She put out her hand against the screen. She watched herself push the door slowly open as if she were back safe somewhere in the other doorway, watching this body and this head of long hair moving out into the sunlight where Arnold Friend waited.
I'm confused about why Connie would choose to go with Arnold when she probably had other choices.
startled
suddenly surprised or frightened by something unexpected
dazed
unable to think clearly because you are shocked, confused, or tired
tugging
pulling something with force
pretense
a false appearance; pretending that something is true
exasperation
a feeling of great annoyance or frustration
scuffling
to walk by dragging or rubbing your feet along the ground
dope
a stupid person
dissolved
to gradually disappear or become part of something else
wagged
moved something from side to side, especially a tail or finger
slit
to make a long, narrow cut or opening in something
widened
became wider or made something wider
gleaming
shining brightly, especially because something is clean, polished, or reflecting light
semicircles
half of a circle
stool
a simple seat without a back or arms
depend upon.
to rely on someone or something, or to be affected by a particular situation
rigid
very stiff and unable to bend or change
yearned
wanted something very strongly, especially something that is difficult or impossible to have
loomed up
appeared or came into view, especially in a large, unclear, or threatening way
expectant
waiting for something to happen, especially with excitement or hope
maze
a confusing network of paths or passages that is difficult to find your way through
aloft
up in the air or in a high position
grinning
smiling widely, especially because you are happy, amused, or pleased
revolving
urning around a central point or axis
drawling
speaking in a slow, lazy way, with the sounds of the words stretched out
cynical
believing that people are selfish and that their actions are usually motivated by personal interests rather than good intentions
smirking
smiling in a way that shows you feel pleased with yourself, superior, or amused
languid
moving or acting in a slow, relaxed way because you have little energy or interest
scuffed
scratched or damaged on the surface, usually by rubbing or hitting against something
sincere
honest and genuine, without pretending or hiding your true feelings
supper
a meal eaten in the evening, especially a light or informal evening meal
praised
to say that someone or something is good, impressive, or deserving of admiration
but now her looks were gone and that was why she was always after Connie
A mother could tease her daughter because she is envious of her daughter's beauty.
snapshots
quick photographs taken with a camera, usually of a person, place, or moment
gawking
staring at someone or something for a long time, often because you are surprised or curious
scolded
to speak angrily to someone because they have done something wrong
craning
stretching your neck forward or upward to see something better