Following with Mr. Nobody's thoughts
Regarding how Carol spoke to the kid
I think there is some kind of a use going on in the hairdresser's family. But I also do not believe she's a victim. A victim of spousal abuse does not have such confidence and flirt right in front of her abuser. (Ya...he was in the next room and walked in. But she didn't seem the least bit worried.)
I had been thinking maybe Deanna was controlling who is in a relationship with whom and it was an arranged relationship. But the mother/wife as abuser actually fits better.
I had been thinking maybe Deanna was controlling who is in a relationship with whom and it was an arranged relationship. But the mother/wife as abuser actually fits better.
Regarding how Carol spoke to the kid
If his parents are verbally abusive, speaking to him like that probably would work better than anything else. If he is accustomed to obeying out of fear, then being mean and threatening are more likely to work than being sweet.