After hearing the details of the plan, Tessa is angry and embarrassed that Troy is trying to manipulate her into helping his football plan that could cost Tessa her job. The two argue again. His mom pounds her fists on the table, and Troy goes to his room. He strangles and punches his pillow in anger and frustration. When he comes downstairs later, he sees that his mom outside talking to Gramp on her cell phone.

Troy eavesdrops on the conversation is stunned when he hears that his mom sees herself as undesirable because she has a 12-year-old-child. Tessa realizes he has overheard what she said, and she hangs up the phone, apologizing to Troy. Troy assures her he’s alright: “It’s okay,’ Troy said, finding his voice. ‘I know what I am. That’s why I want this so bad. I want to do something. I want to be something. I thought this was my chance’” (185).

As Troy hears the rumble of the train in the distance, Tessa agrees to help.