Chapter 12

This represents the set of marble stairs that I fell down and re-broke my leg.

I ran because I no longer wanted to hear what they were speaking about. I didn't want to believe what they were saying was true. I was too upset with Gene and couldn't bear to think that he would really do such a thing. It's horrible! He came to see me in the infirmary later that night, but I was too upset and I didn’t want to speak with him. Out of anger I said, "You want to break something else in me! Is that why you're here" (176)! He left soon after and apologized. Dr. Stanpole asks Gene to bring a few of my things to me since I would be there for a few days. I had to go under anesthesia while the doctor sets my bone back into place. When Gene returned with my items, I was more calm but still gave him an attitude so he knew I was unfriendly. I told Gene that I have written to every one to enlist into the war, no matter where it was located. "They all gave me the same answer after they saw the medical report on me" (182). He repeated to me that I wouldn't be any good in the war anyways. "...and the next thing anyone knew you'd be over with the Germans or the Japs, asking if they'd like to field a baseball team against our side" (182). I took this as a compliment, I knew did not mean for it to result this way. I made sure it was just an impulse and I could tell that he was exuberant that I believed him. He didn't even want to believe himself. Gene had to leave to get to his 10:10 class; when he left we were on good terms with no regrets and no hard feelings. I was glad to be this way with him because he is my best friend, and I knew he would be back as soon as possible. As it turns out, that is the last I was ever able to see of my best friend Gene. This is because I died during my operation. A bit of bone barrow escaped while being set, and entered my blood stream and stopped my heart. It was not painful, but I am glad that Gene and I resolved things before I passed.

Chapter 11

This is what it was like when the guys were clarifying my accident.









Gene returns from his trip while I am in the middle of a snow ball fight with a few guys. (That was so much fun!) He didn't look as if he wanted to join but I called him over anyways. He was shocked because all I was using was a walking cast. "In fact I think I can feel it getting stronger" (147). He was excited to hear this news. Later on while Gene and I were hanging out in our room, Brinker came charging in and began asking several questions about Leper. Gene told about how he has dramatically changed and is not doing well. They were speaking about the war and I just went along with it, thinking to myself. "Sure. There isn't any war" (150). I didn't say a thing about my old conspiracy theory. I sort of ended it, and this also ended the 1994 Olympics as well. During the later days, more and more people begin to enlist. Except for myself of coarse, and Gene as well. While Gene and I were studying Latin one day, I told him that I didn't believe in what the books said, but I did believe in what he said. I now believe him that the war is real, and that my conspiracy theory is fake. I believe him because of how he portrayed Leper, crazy. "I thought he might not be quite as mixed up as you made out... Then I saw him myself" (155). We both agreed that we wouldn't tell anyone that Leper was back, it would just make things difficult. Then later that night Brinker and a few other guys came in our room, and basically took us like hostages. They didn't tell us where we were going or anything. I thought it was a senior prank or something, that's how it seemed. We end in the Assembly Hall and the guys have an inquiry set up for a case on my accident. I thought it was ridiculous, there was nothing that needed to be discussed. "We've got to find out what happened" (160). Brinker stated that everything needed to be out in the open. I thought he was crazy. They ended up going to find Leper to question him, because "...he could have told us where everybody was standing, what everybody was wearing, the whole conversation that day, and what the temperature was" (164). I was sick of listening to hear everyone talk about this, I didn't want to remember that day and now I was reliving it. I didn't care anymore about the situation, at all. So I got up and left, and I ended up falling down the white marble stairs.

Chapter 10

This is how Gene must have looked when he was traveling to see Leper.














Everyone has been gossiping about this telegram that was sent by Leper. They don't know whether it's real or not, I'm a bit confused as well. Leper lives in Vermont, which is extremely cold and the winter and I bet there was a lot of snow, but Gene was off. "...traveling through an unknown countryside from one unknown settlement to another" (130). The rest of the guys and I can only wonder what has happened to Leper, Gene must do the best he can since Leper personally asked for him. I just hope he will be alright during his trip. But oh god what am I going to do without him? The rest of the guys will probably just be annoying and I don't feel like listening to their nonsense. Maybe that's a little harsh but sometimes I just don't enjoy listening to them. So I'll just have to wait until Gene returns, but until then I want to go outside.

Chapter 9

This is what I looked like dancing on top of the prize table.












Leper enlisted, which was a surprise to everyone. One day he was just gone, it was sort of weird. "In fact that made the war seem more unreal than ever" (115). All of the guys just started to joke about it, and I didn't find it amusing. They would say things such as, "If someone gave Leper a loaded gun and put it at Hitler's temple, he'd miss" (119). I felt it was stupid and unnecessary, and I didn't want apart of it.Gene and I eventually stopped going to the butt room because that's all they would joke about and also because smoking would not help him at all if he was serious about the Olympics. After a while it began to be just him and I most of the time, I liked it. I could tell that all of our friends were tired and bored. The winter always makes everyone like this, and I was sick of it. I prepared a winter carnival and everyone was very excited. It seemed to be a big hit. We set up a ski jump where Gene demonstrated a few tricks, there were snow statues, and prizes. It was festive and fun to be around. We also had cider which made everyone happy. I actually ended up doing a dance on top of the prize table with my good leg. It gave a little entertainment to everyone, including myself. Brownie later appears with telegram from Leper, sent to Gene. The telegram stated, "I have escaped and need help. I am at Christmas location. You understand. No need to risk address here. My safety depends on you coming at once" (129). This seemed real, and strange. I was quite confused, but Gene was off that night.

