How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
He still lived in the same duplex he'd lived in since her parents split up. It was solid and brick, and about a ten-minute drive from Eleanor's school. (19.33)
This is another jaw-dropping thought—Eleanor's dad lives only ten minutes from her school, and he has no idea what's going on in Richie's house, does he? He's really not that far away, yet he doesn't have a clue. That practically takes effort.
Quote #8
Where would she go this time? Back to the Hickmans? Hey, remember that time when my mom asked if I could stay with you guys for a few days, and then she didn't come back for a year? I really appreciate the fact that you didn't turn me into Child Protective Services. That was very Christian of you. Do you still have that foldout couch? (25.14)
As the story goes on, we find out a few more details about Eleanor's time at the Hickmans. She was worried that she'd be turned into the foster care system, and slept on a temporary couch. All of this adds up: Eleanor doesn't have a place she clearly belongs.
Quote #9
And if Richie had been inside waiting for her, maybe she would have dropped to her knees and begged him to let her stay. Maybe she would have said anything he wanted her to. (25.58)
Wow. Eleanor's saying she would rather have stayed with Richie, instead of being abandoned. In that last sentence, she sounds a lot like her mom, doesn't she?