Content Warning: This section contains one incidence of physical violence between two students and one incidence of domestic violence resulting in a physical injury.

Because Rafe thinks he may start crying, he leaves the math room and goes into the boys’ restroom. He cannot believe that he didn’t realize he might have to repeat the sixth grade. Rafe hears someone knock on the bathroom door, then hears Jeanne call his name. She opens the door and comes in, standing in front of his stall. Jeanne tries to convince him there is still time for him to raise his grades so that he will not have to repeat the grade.

Another knock comes on the door. It’s Mrs. Stricker, who says, “Rafe Khatchadorian and Jeanne Galletta! What in heaven’s name is going on in here” (225).

Rafe cannot believe Jeanne is in trouble. He knows it is his fault. Mrs. Stricker asks them to explain what’s going on. Rafe tries to take the blame: “‘It’s not her fault,’ I said. ‘I went in there first, and I wouldn’t come out’” (228). Mrs. Stricker points out that being in an opposite-sex bathroom means mandatory detention. Rafe apologizes to Jeanne profusely. He calls out to Mrs.