Class Act

Chapter 7 opens with a book cover-style drawing of Jordan as a cat, complete with a “Mewbery Medal” (128). The page acts as a spoof of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books and provides a glimpse into Jordan’s mind and what he envisions for his future. The boys wake up after the sleepover at Liam’s house, and Mr. Pierre suggests a swim in the pool. Drew and Jordan are shocked to find out Liam has his own pool, and when they go to change into their loaned swim trunks, they find a massive Christmas tree surrounded by dozens of presents. Both boys find the scene discomforting, as they cannot see a need for so much excess. Mr. Pierre tells the boys that Liam does not have many friends (likely due to being extremely rich) and he is glad they are there; Drew comments that Liam has everything else, and Mr. Pierre notes that “sometimes even everything isn’t enough” (135). At the pool, Liam jumps in, and Jordan joins him. Drew admits he cannot swim and does not want to try, so he sits there watching them with his arms folded. Drew seems upset afterward and confesses to Jordan that he finds it unsettling how many families would be able to fit inside Liam’s house. When it is time for Drew and Jordan to head home, Mr. Pierre gives them a ride. Liam wants to join them, but his mother insists he stay behind to greet his father when he gets home. Liam looks distraught as his friends ride away, and Drew and Jordan speculate as to why. After Jordan is dropped off, Drew opens up to Mr. Pierre, asking how he can work for such a wealthy family while his own family is far away in Haiti. Mr. Pierre explains that “it is a means to an end” (148), and that he will do what he needs to. He reminds Drew not to judge Liam based on his parents’ wealth, and Drew leaves the car reflecting on his rashness in forming an opinion of his friend.

Drew is dropped off at home and some of his old neighborhood friends are hanging out outside. One of them, Wendell, accuses Drew of being too privileged, ostracizing him from their group and telling him that he is no longer like them. Drew feels like he is treated this way everywhere he goes and cannot seem to fit in anywhere. His irritation reaches a boiling point, and he and Wendell get in a physical fight. Two other children intervene and apologize to Drew, making up with him quickly. Wendell disappears, frustrated that nobody backed him up. Drew arrives home, greets his grandmother with love, and then struggles to send Liam an apology text for how he acted at his house. He stands on his cement balcony against a black starry sky, feeling alone and isolated from the world.

Chapter 9 is introduced with another spoof title page, this time of the novel Life of Pi. Drew sits in a boat in the middle of the ocean, with a giant pie staring angrily at him. Back at school, Jordan asks Drew why he has been ghosting Liam since they visited his house. Drew admits that he worries about Liam changing, noting how his parents seem to “want diversity for their kids, but not for themselves” (166). He worries Liam will grow up to be like his parents and does not want to bother being his friend in the meantime. When Drew opens his locker, there are six cupcakes inside, all baked by Ashley. He confesses to Jordan that he does not actually want to date Ashley but is uncertain how to tell her. He also worries about the extra pressure that a relationship would cause. The two boys continue their heart-to-heart as Jordan admits to drawing less and feeling immature among the older students. He is the youngest person in the grade, and always feels as if he is behind. Drew reassures Jordan and encourages him to keep being himself.

Drew sits on the floor in front of his locker. Schoolmate Alexandra approaches and asks him to confide in her puppet, “Pigmund Freud” (177). Drew confesses that he is sick of everyone pretending to be something they are not and having to keep up appearances for those around him. He explains, “we all have two forms that we’re constantly changing in and out of” (179). He does not want to play basketball because he feels people expect him to, and he feels guilty about spending time having fun while his grandmother works so much. Drew asks Alexandra how she is able to be herself so easily, and she emotionally explains that she does so because she likes to. She gives Drew a hug, and some students walk by and take photos of them. After Drew walks away, Ashley approaches Alexandra and asks her for advice in getting Drew to like her. Alexandra tells her to give Drew personal space and to instead invite him to her field hockey games; in a humorous moment, she realizes she would make a good counsellor. Drew discovers that students are liking, commenting on, and posting pictures of him with Alexandra.