Summary

Ford describes her first experience having sex with Brett, whom she began dating a few months after discovering her father’s crimes, in Chapter 19. She felt it was important to her that she have sex of her own volition in order to feel empowered. In Chapter 20, Ford recalls discussing her college options with Brett while keeping the topic a secret from her mother, whom she felt would not approve or would be stressed about the finances. Ford collected documents secretly to put together an application to Ball State University, a community college.

In Chapter 21, when her acceptance letter to Ball State University came in the mail, Ford says she told Brett before anyone else. Ford then approached her mother and told her the news in trepidation, but her mother was elated, to her surprise. They were able to pay the requisite deposit fees...