The Front Room

The womb became the vessel,

which became the cup

that was filled with the blood of Christ.

Now throughout the history of the goddess, we see her symbols

becoming objects for our possession.

For example, the Greeks decapitated Medusa

and placed her on Athena's shield as protection.

Even the seats that we sit on.

Does anyone know who it symbolizes?

-The goddess? - Yes!

Isis' name literally means "throne."

Is it really any wonder why we anthropomorphize chairs

with arm, leg and back?

-Is he in there, Mary? -No.

Frank will be another hour.

But you can leave him a note.

-This about the schedule, Belinda? -Yes.

Ugh. Must feel rotten.

-Things out of your control. -Oh, I'm fine.

Well, that's great to know, because it's nothing personal.

It, it's like a… What does Frank call it?

Yeah. Well, just tell him that I really need

to talk to him about the schedule, please.

I've seen people like you give up.

But you're so, so good and so valued.

The anthropology department can't function without adjuncts.

But I'm not an adjunct anymore.

Oh, you're such a hard worker, and so smart.

Hey. Sorry I'm late. Babe?

Hey?

I'm gonna throw up, Norman. My stomach is crazy.

Everything's fine. Okay? Don't worry.

What if the doctor can't find a heartbeat?

Hey, I love you.

It's okay.

Your daughter looks great, Belinda.

Spine is aligned, and a nice big head.

You see her little legs right there.

Now move on to the heart.

-Can I hear it? -Of course.

It's perfect.

-I can see all four-- -Shh, shh.

Babe.

Well, you said your mother held you in it.

Well, yeah. But you drag it in here all by yourself?

Oh. Why'd I do that?

Hey.

Hey. It's okay.

What's going on?

Am I supposed to be a mom?

Yes.

You saw the baby.

Yeah, I know, but it's not…

They gave away two of my classes to a new hire.

-I'm basically losing my job. -They can't do that.

Yes, they can. I'm non-tenure.

I knew they would always see me as a fucking adjunct.

Well, shit.

And then when we were at the OB,

I was jealous of everybody, because they were so happy.

And I should be happy, because I know the baby is fine.

But everything is a mess.

Work, and this house still isn't right.

What are we gonna do, Norman?

I'm sorry. Hold on.

What's this number?

Hmm.

Hello.

Norman. Norman Gene, that you?

Uh, who's this?

I am his mother.

Jesus. Oh, my God.

There are things I haven't told you about Solange.

Your, your stepmom?

She's even worse than you think.

She wouldn't let me eat as a kid

until she believed me when I sang "Jesus Loves Me."

I don't know what's going on.

My dad is dying.

-Stomach cancer. -Oh.

She wants me to come see him, but--

Norman, I am so sorry.

-We have to see him. -No.

-You have to, don't you? -No! I don't…

She thinks that the Holy Spirit possesses her

and gives her power.

She calls it her signs and wonders.

Wow!

-Why didn't you tell me? -Because it's… it's…

I… I thought it would scare you away.

And honestly,

I don't think that she would even…

approve of you and me.

-Oh, come on, she's not-- -I'm serious. It's like that.

-Oh. -You know what?

Solange doesn't matter.

We have to focus on us…

on our family.

-Belinda? - Norman?

- You okay? -Uh…

I guess I was sleepwalking.

Oh.

And did you open the window?

-That's Wallace's. -I found it on the carpet.

Must have missed it when we moved the nursery.

Yeah.

Do you know where he is, Mary?

Ooh, ouch.

I think he's with the new hires, showing them around.

But we had an appointment.

I'm done with this place.

Wait. You can't go in there.

I quit.

Norman!

I was trying to buy a can of paint today,

and the card declined.

It was so embarrassing.

What's going on? Are you okay?

A pastor from my parents' church called.

My dad is dead.

Jesus said to her,

"He who believes in me,

though he may die, he shall live."

-Do you believe this? - Yes!

Death is a revelation.

Lawrence Irwin

is yet more alive

than we are now.

With his loving wife, Solange,

he was teacher,

healer and friend.

And, just in case, any of you sought one more lesson…

…Lawrence instructed me

to read his favorite passage of scripture.

"There is one body and spirit who is above all

and through all and in all."

Norman.

Pastor Lewis.

Mm.

Um, this is my wife, uh, Belinda.

Belinda. Hello!

Oh.

My condolences to you both.

-Thank you for the service. -Oh.

Uh, Norman, wait.

Uh, Solange, your mother, um, asked me to bring you to her.

-Stepmother. -Yes.

I understand your hesitation. I do.

Not all of us believes quite like she does.

But, Norman, she's changed.

-Oh. -Yeah.

Come and see.

We both know what your father would have prayed for.

Would you remove my veil, so I could see you more clearly?

You must be my Norman's Belind-er.