Margaret Peterson Haddix's Double Identity

In Double Identity by Margaret Peterson Haddix, the sudden change of residence from her loving and protective parents to her mysterious and enigmatic aunt induces an immense amount of fear and confusion in Bethany. Bethany Cole, a girl just under 13 years old, had always had parents that she thought were “overprotective,” but very loving. However, in the time leading up to Bethany’s 13th birthday, her parents begin to act strange. Her mother is always crying, and her father has a grim expression seemingly glued onto his face. One day during the school year, Bethany’s parents take her to her aunt Myrlie’s house. Bethany, who has never seen or even heard of Myrlie, is puzzled and perplexed. Her parents then leave her with Myrlie, ignoring Bethany’s …show more content…
She is clueless as to why her parents, who had spent “virtually every second” (11) of her life with, abandoned her without warning. Desperate for the warmth of those who Bethany deems to be her real family, she attempts to communicate with her parents over the phone, but all she receives is “We are sorry. This number is out of service” (14). Bethany tries many times more, making sure the numbers she punched in were correct, as if her life depended on it. Her bids are futile, however, as the words “Out of service” are all that reach her ear. Overcome with angst, she inquires to Myrlie with sorrow, “‘Isn’t there any emergency number my father left with you?’ I choke out ‘Some way to reach him if I break my arm, or,or…?’ My throat closes over my next words. I can’t say them. Or if I just need him?” (15). The fear of separation from the ones who raised you, something that Bethany could scarcely fathom, is eating away at the slim amount of hope Bethany has. She feels that she must reunite with them soon, or else she’ll begin to crumble under the weight of sorrow. Not only does she tremendously miss her parents, her current relationship with Myrlie is shaky at