Everything, Everything: 9. Menteuse Summary & Analysis

Maddy sits down for Friday night dinner, which is a weekly special occasion in her house with French food. It’s so special that even Carla eats with Maddy and Mom. Mom always makes cassoulet, a French stew and Maddy’s dad’s favorite food, but because of Maddy’s allergies, it only has white beans and broth in it. As Mom serves, she asks if Maddy is doing okay—she’s late on her architecture assignment for Mr. Waterman. Mom asks if Maddy wants a new tutor. This surprises Maddy, as she didn’t know Mom was even paying attention. Maddy insists that she lost track of time, but Mom asks if this is about the new neighbors. Maddy has never lied to Mom before, but she thinks she has to. She tells Mom she’s too engrossed in a book.

A few minutes later, when Maddy isn’t eating as quickly as usual, Mom worriedly feels her forehead. The doorbell rings, an unusual occurrence. Mom goes to get it and instructs Maddy and Carla to stay put. Maddy, however, assures Carla that Mom won’t let anyone pass the air lock—a sealed room around the front door, so hazards don’t get into the house—and Carla relents. Olly tells Mom that Olly’s mom sent a Bundt cake, but it’s guaranteed to be inedible. Mom apologizes, but says she can’t accept it. Olly asks if Maddy is around, which shocks Maddy. Mom closes the door on Olly and steps through the airlock, looking pained. She apologizes and Maddy thinks of how hard it must be for Mom to be locked up with her ill daughter. After dinner, Maddy goes to her room to think about what Bundt cake tastes like.