The Running Dream

When Jessica ponders this question more, she thinks she hits on the answer: Gavin must be interested in Fiona. She believes she has all the proof: Gavin helping Fiona with the “Welcome Back Jessica” sign, his showing up at track meets to cheer for her, and seemingly always being at Fiona’s side. Jealously gnaws at Jessica and her thoughts turn dark and depressed. She walks to Rosa’s house to clear her mind, and Rosa tells her to be happy as “[y]our finish line is right around the corner” (263).

When Jessica talks to Fiona after the track finals, Fiona sounds down. She didn’t run her best and seems despondent. She asks if she can come over, and Jessica thinks Fiona must be upset about Gavin. When Fiona arrives, she asks Jessica how she would feel if Fiona went to the prom. At first, Jessica is crushed, thinking that Gavin must have invited Fiona to go. But Fiona is worried that Jessica will be upset if she goes to the prom without her. It’s Mario from the track team who has asked Fiona to go, and Fiona is astonished to think that Jessica thought Gavin was interested in her.

Jessica still doesn’t understand why Gavin wanted to come to her appointment. As she breaks down crying, Fiona hugs her and says, “You are worthy, okay? Quit telling yourself you’re not” (265).

Monday morning brings good news: Jessica has scored a 93 on her math test. She thanks Rosa for her help, and when another student, Eric, complains about his failing grade, Jessica tells him to see Rosa at lunch for help. Eric reluctantly considers this option, and Jessica finds him at Rosa’s lunch table later that week, getting assistance from her.

Jessica is confident that Rosa will help Eric improve in math, and in doing so, he will start to see Rosa the way Jessica sees her: “he’ll see her, not her condition” (268). She only wishes more people would do so.