On the plane, Veronica prepares for lunch service. She thinks about how she’ll spend her time in California and becomes “aware that she’s getting lonely,” something she has in common with the other passengers (152). In coach, Jordan tells Bruce that he has decided to become vegan. The news frustrates Bruce, but Jordan defends his position.

A few rows up, Linda gets sick when she smells the chicken sandwich she ordered for lunch. As she and Florida talk, Benjamin and Mark wait in line for the bathroom. Benjamin finds Mark more attractive than Veronica, and his sexuality continues to pull his thoughts to Gavin. Florida, meanwhile, tells Linda that she has never been to California, and she left her husband without telling him.

On the way back to his seat, Mark runs into Veronica and tells her he wants to kiss her. He is excited by her frank, witty response. 

After two years, Edward receives permission to join in physical activity. He attends the same camp as Shay but prefers activities that keep him sitting and isolated. When school starts, Edward meets his gym teacher, Mrs. Tuhane. On his first day of gym class, the loud sounds and physical proximity of basketball overwhelm him.