Vivian is upset that her mom continues to see John, whom she is sure “was probably president of the Young Conservatives and sat at the jock table” (86). Lucy and Vivian are becoming friends. Vivian talks to Seth and realizes he has a Runaways sticker on his binder. Claudia tells Vivian about another lewd T-shirt the football captain, Jason Garza, is wearing. Then the principal and assistant principal begin random dress code checks, making girls stand up in the middle of class, embarrassing them about their attire, and forcing them to wear gym clothes with East Rockport High logos.

Emma Johnson joins their English class. Vivian thinks of her as polished and perfect, someone who knows how to handle boys though she is also nice. At lunch, Vivian’s friend Sara is upset over being humiliated about her clothing. Lucy says the dress code checks are public shaming and put girls, rather than boys, in charge of boys’ behavior. Claudia doesn’t like the idea of speaking out or complaining, and Vivian is upset by the whole exchange.