Freya to keep quiet about it. Realizing the timestamp of the comment, Madeline deduces that Abigail is still awake.
Concerned, Madeline sends Abigail a direct message, urging her to go to sleep or she will be tired for her math tutor the next morning. Abigail responds, revealing that her dad canceled the math tutor and opted to tutor her himself. This infuriates Madeline once again. She calls Nathan, despite the late hour, and confronts him about the situation. Nathan, tired and defensive, explains that the tutor wasn't helping Abigail. Madeline berates Nathan for the lack of supervision in their house and expresses her frustration about not being consulted on decisions regarding Abigail. Nathan promises to check on her. Madeline wonders what other decisions Nathan is making without involving her.
While at school, Jane overhears two mothers gossiping abouther and Ziggy. Filled with determination, Jane approaches the women and firmly declares that her son has never hurt anyone. She then turns and walks away. In a testimonial, another parent reveals that after Jane confronted the two mothers, some people started questioning Jane's mental stability.
Feeling a sense of empowerment, Jane reflects that she should follow Madeline's example and stop avoiding confrontation. As she walks on the playground, Miss Barnes, Ziggy's teacher, approaches her and informs her that a teacher's aide has been assigned to the classroom. The aide's role is to closely monitor the children and hopefully uncover the truth about the bullying situation.
Jane assists Miss Barnes during reading time with the children. After Celeste's son, Max, finishes reading, Amabella approaches Jane. Although Jane feels an urge to discuss the petition with Amabella, she refrains from doing so. Interspersed, ominous testimonials create a sense of anticipation. Miss Barnes reflects that allowing Amabella to read to Jane was a mistake, hinting at the upcoming dramatic events.
Amabella starts reading to Jane, but despite her better judgment, Jane cannot resist asking Amabella about Ziggy. This immediately upsets Amabella, who mutters a timid response of "It wasn't..." Jane persists in her questioning, causing Amabella to burst into tears.
Harper approaches the scene and tries to console Amabella. Jane insists that everything is fine, but a heated argument ensues between Jane and Harper. Harper expresses her lack of trust in Jane as a mother, while Jane demands that Harper stop defaming her son. In frustration, Jane kicks at the sand on the playground, which Harper interprets as a threat.
Madeline and Ed arrive at the school for an assembly where Fred and Chloe will be performing. They encounter Perry and Celeste on their way in. Madeline admires Perry's stylish appearance and momentarily imagines what it would be like to be married to someone like him. However, she quickly realizes that she would much rather be with Ed and considers herself lucky to have him. Despite their occasional arguments, Madeline and Ed share a strong bond.
While Ed and Perry engage in conversation, Madeline and Celeste find
a moment alone. Madeline asks Celeste if she has told Perry about Saxon, to which Celestefirmly responds that she hasn't. They agree to keep their respective secrets to themselves for the time being.
As the four of them regroup, Perry jokingly mentions signing the petition to suspend Ziggy. In response, Celeste playfully tells him that if he does, she will leave him. Madeline notices something off in Celeste's tone, sensing a seriousness behind her words. Despite the group's laughter, Celeste maintains a serious expression.
The parents gather in the assembly hall to watch their children's performances. To Madeline's dismay, Bonnie takes a seat beside her. Sitting next to Bonnie, Madeline feels frustrated with Bonnie's calm and meditative demeanor. Bonnie praises Abigail's development in empathy and reveals that Abigail has a secret charity project she's working on. Madeline, however, emphasizes the importance of Abigail's grades, particularly if she wants to pursue a career as a physiotherapist. Bonnie counters that Abigail is more interested in becoming a social worker. Madeline believes Abigail is too sensitive for such a profession, but Bonnie disagrees.
Madeline restrains herself from engaging in a full-blown argument with Bonnie but fears that if Abigail fully embraces Bonnie's values, she will become a stranger to Madeline. Adding to her discomfort, Bonnie invites Madeline and Ed to celebrate Abigail's 15th birthday at her house. Madeline feigns excitement while secretly feeling even more disconnected from her own daughter.
Jane takes Ziggy to a child psychologist for an evaluation. After the session with Ziggy, Jane speaks privately with the therapist. The psychologist reassures Jane that Ziggy does not have a bullying personality and displays empathy and sensitivity. Jane is relieved and tears of joy flow down her face. However, the psychologist wants to see Ziggy again, suspecting that he may be the target of bullying himself. This revelation surprises Jane, as everyone has been accusing Ziggy of
being the bully.
