Chapters 1-7 Summary

Simone Elkeles is a writer of young adult romance novels. Simone Elkeles grew up in a town similar to the fictional town of Fairfield where this novel is set.

In Chapter 1, when Brittany is ready for school on the first day of her senior year, she must endure her mother's critical inspection. Brittany then goes to say goodbye to her sister, Shelley, who is in a wheelchair, causing her to get a spot on her shirt. Brittany covers it with a scarf before running out the door.

In Chapter 2, Alex is awoken by his brother on the first day of school only to find himself refereeing a fight between his two younger brothers. Alex quickly dresses and has a quick breakfast with his mother and brothers before rushing off to school with Carmen, his ex-girlfriend and fellow gang member.

In Chapter...