Before We Were Innocent

Content Warning: This section of the guide contains a suggestion of suicidal ideation.

Bess and Joni go to the police station to give statements. The officer with whom Bess speaks finds her memory surprisingly sharp, given how much alcohol the girls consumed that day. Bess and Joni sign their statements and are allowed to leave. On the way out, there are photographers waiting to question them.

Bess returns to her cabin near the Salton Sea. Her mother calls, and the two chat about Joni’s current situation and about memories of the three girls when they were young. Bess is a little surprised that her mother has been following the media circus. Bess’s mother recalls feeling uncomfortable with Joni’s intensity and explains to her daughter that to adults, it was obvious that Joni’s bravado masked an inner insecurity. Bess’s mother had been sure that both Joni and Evangeline had adored Bess, but she knows how easily teenage girls can hurt one another, even when their intentions are not malicious.

Joni and Bess find their hotel room oppressive and see signs of Evangeline everywhere. They decide to go to the beach. Once there, because they have not eaten in an entire day, they buy ice cream.