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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…. “Well…you’ll be off to college in the fall … I have to let you go sooner or later … I guess you’re not a little girl anymore.”
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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…. “Well…you’ll be off to college in the fall … I have to let you go sooner or later … I guess you’re not a little girl anymore.” “I guess not.” “You have a lot of common sense, Kath. You’ve always made intelligent decisions … still, you and Michael are very young…. I just don’t want to see you get hurt.” (53-54)
Blume, Forever (1975) “But you have to be sure you can handle the situation before you jump into it … sex is a commitment … once you’re there you can’t go back to holding hands.” “I know it.” “And when you give yourself both mentally and physically … well, you’re completely vulnerable.” “I’ve heard that before.” (76-77)
Blume, Forever (1975) On the way home I thought, I am no longer a virgin. I’ll never have to go through the first-time business again and I’m glad – I’m so glad it’s over! Still, I can’t help feeling let down. Everybody makes such a big thing out of actually doing it. But Michael is probably right – this takes practice. I can’t imagine what the first time would be like with someone you didn’t love. (98)
Blume, Forever (1975) My mother came into my room that night. “I cut this article out of today’s 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)
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, I’m available. I don’t 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)
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 it’s 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 … that’s what you’ve got to look forward to … that’s what we’ve all got coming … “ Erica touched his arm. “You’ve got to enjoy whatever you can and forget about the rest.” “The odds are stacked against us …” (143-144)
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 he’s needed all along. (150)
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 can’t say that I like your attitude.” I fought back tears. “Do you think I’m stupid … do you think I can’t see what you’re trying to do …” “This has nothing to do with Michael,” my father said. “Don’t life … please!” “All right,” my Mom said. “We both think you could use a change of scenery…”. (140)
Blume, Forever (1975) She sighed and then smiled at us. “Thanks for coming. I’m glad you did. Are you going to Michael’s graduation?” She directed this question at me. “Yes.” “Then you’ll hear them call my name.” “I’ll clap for you … okay?” “Sure … for me and Artie,” Sybil said. Then she looked up at Erica and shook her head. “I’m sorry.” “It’s okay.” “I’d rather be here than where he is,” Sybil said. (157)
Blume, Forever (1975) Most of the kids here are okay. There’s just one 15 year old brat I can’t stand. Her name is Marsha. Everyone says she’s a fantastic ballerina but I haven’t seen her dance yet. She’s 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 wouldn’t want to see Jamie carrying on like that in two years” (169).