Second Part, Sections 17 through 19 Summary

17 - After a weekend of meals made out of a package, Jerome arrives at his next Home Ec class ready to learn to cook, and just as ready to meet his partner. He is taken completely by surprise when his partner turns out to be the shortstop he admired (see "First Part, Section 4"). He is taken further by surprise when he sees that Bix, so confident on the field, now seems shy and uncomfortable. Jerome also notices the untidiness of Bix's clothes contrasted with the shininess of his shoes, commenting that because boys shine their own shoes but their mothers take care of their clothes, "something was wrong with this boy's mother too" (see "Quotes," p. 99). Jerome tries to break the ice with a joke, but is disappointed when, after a brief moment of connection, Bix retreats...