How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
"No more doing that," I say. "Promise me?" […]
"Gemma?" she says after a moment has passed.
"Hmmm?"
"You won't tell, will you?"
"No."
More secrets. How did I end up keeping so many? (15.142-151)
In this book, secrets can be pretty heavy—like Ann's secret (cutting herself) that Gemma discovers by accident. In order to keep her friendship alive, and build trust with Ann, she promises not to tell. We wonder if she wanted to? Do you think it would help Ann in this situation?
Quote #8
"Your mother died of cholera. That wasn't your doing."
The truth has been bottled up inside me for so long that it comes pouring out, spilling everywhere. "No, she didn't She was murdered. […]
My sobs are great gasping hiccups. (16.104-106)
When Gemma shares this secret with her teacher, slowly becoming her friend, she feels such intense relief that she can only bawl.
Quote #9
Kartik's tongue slips between my lips for a second, jarring me. […] I can't look at anyone, especially not Felicity and Ann. What must they think of me now? What would they think of me if they knew how much I'd enjoyed it? (18.31)
Keeping how she really feels a secret here is a way Gemma protects herself from the judgment and ridicule she thinks she would get if her friends knew the truth. But it also keeps the illusion going of women as weak and victims, which is not something Gemma really believes.