Though Noah is going to school regularly, Adrianne observes he has no interest in making friends or doing well in his studies. Formerly, Noah was driven to excel in his studies, but now his teachers send notes that he is failing to complete projects. When Adrianne’s attempts to get Noah interested in school fail, she decides swimming may help him out of his apathy. Adrianne persuades Noah to visit the YMCA pool and buys a new swimsuit for the occasion. Her old suit is too baggy, as her appetite has dwindled after Noah’s confession. However, when she goes to his room to get him, she finds Noah curled up in a ball on his bed. Noah wants Adrianne to go away. Adrianne asks Noah if something happened at school.

Noah confesses that people at his new school have discovered his sex offender charges. He’s being bullied, with a footballer even calling him a “sick perv.” Adrianne commiserates with Noah, sharing her own stories of being bullied in school. Adrianne was taunted by her friends after she had her first period in the middle of gym class and the toilet paper she was wearing fell out on the floor. She was called “Bloody Mary” for the rest of the year.