Chapter 3-4

I think you are referring to chapter 4 when Walker's parents go away to Seattle. I don't think there is a real change in Walker's character. Walker arranges to spend time with Elaine and their close friendship is illustrated in this chapter. Very little action takes place in the chapter and it is made up mostly of Walker's introspective thoughts about the two main conflicts in his life at this point of the story, which are what to do about his brother, Long John, and what to do about his relationships with Devnee and Elaine.