Tangerine

Paul has the science project group over to his house, which, he writes, “was a big deal for me” (197). All is going well until Paul hears Arthur’s car, and he worries about what Erik and Arthur will do or say while the group is at the house. Erik begins taunting them, aiming his barbed remarks at Tino in particular: “I think it’s great that these farm-labor kids get to spend a day away from the fields” (198). When Tino responds by teasing Erik about his pratfall on the field, Erik strikes him across the face so hard it knocks him down.

While Erik struggles to regain control over his anger, Paul sees a strange look on his face: “It was not hatred, or even anger. It was more like sorrow. Or fear” (199). Paul suspects his Dad has seen what Erik did, but he refuses to intervene. Afterwards, Tino won’t even speak to Paul, and he leaves quickly with the others. Paul is “sick to my soul,” wondering what he should have or could have done (200).

Paul struggles over the incident with Erik, angry with himself for not feeling comfortable or brave enough to tell his parents. His Mom picks him up after school.