Chapter 9 Summary

As Chapter Nine opens, Eddie is fleeing the brawl at the hospital trying to get home. Josy pulls up in his mother's car and offers Eddie a ride but he refuses. Eddie finally arrives home, where he keeps to himself and lets his wounds heal for two days. During this time, Lupe comes to Eddie's apartment with the intention of settling the score, angry that Eddie injured Samuel during the fight. Lupe makes all kinds of noise, even shattering one of Eddie's windows with his bear hands, but Eddie does not let Lupe in. Eddie's neighbor, Mrs. Rios, eventually chases Lupe away.

Eddie spends time allowing himself to heal and then seeks refuge at his godmother's house. He spends two weeks with her then leaves Fresno to join the Navy. Eddie gets a ride to the naval base in an old beat up...