New Year; Peace; Tradition, Honor, Intimidation; Interesting Summary

Reed arrives at school in the freshness of autumn. It lightens her mood. This year, Reed is determined, will be different than the last. During Reed's previous year at Easton Academy, she had lost her virginity, fallen in love, and survived an attempted murder and the murder of her boyfriend. Reed's mother, who used to be addicted to prescription medications, has sobered up. It is the first time that Reed's mother has come to her school. With her father's pride, and her mother's sudden change in personality, Reed feels almost normal. Reed is not as wealthy as the other girls at Easton. When they arrive at the school, the front drive is littered with the copious baggage of the other girls. Reed has a modest amount of luggage, and a new...