Chapters 3-4, Ordinary People Summary

Chapter 3. Conrad frets over riding to school with old friends, but doesn't want his mother to drive him. He believes his father can see that everything isn't right with him because of the way he commanded him to call the doctor. He worries that he's causing his father too much stress.

When his friends arrive (members of the swim team), he climbs in the back seat and tries to disappear. The boys make small talk until one of them points out a new girl on the way to school. When he catches Conrad looking at her, he teases him causing Conrad even more anxiety.

At school, Conrad's teachers are solicitous and cautious around him. They suggest he drop some of his extracurricular activities, but he refuses. In choir, Conrad meets the girl he saw on the way...