Surviving the Applewhites

Jake sits at the dinner table, eyeing the vegetables from Lucille’s garden with disgust. Only Zedediah, seated at the head of the table, is served meat. Sybil apologizes to Bernstein, explaining that Randolph forgot to do the grocery shopping. Jake wonders what kind of food is served at the Juvenile Hall. Bernstein explains that he writes for a magazine that covers “the literary geniuses of our time” (53), and Zedediah skeptically says he doesn’t think Sybil’s detective stories could be classified as such. Bernstein then hints at Sybil’s new project, which he believes will be a literary masterpiece.

In conversation, Zedediah refers to Sybil as Debbie Applewhite, and she flushes. She then clarifies that her parents named her Debbie, but she’s been Sybil Jameson for nearly 20 years, and Applewhite is only her married name. Bernstein, who was unaware of the family’s surname, recognizes other members whom he admires—Randolph as the theater director, Zedediah for his woodworking, and Lucille as the poet. He describes their family as “an artistic dynasty” (56). Sybil expresses annoyance, indicating that she believed Bernstein was there to interview her, not her family. When Bernstein inquires further, she shares about Destiny’s talent in visual arts, Hal’s exploration of new artistic avenues, and Cordelia’s skills in composing and choreographing ballet. Bernstein tells Jake that he’s fortunate to be included in such an educational environment and says he wants to reach out to a friend in television to propose a show centered around the Applewhite family. Later, as the adults continue their conversation, Jake and E.D. are tasked with doing the dishes. E.D. remains silent but aggressively clatters the plates together, leaving Jake to wonder why she is upset.

E.D. slams the door to her room and throws herself on the bed. She resents her mother for not saying one word about her. Feeling like “the invisible Applewhite,” she thinks that “she [wants] out of this family” (59). She looks up at the posters of rock stars on her ceiling, and she compares herself with Cordelia and Hal, who are too artsy to openly embrace mainstream interests like rock music.

Fuming with frustration, she acknowledges her lack of artistic talent but takes pride in her organizational skills and level-headedness. She thinks that she “[is] going to be able to cope with the real world when she [gets] old enough to go out into it on her own” (59). She sees herself as the only one using the Creative Academy to actually study and get an education. She is tutoring Destiny so he won’t end up as ignorant as Cordelia and Hal. Disgusted by her family’s spotlight-seeking nature, she wishes she wasn’t an Applewhite.

It’s 5:30 am when the noise of an electric coffee grinder awakens Jake. He tries to ignore it and go back to sleep, but Destiny bursts into the room, cheerfully asking him to show him how he styles his hair into points. Jake is irritated but eventually complies, feeling increasingly tempted by the thought of Juvenile Hall. He showers and shows Destiny how he gels and combs his hair into its porcupine points. Archie announces he’s heading off for his morning Tai Chi. Lucille is still asleep, and Jake instructs Destiny to return to the house with the dog, Winston. However, Destiny insists on staying, and they have breakfast together. Destiny tells Jake that sometimes he likes to spend the whole day in his pajamas, and Jake reflects that “it wouldn’t be possible for Destiny to grow up to be a delinquent—there didn’t seem to be any rules for him to break” (63). As Jake eats his cereal, he realizes that the milk they are using comes from the goats.

In the schoolroom, E.D. is getting ready for a day’s work. She wants to focus on her teaching skills, and she’s planning on teaching Destiny about metamorphosis. Jake is slumped on his desk with Winston at his feet while Destiny asks him questions about his hair. They’re waiting for Randolph, the designated teacher for the day. He finally appears in his pajamas, complaining that the audition the night before was a disaster—there seem to be no good actors and singers for his play. He expresses anger toward Cordelia for her refusal to participate, labeling her as ungrateful. He asks after Bernstein, who’s in one of the cottages, and, before leaving, he tells E.D. and Jake to seek his assistance only if absolutely necessary, emphasizing the importance of independence because “that’s what the Creative Academy is all about” (66).

E.D. instructs Jake to research butterfly information on the computer while she begins crafting a papier-mâché caterpillar and chrysalis to illustrate metamorphosis to Destiny. Once she’s done, she tells Jake she will go look for a great spangled fritillary and asks him to keep an eye on Destiny. However, she has no luck, and soon she goes back empty-handed. She finds Destiny by himself while Jake is watching Cordelia in the dance studio. E.D. scolds Jake for neglecting his responsibility to watch over her brother, and he, in response, teases her about her unsuccessful attempt to catch the great spangled fritillary.