Lexie’s mom works at a restaurant called the Pines, and Lexie starts to work with her there washing dishes after school. She thinks of Anna as her guardian angel for helping Mr. Terupt find her. Mr. Terupt, Ms. Newberry, Lexie, and her mom all have dinner, and the next day, Lexie’s mom picks her up from school. Her mom takes the day off of work and spends it with Lexie. They drive to the abandoned house, and her mom tells her that she is not allowed to go there anymore. Lexie is glad to hear this because she wants her mom in her life. Lexie’s mom explains to her that she works so much because she does not receive any child support from Lexie’s father. Lexie is relieved because she thought her mom worked so much because she did not like being around her. Lexie offers to work with her mom to help with money, so they can be together.

Mr. Terupt is the school’s wrestling coach. He calls Jeffrey’s parents and suggests that he start wrestling because he thinks Jeffrey will be good at it. Jeffrey is excited about the idea.