A Scatter Of Light

On Friday, Aria has breakfast alone, and Steph arrives to do yard work. Aria offers her some iced tea, hands her Joan’s check, and invites her to lunch. She adds that she had a wonderful time at the march on Saturday with the group, and Steph guesses correctly that after she and Lisa left, Mel tried to “make a move on” (110) Aria.

While Steph works, Aria notices her sweat and her muscles. They discuss Russ’s astronomy research, Alexis’s music career, and Roxy’s invitation for Steph to join Madchen at the music festival. Steph explains that she almost finished her music degree but couldn’t afford to keep going to school and no longer has the time. Aria encourages Steph to pursue her musicianship, telling her that “otherwise [she’s] suppressing who [she] really [is]” (112).

Aria helps Steph finish the yard work and then takes her to the art studio to show her Russ’s notes. Steph notices the Adrienne Rich book and mentions that Rich’s work has inspired some of her songs. She adds that Rich was a lesbian, and Aria admits that she assumed Rich was straight.

Aria excitedly shares with Steph her interest in astronomy and Earth-like planets but gets self-conscious. Steph invites her to the friends’ movie night, which Aria feels is “if not dangerous, then significant” (115).