Atmosphere: A Love Story

In late January, six months into their relationship, Vanessa and Joan sit listening to records in Joan’s apartment. Vanessa tries to convince Joan to love David Bowie. Vanessa is frustrated because Steve has been called away to other duties and hasn’t been able to fly with her lately. He’s the only NASA pilot who allows her to take the controls, respecting her expertise where the other men don’t. She worries that NASA will never allow her to fly the shuttle, no matter how qualified she is. Then, Barbara and Frances arrive at Joan’s door.

Barbara shoves Frances, who is asleep, into Joan’s arms, demanding that Joan take her for the weekend because Barbara’s current boyfriend, Daniel, is taking her to New York. She insists that this man could be her chance at happiness because he’s wealthy and stable. Joan agrees to take Frances. Vanessa emerges from the bathroom, where she was hiding from Barbara. She stays the night but leaves before Frances wakes.

In the morning, Joan lies, saying that she begged Barbara to let her take Frances for the weekend, and Frances is gleeful. On Monday, Joan drops Frances off at school. Barbara promised to be home in time to pick her up.