Chapter 8

This is Gene tutoring me. =]

















This is Gene doing chin ups, and how he will look when I'm done with him.


















These are the type of men in my conspiracy theory.



















This is the trophy case at Devon.














When Gene finally sees me, once again I complain about the maids. "What is all this crap about no maids" (96)? Gene said it was a sacrifice that had to be made and I told him that was crap. Brinker then came in and started talking about enlisting with Gene. Pshh! What a stupid idea. Gene says to Brinker, "I wouldn't enlist with you if you were Elliott Roosevelt" (100). That's the kid I know... The next day before we are ready for class, I declare to Gene that I don't want to go to class today. I would rather go to the gym, and see how everything is around the school. While we are there, I explain my conspiracy theory to Gene, and he seems puzzled at first. "The fat old men who don't want us crowding them out of their jobs. They've made it all up" (107). Then afterwards Gene begins to do a few chin ups. I admire this about him. I let Gene in on my little secret, about my dream of the 1944 Olympics. He seemed confused, but he understands at the same time. We came to an agreement that I would train him and he would help me with my school work. We both were surprised by the improvement that we've each made. One morning while I was training Gene, I could tell that he found himself on his run. He looked so much better, and more alive. Ludsbury told us that more that all athletic training should be dedicated to the war. I thought that was crap, I don't have to dedicate any part of my life to the war if I didn't want to. So I told him no. He looked shocked, and he walked away. I knew he wasn't one of the men apart of my conspiracy theory, he wasn't fat enough.

Chapter 7

This is how it was with no maids.











This is what the guys were doing the day I came back.










This is how I felt at first when I had to be home.











This is how I felt after the first day.

This represents Leper skiing and looking for a beaver dam.

This represents the bad clothes that Gene wore the day I came back.

















I was practically stuck. I couldn't go anywhere, and I could hardly even move on my own. Being at home again made me feel horrible because all I really wanted was to be back at Devon with my friends. This shattered leg of mine is making everything really difficult. I guess it is nice to be able to relax, but after a while it gets to be really boring. I feel sort of useless, like I can't do anything for myself now. I have to depend on everyone, and I hate that feeling. Let me tell you, when I get to Devon that's not how it is going to be. I don't want any of the guys feeling bad about my accident or the state that I'm in at this moment. I'll be able to handle it.. I know I will At least it's winter right now... That would really stink if it was summer and I couldn't be with my friends. I always wonder how Gene is doing. I don't think he really can handle himself sometimes, and I hope he's doing well. I don't plan on telling any of the guys when I will be returning. I think if I make it a surprise it will be better, and more amusing! They'll all be shocked and then we can hang out and laugh again, just like before. It's going to be great!

When I finally did get the opportunity to go back to Devon, I was extremely excited! Of coarse when I got there I was a bit upset because there no longer were any maids. This made it a little difficult for me because I hard to work harder, and it hurt. But I would not let Gene or anyone help me. I could do it. I mean if they wanted to do a little something I wouldn't mind, I wouldn't be embarrassed or anything. I just want to know that I can really handle it. When Gene finally returned, he looked shocked! It was like he saw a ghost or something. I didn't know he would act so strange, maybe I should have warned him that I was coming. But when I saw him he looked horrible, he's clothes were absolutely appalling. The first thing I said to him was, "Hi pal, where's the brass band"(94)?

Chapter 6

This represents Gene and Cliff Quackenbush fighting after stupid crew practice.























This represents how shocked I was to hear the thought of Gene managing crew.

This is Gene FINALLY giving me a call back. ;)

This is what I felt like waiting for Gene to call me back. (If only this man was on crutches.)

This is what I want Gene to be doing.

This is not what I want Gene to be doing, managing crew.

After Gene left my house that day, I came to the conclusion that he is just crazy. He must feel bad for the accident, and has no explanation for why I fell. This shows why he would blame himself. Well anyways the school year at Devon has begun, and I am not there. It really stinks, having to be stuck in this house and hardly even be able to move. I want to be independent and do everything for myself, but that's been proved difficult with these stupid crutches. Also the thought of no more sports keeps coming to mind. That just brings me down, but I don't want anyone to show it to anyone. That would just make me look weak. So instead I'm just going to deal with it and get as far as I can. I can have Gene take my place, I'll train him to be a good athlete. That way I can still have apart in it, and it still will be fun. I gave Gene a call one day and left a message with Mr. Ludsbury. Gene must have been at football practice or something, that kid... I needed to make sure he didn't replace me with anyone else in our room. I was coming back soon and I couldn't be deserted without Gene. "Roommates are roommates. Even if they do have an occasional fight" (75). When he gave me a call back, you know what 'sport' he told me he was going out for?! "Crew. Well not exactly crew. Managing crew. Assistant crew manager" (76). What is that?! I was furious! That's not even a sport! That's for the disabled students, and Gene definitely was not disabled. He was capable of playing any of the sports at Devon. He gave me a stupid excuse. "I'm too busy for sports" (77). That's crap, I told him if I can't play sports anymore, then he has to play them for me. This gave him a sort of confidence I think, he was more excited to do something. It's almost as if he was supposed to become that part of me now that was lost.