Chapter 16 Summary

Astrid finally leaves Amelia's house. The other girls are resentful, but she is just thrilled that she's escaping. She is taken to the residence of Ron and Claire Richards. She likes the environment already. While she looks around, Joan discusses Astrid's case with Claire. Joan and Astrid say their tearful good-byes, complete with hugs.

Claire seems more nervous than Astrid does, even though it is her house. Claire has never been around kids, and she takes Astrid everywhere as if she were five, not fifteen. They share stories about each other. Normally very shy, Claire looks transformed in pictures of her performances. Claire is an actress, but she doesn't act much anymore because she no longer fits the right profiles. She laughs easily when she is happy but also when she is sad. It all seems too good to be true, and Astrid...