Stupid Fast

Jerri cleans up Felton’s road rash from his bike crash. She seems nervous and spooked, and she nods her head too much. She had Grandma Berba tell Felton and Andrew everything because she could not handle it. Felton decides against being angry with her, but Jerri thinks that is not something he can consciously control. Felton tells Jerri about the nursing home screamer. Jerri confirms the woman, Kelly Mayer, was one of Steven’s girlfriends, and was “completely nuts” back then, saying “Steve went for the weak ones” (252). Jerri counts herself in this, thinking she was an impressionable “hick,” drawn to Steven who was in a different league. Jerri admits she needs help.

Cody calls and leaves a message for Felton, whose phone is still turned off. Cody says to ignore the faker messages which are from last year’s seniors. Cody hopes Felton is going to his game. Felton tells Jerri Cody’s message is “bullshit.” Felton now feels there are more important things in life than sports, and that jocks are “total idiots” and “assholes” like his father (253). Cody, worried, calls again after Felton misses the game. Felton angrily wants to break the house phone. Grandma wants him to call Cody tomorrow, but Felton believes Cody and his ex-friends just want to harass him.