Summary

Chapter 9 opens a few months earlier when Lydia and Jack's time together prompts rumors from their peers at school. In fact, Lydia and Jack's time together is more platonic. Together they trade stories about the struggles in their lives, their childhoods, and smoke cigarettes. Jack constantly asks questions about Nath. Jack also tries to teach Lydia how to drive a car, but she is helpless at it because she is too impatient. Lydia cannot get away from her home life fast enough. One afternoon, Lydia comes home and plays music loudly. Marilyn comes in the room, turns it down, and begins to lecture Lydia on the importance of succeeding in high school. Marilyn tells her she can do anything she wants, and that is all she wants her to remember after she has died. Later, Nath catches Lydia in the act of opening...