The psychologist also discusses Ziggy's stress regarding his father. Ziggy harbors fear that his dad is a bad person and envisions him as various villains from the Star Wars franchise. He sees his father as a malevolent mystery, understanding that talking about him upsets his mother. Observing Jane's reaction, the psychologist infers that Ziggy's father is not a good person.
After the assembly, Perry drives Celeste back home while the children remain at school. Celeste is concerned that she upset Perry when she jokingly mentioned leaving him, but he remains calm and cheerful during the car ride.Celeste contemplates her furnished apartment and realizes that if she truly wants to leave, she has the means to do so. Her inner turmoil continues as she grapples with guilt and anger over the problems in their relationship, as well as the potential actions of Perry's cousin towards Jane.
Expecting Perry to drop her off at their house, Celeste is taken aback when he follows her inside. He grabs and twists her hair, issuing a threat that if she embarrasses him again, he will kill her. Celeste apologizes, but Perry is not satisfied. He slams her head against the wall in an act of violence.
Celeste's vision becomes blurry and disorienting. Perry leaves the room momentarily but returns with an ice pack to help soothe her. As Celeste regains her senses, she notices a change in Perry's demeanor. His features contort in anguish, resembling someone suffering from a terrible disease. He sobs in a despairing manner, akin to an animal trapped in a snare. Witnessing this vulnerable side of Perry, Celeste struggles to maintain her anger. She softens and finds herself embracing Perry on the floor of their entryway.
Madeline contacts the local newspaper to place an advertisement for the theater company she works for. She speaks with Lorraine, an advertising representative whom she has known for many years.
Lorraine also has a daughter named Petra who is the same age as Abigail, Madeline's daughter.
During their conversation, Lorraine indulges in gossip and reveals that Renata's husband, Geoff, is having an affair with Juliette, their young French nanny. Madeline is taken aback by the news but doesn't derive pleasure from Renata's relationship troubles. She wishes ill upon Renata but not to this extent. Madeline puts a stop to the gossip, firmly telling Lorraine that she doesn't want to discuss it any further.
Lorraine assists Madeline with her ad request. She mentions that Petra has heard about Abigail's charity project and adds that some girls in their class did not like Abigail's idea. Intrigued, Madeline immediately sends a text message to Abigail, asking her to call right away. However, instead of Abigail, it is Nathan who calls a few minutes later. Nathan telling Madeline, "Don't get upset."
Celeste recovers from the recent attack by Perry. Perry tends to her, making her tea and taking care of her as if she is sick. While Perry goes about the house,Celeste reflects on the time when Perry first bought their beautiful beachfront house, before he ever laid a hand on her.
In the aftermath of this latest assault, Celeste recognizes the dangerous and contradictory nature of her situation. She realizes that if she were to leave, Perry might kill her. On the other hand, if she stays and their relationship continues down its current path, it is likely that Perry will eventually find another reason to become enraged and potentially kill her. Celeste feels trapped and helpless in this cycle of abuse.
On the phone, Nathan tells Madeline that Abigail is trying to sell her virginity to raise money for Amnesty International. On a website she's made, Abigail explains her rationality: "the world stands by while a seven-year-old is sold for sex, then the world shouldn't blink an eye if a privileged white fourteen-year-old girl sells herself for sex"(345). Madeline finds the website's presentation impressive and understands
Abigail's emotions, but she is nonetheless upset. Madeline reads the nasty and profane comments, filling her with dread.
Madeline asks Nathan if he can take the website down. She contains her anger, at first. Eventually, she yells at Nathan, questioning his parenting, and tells him to fix the problem immediately.
Jane takes Ziggy to Blue Blues, a local breakfast spot, as they discuss the negative events happening at their school. Jane contemplates the idea of moving away from the area due to the ongoing troubles. However, Ziggy opposes the idea, expressing his desire to stay. In an attempt to gather information about Amabella's bully, Jane asks Ziggy if he knows who it is. Ziggy refuses to speak, mentioning that Amabella told him she would be "killed dead" if anyone found out. Jane convinces Ziggy to write down the name of the bully instead of saying it aloud.
