How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
Mom and Bear got into a big fight that afternoon when she told him what had happened. He kept yelling about how she wasn't "hard enough" on me, and she kept telling him to back off. I just stayed in my room, wishing for it to be over. (48.1)
Obviously, Mom and Bear aren't on the same page when it comes to parenting. Rafe feels a little responsible for this, but Bear is so over-the-top that it's hard to understand why Jules doesn't kick him out of the house.
Quote #8
What do you suppose Bear did when the Hills Village Police brought me home just after sunrise that morning?
- He bribed the cops to go away and forget this ever happened.
- He took me out for a delicious breakfast.
- He went ballistic and started chasing me all over the house until I locked myself in the bathroom and Mom told him to calm down or she was going to call the police back herself.
Answer: Let's just say it's a good thing I'm fast on my feet. (67.2-6)
Yeah, that's about how we thought Bear would react. Rafe's lucky he's quick.
Quote #9
"Just look at this stuff! I'm telling you, that kid's nothing but a little hoodlum."
"Don't talk about him that way," Mom said, "and lower your voice."
"Are you kidding me?" Bear said. "Listen, if you're not
going to do something about this, I will. In fact, I'm going to get him right now.""No, you're not. Not like this," Mom said.
The front door slammed, and they started arguing outside. I couldn't understand what they were saying anymore, but it was obviously about me. My blood started to pump.
The next thing I heard was Bear roaring. "DON'T TELL ME WHAT TO DO!"
Then Mom said something I couldn't hear.
Then, "SHUT UP, JULES! JUST SHUT UP!" (68.7-14)
This is a really scary scene. But it's an important one, because domestic violence is a real thing that happens in kids' homes every day. We're not totally shocked that Bear finally shoves Jules and hurts her. The dude has always had a temper. Even though Jules says he didn't mean it, it's clear he crosses a line and it's good that she calls him out on it and refuses to take his nonsense for one more second. Get it, Jules.