Chapters 13-15 Summary

Chapter 13

Johnny is launching rockets with his cousin Bug when Maria finds them at the field. She introduces herself to Bug and then invites Johnny to come to her house later because she has something to give him.

Later, Johnny and Maria make out on Maria's bed and hold each other, fully clothed, while they listen to a Patti Smith album.

Maria then gives Johnny his gift, the Debbie Harry dress, altered so that it will fit Johnny. She encourages him to try it on. At first he has a strongly negative reaction, and he is scared she is mocking him or will judge him, but Maria is open and loving and Johnny puts on the dress. At this point, Maria sees Johnny's pain, and he cries and cries. He doesn't explain about missing his father, missing his mother, about not...