First Marking Period (through page 35) Summary

Two weeks have passed and Melinda is coping with her alienated high school life. Heather, the new girl from Ohio, sits with Melinda at lunch and calls her for long talks-with Heather doing most of the talking. She's Melinda's only friend.

At home, Melinda and her parents usually communicate with notes. Her mother and father have demanding jobs and are usually going in different directions. Sometimes, her mother prepares dinner in the morning and leaves it in the refrigerator; more often, there's a note to order pizza. Although it's September, Mom is anxiously getting her store and staff ready for Christmas. There's not much talking in this family and her parents don't seem to have noticed that Melinda is talking even less than usual. In her room, Melinda examines her reflection in the mirror. There...