It is Senior Awards Night at Lake Windsor High School, and the Fisher family will be in attendance in support of Erik, who is sure to win all sorts of accolades for his football exploits. There will also be the ceremonial planting of a tree in honor of the deceased Mike Costello. However, the presence of Tangerine Middle students, Tino and Victor, interrupts the event. They are apparently targeting Erik because of his involvement in the death of Luis.

Tino kicks Erik, knocking the wind out of him, while Victor tackles Arthur. The gymnasium erupts into chaos, as the adults try to restrain Tino and Victor. Paul springs into action, wanting to protect his friends, and pounces on the teacher who holds onto Tino. Paul’s actions allow for both boys to escape into the night. Paul, confronted by Dad and the other teachers, runs as fast as he can away from the scene. He runs all the way back to the vandalized wall surrounding his sub-division, just in time for Erik and Arthur to catch up with him in Arthur’s car.

This time, however, Paul does not back down. Whatever fear he once had of Erik and Arthur has evaporated: “I saw you kill Luis Cruz,” he says to Arthur (254).