Geek Love

Sanderson recounts in his notes a conversation with Iphy, who says that she almost had a boyfriend once. Elly was in favor of the relationship, because she wanted Iphy to love someone other than Arty, and would “shut down” when Iphy talked to the boy, who was a geek in the carnival: “He made normal seem beautiful to [Iphy]” (281). But once the boy begins to fall in love with her, Iphy stops seeing him; by loving her, he would be changed too much, would be “corrupted.”

Arty begins to bring Oly back into his confidence and allows her to do personal tasks for him again. Arty tells Oly that he thinks Elly seems to be improving mentally and that Chick, Al, and Lil are all angry with him. Arty asks about Oly’s relationship with the Pin Kid and wants to know if Oly plans to leave. Oly jokingly rebuffs his questions.

Oly massages Iphy in the twins’ trailer and they talk like sisters again. She remarks that Arty is not happy and Iphy regains her former sparkle as she mockingly imitates Arty during this show oration.