Study Guide

Autobiography of My Dead Brother Chapter 16

By Walter Dean Myers

Chapter 16

Tania's on the phone with Jesse, confirming that she's his girlfriend now. She lays down the rules: He can't go out with anyone else.
Tania tells Jesse she loves him and he says it back. It's hilarious—you know, since this is the second time they've ever talked.
Later, as Jesse's getting dressed, C.J. calls.
C.J. wants Jesse to come to the church; he sounds upset.
As Jesse gets ready to go, he thinks about Tania. And sex.
When Jesse gets to church, C.J.'s sitting around with Elder Smitty and Little Man.
Little Man says C.J. is teaching him how to play piano. He demonstrates. Little Man cannot play the piano at all, though—he's just having a laugh. C.J. isn't laughing, though.
Little Man acts like he's going to fight Jesse, and then he leaves, flipping everyone off on his way out.
Elder Smitty is unimpressed with Little Man. He says Little Man is just trying to bring Jesse and C.J. down; Jesse thinks he's right.
C.J. starts playing "Amazing Grace" on the piano. Oh no—he's crying. Elder Smitty and Jesse tell him to let it out.
Walking home later, C.J. tells Jesse why he's so upset: Little Man called him a "faggot." Ugh, Little man is the worst.
Jesse tells C.J. not to worry about it; C.J. shouldn't stoop to Little Man's level, and Jesse knows that Little Man can't rise to C.J.'s level.
Jesse tells C.J. they need to stick together, but C.J. seems unsure. Jesse explains that they're both artists, though, so they're good influences on one another.