Second Part, Sections 14 through 16 Summary

14 - Jerome describes his interest in meeting new friends, and his ways of choosing with whom to make friends - in particular, finding people interesting because of their book reports, or their ways of speaking French. He then describes how his attention had been forcibly taken away from meeting friends by a serious head injury suffered by his mother. While she's recovering, Jerome, Henri and Maurice divide the responsibilities at home, with Jerome taking on food preparation and finding it difficult. A short time later, he is called in to visit the school counselor, who attempts to get him to talk about the situation at home. He says, firmly but politely, that things are fine. She then suggests that he learn to cook in home economics class, and Jerome is all set to agree, but then remembers...