Chapters 29-30, Ordinary People Summary

Chapter 29. In this chapter, Beth and Cal fly home. On the plane they don't speak. Cal's head is filled with a list of clichés that seem to sum up his life. Phrases like "haste makes waste" and "a rolling stone gathers no moss" are in his head, but they make no sense; in fact, he thinks some of them are silly. At home they have a pleasant dinner. Cal senses something different about Conrad, and when he crosses the room to kiss his mother goodnight, those feelings are confirmed. Beth says little during the evening, and the kiss seems to throw her into a speculative daze. Conrad tells Cal that he's glad to have them home.

Chapter 30. After spending the evening together, Conrad and Jeannine finally end up making love. Jeannine builds Conrad's confidence and self-esteem...