Just as Ziggy is about to write down the name, Harper enters Blue Blues accompanied by her husband, Graeme. Graeme introduces himself to Jane and Ziggy but quickly becomes confrontational and intimidates Jane. He leans over their table, warning Jane that if anything happens between her and Harper again, he will obtain a restraining order. Fortunately, Tom arrives with their food order and promptly intervenes, instructing Graeme to leave. Graeme responds with a dismissive attitude but eventually complies.
After the incident, Tom sits down with Jane to provide comfort and support. Jane feels a deep sense ofgratitude for the genuine friendships she has formed in Pirriwee. However, she acknowledges the presence of real enemies amidst her connections. She realizes that there may be no future for her in the community, despite the positive relationships she has developed.
Curious about the identity of Amabella's bully, Jane reads Ziggy's note and discovers that Max, one of Celeste's sons, is the one responsible for the bullying.
Celeste continues her recovery from the recent head injury inflicted by
Perry. As Perry prepares to return to work, he sits beside Celeste, ensuring she is okay. They engage in a brief conversation about Perry's childhood experiences as a chubby kid who was bullied. Celeste starts to connect the dots and sees this as a potential underlying cause for Perry's abusive behavior towards her: each time Perry feels disrespected or humiliated, he takes out his suppressed rage on her, mirroring the violence he experienced as a young boy. Celeste reflects on how the bullying only ceased when Perry's cousin, Saxon, stepped in and fought back against the bullies on his behalf.
Considering Jane's traumatic experiences, Celeste ponders the motivations behind Saxon's cruelty towards someone else. Unlike Perry, Saxon was never subjected to the same level of bullying. Celeste concludes that, in comparison to Saxon, Perry might not be as severe or malicious. She recognizes that their family dynamic and personal histories contribute to their present circumstances.
Madeline and Nathan collaborate over the phone to take down Abigail's website. Despite Madeline's previous knowledge of Abigail's password, which she had used for monitoring purposes, it proves ineffective as Abigail has created a new password for her website. Determined to address the issue directly, Madeline decides to pick Abigail up from school early to deal with the situation firsthand.
Jane and Ziggy prepare to go to school, and before exiting the car, Ziggy reveals an incident from orientation day. He discloses that Max had threatened Amabella, warning her that if she reported him, he would harm her again. Feeling trapped, Amabella pointed towards Ziggy as a diversion, later apologizing to him. Jane realizes with pride that Ziggy had been carrying a secret in an attempt to be a loyal friend to Amabella, dispelling her previous concerns about his heritage and character.
Jane contemplates the best course of action for informing other parents and teachers about Max's behavior. Additionally, she ponders
how Celeste will react to thenews, considering Celeste's typically composed and collected demeanor.
Madeline picks up Abigail from school and they wait in the car in the pick-up and drop-off lane. Madeline confronts Abigail about the website she created, leading to a heated argument between mother and daughter. Madeline expresses her concern that Abigail's actions are drawing attention to herself rather than the issue of sex trafficking. She offers to help Abigail raise awareness in alternative ways, but Abigail dismisses her, doubting her mother's follow-through: "You'll say all this but then you won't really do anything. You'll get busy and then you'll forget all about it"(374). Abigail's lack of trust in her mother is evident. Madeline remains firm in her stance, informing Abigail that the website will be taken down, whether she likes it or not.
Their intense exchange consumes Madeline's attention to the extent that she ends up rear-ending the car in front of her, which happens to be Renata's car. Harper claims that Madeline intentionally hit Renata's car.
Jane takes Ziggy to Hairway to Heaven, the hair salon owned by Mrs. Ponder's daughter, Lucy, in order to address Ziggy's lice issue. Lucy offers to help get rid of Ziggy's lice and also suggests checking Jane's hair for lice as a precautionary measure. Additionally, Lucy proposes giving Jane a haircut and believes a makeover would be beneficial for her. Jane initially resists, but Lucy insists on it.
Samantha, who attended Madeline's book club, confirms that Jane looked happy with her new haircut when she arrived at the trivia night. However, it is hinted that the night did not go well for Jane: "Oh dear. Poor little Jane. She looked so happy at the start of the night"(378).
Madeline picks up Josh and Max along with her own children, as Celeste is unable to drive due to her injury. While driving, Madeline
notices Fred scratching his head and quickly realizes that he has lice. Concerned about the potential spread of lice, Madeline drops off Celeste's boys at their home.
