Amy goes home to pick up a few things. She misses her family and feels good about seeing them. Amy notices the blooming flowers in the yard: “The lilac bush next to the back door filled the air with its scent” (68). Louann tells Amy about the new things she’s doing after school with Mrs. Peck and says she might learn to take the bus. Amy gets angry about this because she doesn’t think someone other than Louann’s family members should decide what Louann can or can’t do.

Amy accidentally mentions her secret birthday party in front of Louann. Louann wants to go. Amy snaps at Louann and says she can’t come to the party. Amy leaves in a rush, realizing she won’t have Aunt Clare’s house as a refuge forever, and wonders, “When she leaves, where will I run?” (72).

Back at Aunt Clare’s, Amy helps her aunt prepare food for the birthday party tomorrow. Aunt Clare asks how things went at home. Amy doesn’t answer. Being around Aunt Clare and involved with the party preparations makes her feel better and helps her forget her issues with Louann.

Ellen will sleep over after the party.