Hilary handles the enormous pot of spaghetti herself, perhaps because she fears that Bella might drop it, and arranges the plates; she lets Bella take care of setting out cutlery and bowls of sauce. No place is set at the head of the table, but there are two places along each side, to a total of four; apparently, Hilary gets to eat with the family tonight.

By the time they're finished, Alice is back with his mother in tow.