Chapters 9-10 Summary

Chapter 9. Kelly takes Lil J back to when he is thirteen and the principal tells him that his previously good grades are suddenly failing grades. The principal asks what is happening and offers help, but Lil J becomes angry and refuses to answer. However, Lil J reveals to Kelly that the night before this meeting Lil J had had to help his drunk mother, who had been passed out in the entry way to their building leading up to their apartment. That morning, his mother had not even remembered coming home. After school that day, Lil J decides not to go home.

Chapter 10. Lil J asks Kelly if he has any drugs. Kelly questions his desire to do drugs. Lil J tries to explain to Kelly why he needs the drugs, but Kelly loses interest and goes to the bathroom, leaving...