Madeline takes the opportunity to talk to Celeste about Abigail's planto sell her virginity for charity. While Madeline finds it ridiculous, Celeste sees it as a grand symbolic gesture, believing that Abigail's intentions are in the right place. Madeline expresses her worry about Celeste's well-being, noting that she appears unwell. Celeste reassures her that she will feel better in time for the trivia night the following evening. Before parting ways, Madeline advises Celeste to have her sons checked for lice as a precautionary measure.
Jane drops Ziggy off at her parents' house so she can attend the trivia night. She is delighted with her new haircut and admires herself in the mirror. For the first time since a traumatic incident in a hotel, she feels a sense of uncomplicated pleasure. Eager to show off her haircut, Jane heads to Blue Blues, hoping to encounter Tom.
Celeste wakes up on the day of the trivia night feeling sore but better, as her injuries are gradually healing. In another room, Perry and their sons are preparing breakfast. Celeste contemplates her future and plans for after the trivia night. She knows that Perry will be leaving for a business trip to Hawaii, and during his absence, she intends to move herself and the boys to her new apartment. She acknowledges that the upcoming divorce will be challenging, but she is determined to navigate through it. Celeste firmly believes that the previous day was the last time Perry would hurt her, and she feels a sense of closure. Suddenly, the boys and Perry rush into the room, bringing breakfast with them.
At Madeline's house, Madeline and Nathan make efforts to convince Abigail to take down her website. However, Abigail remains resolute in
her decision to keep it up, believing that leaving the website online raises awareness about sex trafficking. Despite Nathan's frustration and even shedding tears, Abigail refuses to back down. Nathan eventually leaves without making any progress. Later, Ed and Madeline discuss alternative ways to have the website taken down. Before they can implement any plans, Abigail approaches them with surprising news. An elderly man from South Dakota has offered to donate $100,000 to Amnesty International on the condition that Abigail takes down the website. Madeline becomes suspicious of the convenient turn of events and questions the man's motives.
Jane approaches Blue Blues in the pouring rain, hoping to find refuge, but discovers that it is closed. Just asshe turns to leave, Tom opens the door and invites her in. He leads her to his small apartment at the back of the coffee shop and offers her dry clothes. Jane changes into the clothes and they sit down to have soup together. They engage in conversation while doing a jigsaw puzzle, and Tom clarifies that he is not gay, dispelling any assumptions Jane may have had about his sexuality. Jane reflects on the openness of their friendship and feels a mix of nervousness and excitement in his presence. They continue working on the puzzle, now with a heightened sense of attraction between them. Testimonials describe Jane and Tom standing closely and intimately together at trivia night.
Celeste gets dressed for the trivia night. As she prepares, her son Josh informs her that Max has been hurting girls at school, including Amabella and Skye, the daughter of Nathan and Bonnie. Celeste is horrified by the revelation of Max's behavior and the thought of him hurting others. Just then, Max rushes into the room, excited to show his loose tooth to his mom. Celeste is struck by how sweet and kind Max appears in their interactions. Before she can decide how to address the situation, Perry arrives and delivers a message from a woman named Mindy, who is Celeste's property manager. Celeste's heart sinks, realizing that Perry knows about her apartment. Despite this knowledge, Perry acts normal
around their sons. The doorbell rings, signaling the imminent arrival of guests for the trivia night.
Testimonials describing the scene at the trivia night, emphasizing the excessive drinking taking place. Jane arrives at the event dressed as Audrey Hepburn and proudly shows off her new haircut. She meets up with Madeline, who is dressed in all pink, and they catch each other up on recent events including the psychologist's assessment of Ziggy and Abigail's website. Madeline learns about Graeme's threat towards Jane, and the conversation is interrupted when Tom and Ed join them. Jane feels a mixture of tenderness and attraction towards Tom, and Madeline picks up on the energy between them, causing Jane to feel embarrassed. The group's conversation comes to a halt as everyone notices the arrival of Celeste and Perry, who grab everyone's attention.
