Marcus Vega Doesn't Speak Spanish

This section of chapters covers “Day Five” and “Return.”

Marcus, Melissa, and Charlie say fond farewells to Ermenio, Maria, Sergio, and the twins before getting a cab to the airport. Back in Philly, Marcus is struck by how quiet and cold it is, but the three of them are still happily glowing from their eventful trip. When Marcus uploads his many photos to his computer, he sees an email from Danny. Danny spent his break getting kids and parents to sign the petition to keep Marcus in school, and he mentions that he’d like to get Stephen expelled. Marcus responds with appreciation for the petition and the loan of the camera but says he doesn’t want Stephen expelled.

The following day, as Marcus and Charlie get ready for school, Melissa goes over the changes she is determined to make. She is going to ask for a promotion, work fewer hours, and look into the Academy for Exceptional Students for Charlie. Marcus goes to pick Danny and the other kids up to walk them to school—not for money, but because he wants to. Marcus is nervous as he walks up the school steps, unsure which rumors circulated during the break.