Act 4, Chapter 21 Summary

Life flashes before Vernon's eyes. Nuckles will testify in five days, on the last day of the trial. Observers say he is Vernon's only chance. It is Nov. 14, and Vernon thinks back to May 20, the last time he sees Vernon, beginning with the bike ride with Jesus. Vernon doubts Jesus can survive another week like the one just endured. He lusts for power and cannot afford branded shoes, which are the ultimate source of prestige. Vernon alone knows Jesus' deep humanity. The classroom bakes Tuesday morning. Jesus stares at his desk, baring his back, showing his psycho-knife. Egged on by the Gurie twins, Max Lechuga teases Jesus about being gay, and then turns on Vernon. Lorna Speltz is slow getting jokes and laughs at the first, misexplaining it. Nuckles arrives, calling on the students to focus and asking who has remembered...