Celeste and Perryhave a conversation in the car before entering the trivia night. Celeste confides in Perry about Max's bullying behavior towards other children. Perry assures her that he will talk to Max before leaving for his upcoming trip. They both acknowledge that their sons have witnessed Perry's abusive behavior towards Celeste in the past. Celeste reveals to Perry that she has made the decision to leave him and take the boys with her. Perry becomes emotional, crying and pleading with her. He offers to seek help from a psychiatrist and even suggests resigning from his job to work on himself. Celeste listens to his words skeptically, noting that Perry seems to believe it's the first time he's made such promises. She firmly tells him that it's over between them. Before their conversation can continue, Renata surprises them at their car window, and they all head into the trivia night together.
The party is in full swing, and the guests are indulging in strong cocktails. Unfortunately, the caterer is running late due to traffic, leaving
everyone without any food to help sober them up. The lack of food contributes to the increasing level of drunkenness among the attendees.
In her intoxicated state, Madeline becomes snarky and confrontational towards Bonnie. She criticizes Nathan and refers to him as a deserter, insinuating that he may one day abandon Bonnie as well. Bonnie responds by acknowledging that Nathan made a terrible mistake and carries immense guilt, but she suggests that it may be time for Madeline to consider forgiving him. Madeline dismisses Bonnie's comment with a scoff.
Suddenly, someone bumps into Bonnie, causing her to spill her drink all over Madeline, interrupting their conversation. This incident explains Harper's testimonial mentioned earlier in the novel.
Jane engages in a conversation with Miss Barnes, who vents her frustration about the constant demands and pressures from parents. Jane listens empathetically, understanding the challenges faced by the teacher. As she looks out at the crowd, Jane feels a sense of joy and happiness, finding the atmosphere of the school trivia night amusing and enjoyable.
Celeste approaches Jane and asks for a private conversation, indicating that she has something important to discuss.
Jane and Celeste step out onto the balcony to have a private conversation. They share their knowledge about Max's bullying behavior. Celeste apologizes, but Jane reassures her that it is not her fault. However, Celeste admits that ina way, it is her fault, considering the normalization of violence in her household. She reflects on how violence has been accepted as part of her life.
Madeline overhears other mothers gossiping at the party, making critical comments about Jane, Ziggy, and Renata's marriage. Angered by
their judgmental behavior, Madeline scolds them and storms off. Coincidentally, she runs into Renata and, surprisingly, they amicably apologize to each other for their previous confrontation involving the car accident. They decide to join the group sitting outside on the balcony.
As the group gathers on the balcony, secrets begin to unravel. Madeline deduces that the anonymous donor from South Dakota, who offered $100,000 to Amnesty International, is actually Celeste. Although Celeste denies it, Madeline can sense that she is lying. Celeste reveals to Renata that Max had been hurting Amabella, which leaves Renata shocked and apologetic towards Jane.
Ed and Perry make their appearance, and Perry meets Nathan, Bonnie, and Jane for the first time. Nathan mentions Celeste's significant donation, which Perry was unaware of. Madeline notices Celeste's uneasiness and senses something amiss in her seemingly perfect marriage with Perry. Perry publicly criticizes Celeste, pointing out that she doesn't earn any money but knows how to spend it.
Jane interrupts, claiming that they have met before. Perry doesn't remember, but Jane insists that he introduced himself as Saxon Banks.
Jane observes Perry closely, hoping for some acknowledgment from him, but he refuses to acknowledge her presence. Undeterred, Jane confronts Perry and admits that part of the reason she moved to Pirriwee was in the hope of running into him. She recalls seeing a real estate leaflet for a beachside home in Pirriwee, which stuck in her memory. Jane admits to harboring various desires in seeing Perry again, ranging from wanting to yell at him, seek revenge, and gain recognition. However, her primary focus is on Ziggy, and she takes pride in the person he is becoming.
Perry casually mutters to Celeste that his one-night stand meant nothing to him. He dismisses Jane's significance and her feelings. Enraged,Celeste throws her drink at Perry. In response, Perry instinctively hits Celeste, causing her to fall to the ground.
The rest of the group immediately comes to Celeste's defense. Renata prepares to call the police, while Perry attempts to dissuade her. Bonnie, overcome with emotions, reacts strongly. Madeline witnesses a different
side of Bonnie, perceiving her as someone who sounds raw, authentic, and filled with anger. Bonnie screams at Perry and forcefully pushes him with both hands, causing him to stumble and fall off the balcony.
