“Everybody’s talkin’ at me
I don’t hear a word they’re sayin’
Only the echoes of my mind…”
~ Harry Nilsson.
November & December, 1962.
Basketball season is in full swing, but April ditches cheer-leading practice and follows Patrick after school to his favorite spot by the river. Meanwhile, Charlie comes home from school with a cut lip and black eye. As Ms. Allen tends to him, he mentions his plans for joining the Army after graduation.
With Christmas break approaching, Naperville Central’s gym is decorated for the big dance. Dick (“Vossman”) asks April to go as his date, and mentions how she hasn’t been the same since the “new kid” came to town. Meanwhile, Tamika visits for the holidays and is upset by Charlie’s plan. She points out the current state of racial unrest in the country, and asks how he can serve such a country.
Colleen ask Patrick if he’s going to the big school dance, but he retreats to his room and rereads Ali’s letter. Meanwhile, April shows up with her friend Mary Jean at the dance and denies that she’s going to the prom with Dick. Mary Jean warns her that everyone has noticed her interest in the “weirdo” and how it’s destroying her “rep.” As if on cue, Dick asks April for a dance which leads to a fight on the dance floor while everyone watches.
