How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
I should have been there for her. She was so totally alone. She should have been there for me. I was so totally alone. We should never have been separated. (10.8)
Jake isn't the only one feeling guilty over Amy's death; Dani wishes she had been able to be there for Amy. If Dani had been around, maybe Amy wouldn't have spiraled into such a terrible depression and none of this bad stuff would have ever happened. Maybe.
Quote #5
I knew the question on her lips. Why'd you do it? I dragged my gaze from hers.
"It was five stupid words. Amy was never supposed to hear them." My thoughts finally broke free, words I'd wanted to say to Dani since she'd walked into class. "I had no idea she was behind me, or I never would have said it." My jaw clenched as I thought about that day. I'd been set up by my own friends. They knew Amy was standing nearby. "It was too late. She'd heard me and when I'd seen the hurt expression on her face, I'd wanted to throw my fist through a wall. It was one of those regretful moments in life you can't take back." (17.33-34)
Jake might not think Amy killed herself over him, but he still feels badly that Amy essentially overheard him calling her fat (and undesirable for being so). Maybe that was what he thought, but he realizes how cruel it was to say it out loud and that's why he feels terrible. Blame is a complicated thing.
Quote #6
"Maybe no one is responsible, Dani. Maybe it's just like the report said. Maybe she killed herself. Or maybe she fell asleep at the wheel. Or maybe a deer jumped in front of her. Maybe she was a crappy driver. Maybe you should stop obsessing about it." The words shot out like bullets and each one brought her closer to tears and now my chest ached more. (27.65)
Jake makes some good points here. Dani is on the lookout for some answers, but Jake tells her she may never find them—Amy's death might have just been one of those things that happen without it being anyone's fault. This is tough for Dani to accept.