Summary

In Chapter 9, a month has passed. Working in the store is physically easier than the work in the garden. He mows grass on Saturdays and Sundays are his only day off. He says the work is hard; the pay is a joke. He was angry when he got his first check. “After social security and some mess called FICA” (106), he was able to help with the electric bill and buy diapers and formula. He says he would have quit except for Faye's appreciation and that he is beginning to enjoy the garden. Maverick says he has to see that the plants have everything they need to survive, just as he does with Seven. Maverick learns Iesha has moved out and he continues to hope they are going to work things out. He sleeps so little that he sometimes skips school just to sleep...