Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of bullying, sexual content, cursing, illness, graphic violence, death, death by suicide, emotional abuse, and physical abuse.

The narrative flashes back five years earlier from Julie’s perspective. Julie informs the reader that “April Masterson is the evilest woman you’ll ever meet” and that “everything she has told you has been a lie” (261).

The day Julie moves into her new home in April’s neighborhood, April comes over with a plate of cookies to introduce herself. Julie notes how cheerful and likable she is. She introduces April to her older son, Tristan. April insists that Julie needs to get both of her children enrolled in the best schools in the area. However, all Julie can think about is how strange it is to be in the suburbs and not working, after spending years with the DA’s office.

Six months later, Julie and April have become good friends. Keith, Julie’s husband, comments on how “desperate” April seems for her friendship, but Julie insists that she’s nice. Julie also heard rumors about Elliot’s secretary, Courtney, who recently died by suicide. Some people think that April had something to do with it, but Julie dismisses the rumors.