The Conditions of Will

Over dinner, Margaret interrogates Oliver about the flowers he chose for Will’s funeral, making derogatory remarks about his sexuality. Georgia interjects in Oliver’s defense. Maryanne brings up Georgia’s alleged betrayal again. Georgia considers revealing the truth of what happened with Beckett but instead calls Maryanne a narcissist “with sociopathic tendencies” (116).

Georgia dismisses herself to her room, where she reflects on the past. One day, Maryanne’s boyfriend Beckett was over when Maryanne was having a party with friends. Beckett appeared and pushed into Georgia’s room. Uncomfortable with his aggressive demeanor, Georgia fled to Oliver’s room. Oliver wasn’t there and Beckett followed her. He then forced himself onto her and raped her. This pattern continued for the next year until Will discovered them. Maryanne found them together when it first started, but didn’t say anything and returned to her friends downstairs instead. Georgia didn’t say anything either despite the continued abuse. She was confused about what was happening—unsure if it was rape. With the help of therapy, she now understands what happened. However, Maryanne has spread lies about Georgia that everyone still believes.