Madeline and Ed arrive at the school to attend an assembly that Fred and Chloe are performing in. On their way in, they run into Perry and Celeste. Madeline admires how well Perry dresses and imagines what it would be like to be married to someone like him. However, somewhat surprisingly, she finds that seeing Ed and Perry side by side, “She’d much rather kiss Ed. So that was lucky” (318). Despite their occasional arguments, Madeline and Ed remain devoted.

While Ed and Perry talk, Madeline and Celeste have a moment alone together. Madeline asks Celeste if she’s told Perry about Saxon. Celeste firmly says no. For now, the two must keep their secrets to themselves.

As the four regroup, Perry jokes about signing the petition to suspend Ziggy. Celeste tells him jokingly that if he does, she will leave him. Madeline notices something odd in Celeste’s tone: “there was something wrong with Celeste’s delivery. She sounded perfectly serious” (319). The group laughs it off, except Celeste, who maintains a series expression.