CHAPTER 5

Summary

Taylor took the job at the Burger Derby. She had developed a friendly working relationship with Sandi and they would take turns checking on their kids at Kid Central Station. Turtle did not adjust to Kid Central Station. That, coupled with, "Three twenty-five and hour plus celery and youÂ’re supposed to pay for dry-cleaning your own [uniform] shorts" was enough to make Taylor quit after only six days. Her manager said that she didnÂ’t have the right attitude. She had agreed that she didnÂ’t have the "proper reverence for the Burger Derby institution", and thrown her hat into the trash compactor.

Taylor began looking through newspapers left on the tables at coffee shops to find a cheap place to live. She chose two ads looking for roommates as possibilities. The first was a commune of young people just starting a soymilk collective. They asked about TurtleÂ’s "spirit name" and scorned the fact that she had eaten half a hotdog that day, since in their opinion it was loaded with toxins. Taylor fielded their unusual questions in her down home way and decided to move on to the next house.

The second house was across the park from Jesus Is Lord Used Tires and belonged to Lou Ann Ruiz. Lou Ann and Taylor hit it off immediately. Coming from similar backgrounds, their honesty and easy manner made them fast friends. They talked about the children, the cat, and the ex-husband. Lou Ann felt good to finally have someone with whom she could relate.

Notes

This chapter showcases TaylorÂ’s wit and adaptability both in her dealing with the Burger Derby manager and her interview at the commune. She never lets show any of the self-doubt she may have, knowing that her outward self-assurance and strong moral code will get her through.

In the conversation between Taylor and Lou Ann, the reader begins to sense that Taylor is going to help Lou Ann come around. It is here that we get a taste of Lou AnnÂ’s negative self- image and her perception that her own self-worth is based on physical appearance alone. She delights in TaylorÂ’s like home dialect and feels accepted. Momentarily the feeling of struggle is lifted.

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