Second Marking Period (through page 70) Summary

Melinda's parents have ordered her to stay after school every day to get extra help from her teachers. Melinda says only that she will stay after school; she neglects to mention that she'll spend that time in her closet. She works on fixing up her safe space; it feels like a fort. There are new books on the shelves and a poster of Maya Angelou covering the mirror that's screwed to the wall.

It's even harder for Melinda to talk now. Her lips are raw and her throat is always sore. She wakes each morning with her jaws clenched. She wishes she could hand over her guilt, anger and fear to someone else. Only in the closet does she feel truly safe.

The school has a Job Day and all the students have to complete...