Chapters 21-22 Summary

Kiriel awakens to another bright morning, feeling that at last he is no longer afraid of Peanut. He talks to the cat, telling him he is not really Shaun, and the cat responds by nuzzling his finger, At breakfast, Kiriel resolves to make one last-ditch effort to seduce Lane that afternoon, finish up his other "tree" projects, and then maybe leave Earth, his missions accomplished. On the school bus, he even reconciles himself to the fact that Bailey may try to steal Lane from him once he has departed. In the cafeteria for what he believes to be his last meal, Kiriel is again confronted with Reed McGowan as the latter harasses a boy in a wheelchair. The handicapped boy trips Reed, causing him to sprawl unceremoniously on the floor, with none of his so-called friends coming to his aid. Kiriel...