Chapter 5 - Family Affairs Summary

Arthur learns of Dawn's punishment and offers to play checkers with her. He tells her he's talked to his parents about his oboe playing but they keep convincing him to continue practicing. He asks Dawn for her opinion of his playing and she answers him truthfully. Although Dawn tries to tell him that his parents might eventually accept his decision to do what he wants, he admits to her that he is adopted but that it is a secret they've never told anyone. Arthur offers to stay with Dawn at the house as a form of self-punishment so he can keep Dawn company.

Dawn is uncomfortable because she doesn't want Arthur to think that she can be his girlfriend. Things get worse when Arthur gives her the poem that he has written for her. Dawn is surprised...