The Reappearance of Rachel Price
by Holly Jackson
Contents
Chapter Thirteen
Overview
Rachel’s reappearance becomes national news, but the public image of a reunited family only intensifies Bel’s private unease. When Charlie leaves Bel alone with Rachel, Rachel pushes for mother-daughter intimacy through food and a shopping trip, while Bel searches for ways to avoid isolation with her.
Rachel’s accidental reference to fifteen years instead of sixteen becomes a second inconsistency in her story, strengthening Bel’s belief that something about Rachel’s account is false. Bel counters Rachel by bringing in the documentary crew, turning the cameras into a shield.
Summary
By midday Monday, Rachel Price’s return is public. At the press conference, Rachel sits between Charlie and Bel while Police Chief Dave Winter announces that the suspected kidnapper is still at large and asks for information. Bel and Charlie are present but silent, functioning as proof of a reunited family, while Rachel gives a brief statement asking for privacy as the family readjusts.
Back at home, Bel watches the news replay and feels unsettled by how much she resembles Rachel on camera. Rachel brings Bel a sandwich made to match Bel’s stated favorite, but Bel interprets the gesture as an intrusive attempt to resume motherhood too quickly. Charlie prepares to leave for work, and Bel panics at the thought of being left alone with Rachel.
Before Charlie leaves, news vans arrive outside the house, and Charlie warns Rachel and Bel not to engage with reporters. Rachel asks Charlie for his credit card so she can buy essentials, including clothes and a phone, until she can access her own money. Charlie gives Rachel the card and leaves despite Bel’s attempts to stop him, forcing Bel to remain in the house with Rachel while reporters shout questions outside.
Rachel suggests that she and Bel spend time together, first with games and then with a shopping trip to the White Mountains Mall. Bel tries to refuse by pointing out the police investigation, the danger of going outside, their lack of a car, and the family’s financial strain, but Rachel counters each objection. During the exchange, Rachel says she was locked inside for “fifteen years,” then corrects herself after Bel points out that the story is supposed to be sixteen years, deepening Bel’s suspicion.
Bel finally proposes inviting the documentary crew to film the shopping trip, using the cameras as protection from being alone with Rachel. Rachel appears thrown but agrees when Bel insists. Bel calls Ramsey, who is nearby filming the media outside the house, and asks the crew to come along. The chapter ends with Bel recognizing the interaction as a silent battle of moves and countermoves and concluding that Rachel may be lying.
Who Appears
- Bel PriceDistrusts Rachel, fears being left alone with her, and uses the documentary crew as protection.
- Rachel PricePublicly reappeared mother who pushes for bonding and makes a suspicious mistake about her captivity.
- Charlie PriceBel’s father; attends the press conference, gives Rachel his credit card, and leaves for work.
- RamseyDocumentary crew member whom Bel calls to film the shopping trip with Rachel.
- Dave WinterPolice chief who announces the suspect remains at large during Rachel’s press conference.