Why do you suppose Birdie is able to maintain long-term friendships with Bernice and Bobby but not others with whom she worked?
I think they saw Birdie’s innocence. And Bernice was particularly loyal and loving who Birdie was even with her denial
They seemed to have no interest in using her, as many of her other acquaintances did but were interested in her for who she was. And, as Beth M observes, they picked up on her naivete and insecurity and cared enough to help her, and to listen.
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Bernice and Birdie shared an open relationship. She had told Bernice her story after hearing about Bernice’s trials. Bernice knew what Birdie was feeling, but never condemned her. Bobby knew she was the girl on the album cover, but never probed too deeply. They had an easy going “buddy” relationship.
A post was merged into an existing topic: How was the rock star enabled in his pursuit of Birdie? Who was complicit? How have you seen this dynamic play out in real life?
Bernice and Bobby did not want anything from Birdie other than friendship. She knew that they generally liked her for who she was.
I think they were her only true friends.
I don’t think there was much, if any, competition between Bernice and Birdie. Birdie recognized immediately that Bernice was in a different league. With the other girls there was always the possibility of one of them taking a job she wanted or vice versa.
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