Summary

Chapter 21 begins with Arthur and Ben at Arthur’s apartment, and Ben is about to meet Arthur’s parents. After the incident on the train, Arthur didn’t want Ben to leave when he got home, so he invited him to come over. Arthur’s mom asks Ben questions about his summer, and interrogates him about the class he is taking. She assumes that he’s taking a college-prep course, and is surprised when he says that he’s actually in summer school. The conversation eventually leads to Arthur’s mom arguing with his dad again, so Arthur guides Ben toward the door. Arthur gives his parents a look, and just before the two of them leave, Arthur’s mom invites Ben to come back for dinner sometime.

When Arthur and Ben are out in the hallway, Arthur apologizes, and Ben says that...