Contents
The Bus Stop
Overview
Justin walks Jack to the bus at Isabel’s request, witnesses Julian and his friends mock Jack, and realizes the harassment centers on Jack’s loyalty to August. After encouraging Jack to endure middle school drama, Justin later confronts the bullies and intimidates them into backing off, quietly defending Jack.
Summary
As Justin says goodbye to Via outside her house, Isabel Pullman asks him to walk Jack to the bus stop. Jack insists he can go alone, but Justin waits with him. While Jack buys gum, Justin notices three boys—Julian, Henry, and Miles—plotting to hassle Jack.
The boys trail Jack from the store making gagging noises, then run off laughing. Jack returns, upset but deflecting. He shows Justin a list dividing classmates into sides, explaining that Julian has turned many students against him. Justin advises telling a teacher and winning over neutrals, but Jack hints the backlash is because he is friends with August.
Justin understands Jack’s silence—this is about August, Via’s brother—and offers reassurance that middle school improves. After Jack boards the bus, Justin later encounters the same boys near the subway. On impulse, he removes his glasses, brandishes his fiddle case, and, in a tough tone, warns them to stop targeting Jack.
The bullies nod, cowed, and Justin departs, having quietly taken a stand to protect Jack and, by extension, August.
Who Appears
- JustinVia’s boyfriend; escorts Jack, recognizes bullying stems from August, and intimidates Julian’s group to protect Jack.
- Jack WillTarget of Julian’s harassment; shows Justin a list of sides and endures mockery at the bus stop.
- JulianLead bully; mocks Jack with friends and orchestrates the grade’s division.
- HenryJulian’s friend; joins in mocking Jack outside the store.
- MilesJulian’s friend; participates in harassing Jack with gagging noises.
- Isabel PullmanAugust’s mother; asks Justin to walk Jack to the bus stop.
- Via (Olivia) PullmanJustin’s girlfriend; seen briefly as Justin leaves her house.
- August PullmanVia’s brother; Jack’s friendship with him is the reason for Julian’s harassment.