The story is told by Neal Sloan, one of the few people who has any possibility of knowing what the Sloan family is really like. Yet even Neal is unaware of everything that happens in the family. All the Sloans seem to be hiding something or denying the existence of reality. Mrs. Sloan is intent on being a good minister's wife and presenting a united front to the children although she realizes she is hiding her true feelings and often has to go to bed with one of her "headaches." Aileen, a senior in high school, has already turned into a "bad girl" by running around with Pete Cauthen, whom Neal calls the "ultimate bum." Now she is in danger of flunking English and failing to graduate. Young Georgie is the most fragile, delicate, and perceptive member of the family, always trying to please...