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 In
the spring of 1989, five years after Lyman, we discover a new high
school in Santa Barbara : Crestview high school. It primarily serves as
the workplace setting for Laura Asher, who becomes its principal after
arriving in town with her husband Ethan. Very quickly, a group of
students is brought into focus, including the young Missy Fortino.
With
her friend Tomas, she is first seen painting a mural on one of the
school walls. Blonde and with a very casual style, Missy nevertheless
comes across as an honest and trustworthy young girl.
As
summer vacation approaches quickly, Missy is next seen working as a
waitress at the beach bar. Her somewhat revealing and provocative
outfits do not go unnoticed by customers, including Greg Hughes -
something that makes Emily DiNapoli jealous. While talking with her,
Michael Donnelly realizes that behind Missy's smile and quick wit lies a
deeper issue : she cannot read. He finds the right approach to gain her
trust and offers to give her private lessons, which she accepts. A form
of friendship develops between them.
Missy
makes her final appearance shortly afterward when she sees Michael
kissing Laura at the beach bar. It is surprising that the writers so
suddenly abandoned such a likable character whom they had taken time to
develop and integrate into the storylines.
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