Big Little Lies

Madeline helps Jane and Ziggy with his assignment. Ziggy’s project goes well until he must write a name for his dad on his family tree. Jane reminds Ziggy he doesn’t have a dad, something “she’d always tried to be as honest as possible with Ziggy about” (191). Jane doesn’t know his father’s name, and Ziggy yells at her, wanting to follow his teacher’s directions.

Madeline diffuses the situation by suggesting to Ziggy that he simply write down, “Ziggy’s dad” (193). Madeline reads Ziggy, and he quickly falls asleep. Jane profusely thanks Madeline and admits she thought she would have more time before having a complex conversation with Ziggy about his father. The truth, Jane and Madeline agree, isn’t always the easiest thing to hear.

Jane confesses she knows Ziggy’s father’s name: Saxon Banks. Madeline asks if Jane has contacted Saxon to tell him about Ziggy. Jane says no, because Saxon wasn’t a good person. Madeline asks Jane what Saxon did to her. 

Jane tells Madeline the story of her one-night stand. It happened shortly after Jane’s long-term boyfriend, Zach, had broken up with her. Jane’s friend Gail suggested they go out drinking and dancing.