How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #10
After our showdown with Dylan in PE, Nicole begins to hang out with Joci, Clare, Eliana, Lena, Olivia and me. She's really fun, and when she doesn't have that blank look on her face, she's really pretty. (44.18)
We're willing to bet Nicole's blank look is an external sign of her internal numbness—sometimes shutting down is the only way to not fall apart. It's not a good coping mechanism, but it's a coping mechanism nonetheless.