Chapter 4 Summary

In chapter four, Ruby wakes Saturday morning to the sound of a backhoe digging the pond Jamie has planned for the backyard. Ruby announces her intention to refuse Nate's offer of a ride to school, saying she'd rather take the bus. There isn't a Perkins bus in the mornings though one runs in the afternoon for those students with after-school activities. Ruby says she'll use the city's bus system but Cora points out she'll have to be up much earlier than if she just accepts Nate's offer. Jamie suggests they buy a car but Cora refuses, saying Ruby can either take the bus, accept Nate's offer, or borrow Jamie's car. Ruby intends to take the bus but she oversleeps the first morning and has to accept Nate's offer. When she gets in the car she discovers a twelve-year-old boy in the backseat. His...