Chapter Five (Kyle) Summary

Nelson and Kyle stay after class one afternoon to discuss the idea of a Gay-Straight Alliance with their art teacher, Ms. MacTrough. Although Ms. MacTrough is supportive of the idea, she fears that the boys aren't prepared for the backlash their student organization will certainly cause. She urges Kyle to come out to his parents before spearheading such a controversial club. Later that afternoon, Kyle and Nelson are jumped by Jack Ransom and his cronies. They beat Nelson up and threaten to punch Kyle, but the principal, Mr. Mueller, intervenes. Rather than stick-up for the victims, Mr. Mueller pulls Kyle and Nelson into his office for a firm talking-to.

Later that night, Kyle considers coming out to his parents. His father struggles to help him with his calculus homework and becomes increasingly frustrated, insisting that the book is wrong...