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's 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. -Oh.

Must feel rotten, things out of your control.

-Oh, I'm fine. -Well, that's great to know

because it's nothing personal.

It's like, uh...

-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.

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.

Babe?

Well, you said your mother held you in it.

Well, yeah.

But you dragged it in here all by yourself?

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.

Oh, 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.

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 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.

You know what?

Solange doesn't matter.

We have to focus on us.

On our family.

- Belinda? - Norman.

You okay?

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?

Oh. 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?

The pastor from my parents' church called.

My dad is dead.

Jesus said to her,

- "He who believes in me..." - Welcome.

"...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.

Um, this is my wife, uh, Belinda.

Belinda. Hello.

Oh.

My condolences to you both.

- Thank you for the service. - Oh.

Norman, wait.

Uh, Solange, your mother, 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.

It's lovely to meet you, Solange.

He didn't say you were expecting.

And the pastor says

the days of miracles have come and gone.

Now, Solange...

Hush now.

Is it a girl?

Oh!

Praise him!

How did... how did you know that?

Truth set aflame by the Holy Spirit.

Do I deserve any tenderness?

We have much to discuss as a family.

I... We, um...

Belinda has to rest.

Don't you owe me this kindness?

Ain't it a wonder how you're changing?

Sometimes I feel like it's her body and not mine.

You're a vessel that holds his child.

And praise Jesus, he's making it right.

Those two will never know what it's like.

To change is woman.

Well, Norman is a wonderful husband.

Like his father, bless him,

but men are children that must be taught,

especially those younger than us.

I will admit,

my last change was not preferable.

Men-o-pause.

Ain't no pause in it.

Lucifer couldn't have made hot flashes so hot.

Okay. Okay. Stop.