Chapter Fifteen (Nelson) Summary

Nelson is feeling depressed about his relationship with his father. As usual, his father has failed to show up when he promised to spend time with Nelson, and his Christmas card has just arrived: "no personal greeting, no fond closing, only the perfunctory signature, and a check for a hundred dollars" (p. 139). Although he had been expecting it, Nelson is still disappointed. He visits Kyle and is devastated to hear that Kyle and Jason have kissed, even though he pretends to be excited for his best friend. Nelson continues his online flirting with the older guy, named HotLove69, and asks Shea to take photos of him to send to his online crush.

That evening, Nelson's father is supposed to pick him up for Christmas dinner at 8:00. Nelson's mother leaves for a PFLAG meeting, and Nelson waits eagerly, staring out...