Oren drives Jameson and Avery to Heights Country Day School. On the way, the two young people analyze Jameson’s letter from Tobias and the meaning of the proverbs it includes. In this chapter, Avery also reveals that her mother died because she needed an organ transplant but had a rare blood type, leaving her low on the transplant list.

Upon arriving at school, Jameson leaves Avery’s side. Most people at the school seem to intently ignore her, but she’s soon approached by Thea Hawthorne-Calligaris, whose uncle is Mr. Calligaris—Zara’s husband. Thea doesn’t reveal her last name but is friendly, helpful, and the only person to approach Avery. She expresses concern about Avery living at Hawthorne House: “If there’s one thing the Hawthorne family isn’t it’s fine. They were a twisted, broken mess before you got here, and they’ll be a twisted, broken mess once you’re gone” (94). The two girls then run into Xander, who outs Thea’s last name and identity, warning Avery that Thea isn’t to be trusted.

Avery meets the school’s headmaster, Dr. McGowan or “Dr. Mac.” Dr. Mac suggests Avery take an elective called “Making Meaning,” which studies how meaning is conveyed through the arts and includes civic engagement with local museums, artists, ballets, etc.