Perry plummets off the balcony and dies from the fall. Bonnie is traumatized and curls up in a ball, deeply affected by what she has done. Renata, holding her cellphone, is ready to call an ambulance, but she hesitates and decides to lie, claiming she didn't witness the fall. One by one, the members of the group follow suit, declaring that they didn't see anything either. They are willing to protect Bonnie by lying about Perry's death.
Ed stands out as the only one who is reluctant to lie. However, witnessing everyone else's reactions and realizing the gravity of the situation, Ed reluctantly goes along with the group. He rushes to get help but only shouts that Perry has fallen, without mentioning that he was pushed.
Madeline approaches Jane to offer comfort. Madeline had previously despised Saxon for what he did to Jane, but discovering that Perry was Jane's abuser comes as a shock to her. Before they can fully console each other, two drunk fathers fighting over a French maid costume accidentally collide with Madeline and Jane, causing them to fall to the floor and sustain injuries.
Nathan arrives at the hospital and informs Madeline that Abigail wants to move back home. Abigail wants to support Madeline during her recovery, but she also wants to be with her mother. Nathan admits that they are not Abigail's "real life" and that she misses her mom. He also reveals that Bonnie came from an abusive background and has post-traumaticstress disorder as a result. Witnessing Perry hit Celeste triggered Bonnie, leading to her intense reaction.
Madeline understands the situation and accepts Nathan and Bonnie as part of their extended family. She cannot imagine doing anything that would separate Bonnie from her daughter. Madeline assures Nathan that
they won't say anything to the police for Bonnie's sake. Ed remains silent and leaves the hospital room.
Jane speaks with a policeman about the incident. She claims that she didn't see Perry fall. The officer questions their relationship and whether they were friends. Jane lies and states that they had only just met. The policeman expresses his suspicion, questioning if she is telling the truth.
After Perry's death, Celeste spends time with her sons and her mother. Bonnie comes to visit and expresses her deep remorse for what happened and the abuse she witnessed in her own home. Bonnie reveals her plan to go to the police and tell them the truth, as she doesn't want anyone to have to lie for her. Celeste, however, insists that she would lie for Bonnie. Bonnie recognizes Celeste's skill as a liar but tells her that she can stop now, symbolizing Celeste's newfound freedom from lying and from Perry.
In the midst of these emotional moments, Renata sends a letter to Ziggy, apologizing to him for the events that unfolded. As a way to make amends, Renata invites Ziggy to Amabella's upcoming Star Wars-themed party, knowing that it is Ziggy's favorite franchise.
In another scene, Jane takes a walk along the beach with Tom. They discuss a journalist who has been trying to write about the murder but express their lack of interest in speaking to her. They also mention Bonnie's confession and how it has relieved a burden for everyone involved. As they stroll along the shore, Jane ponders the nature of her relationship with Tom, unsure if they are just friends or if their connection could potentially develop into something more. Unexpectedly, Tom
spontaneously kisses Jane, and in that moment, she experiences happiness.
Testimonials from members of the community. After the events that transpired, all the parents have come to realize the importance of being kind to one another. The principal, Mrs. Lipmann, expresses her belief that they have all learned to be a little kinder. Renata shares her plans to divorce Geoff and move to London with Amabella, signaling a fresh start for their family. The testimonials highlight the lessons learned and the desire for greater compassion and understanding among the community members.
Bonnie stands trial for her involvement in Perry's death. She is found guilty of involuntary manslaughter, but instead of serving jail time, she is assigned 200 hours of community service, which she completes with the assistance of Abigail. Bonnie is relieved to have avoided imprisonment and takes the opportunity to fulfill her community service with a positive attitude.
Celeste attends an event on domestic violence with Susi. She is scheduled to speak at the event and tries to overcome her nerves. Standing beside her is a nervous man whom she assumes is a therapist, similar to Susi. Celeste acknowledges her conflicted feelings, admitting to herself that a part of her still loves Perryand wishes he could be there to support her and be proud of her for speaking in front of a large audience. Susi reassures Celeste that it is okay to still love Perry despite the circumstances.
Susi introduces Celeste for her speech, and as Celeste approaches the podium, she realizes that the man standing beside her is also a victim of domestic violence. She feels a connection with him and desires to convey her understanding and support. Celeste wants to empower him and boost his confidence in his daily life. Filled with a sense of compassion and determination, Celeste confidently begins her speech. The novel concludes with the opening statement of Celeste's speech:
"This can happen to anyone."