Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of bullying, racism, and anti-gay bias.

At school on Wednesday morning, Lotus decides that she needs to speak with the dean, Mr. Mackie, about the situation with Adolpho. She is nervous, but Mr. Mackie assures her that he will take care of it.

In orchestra, Lotus ignores Adolpho, already feeling better about Mr. Mackie’s reassurance. Maestro tells the class that they will all have the opportunity to apply to play for the International Youth Orchestra. Lotus is elated when she finds out that it is in Paris.

At lunch, Lotus arrives late and finds her friends looking at their phones. Mercedes shows her a video Adolpho posted of her being bullied in the locker room. The way Mercedes talks about it and smiles reminds Lotus of a “shark,” which makes her think of Fabiola’s warning.

On Monday morning, Maestro gives Lotus an application for the Paris orchestra as well as a letter of recommendation from him. Maestro also tells her to “move ahead and not focus on any petty squabbles with classmates” (127), but she fails to understand what he means and dismisses it in her excitement.

When Lotus tells her friends the news at lunch, she expects them to be excited for her.