One for the Murphys

Carley goes to bed early that night, and Mrs. Murphy doesn’t stop her. The next day is Carley’s last day before starting school. She overhears Mr. Murphy telling his wife that he’s uncertain about Carley’s stay with them. He’s upset about the money spent on clothing, the “drama” with Daniel, and the fact that Mrs. Murphy called him to come home the night that Carley fled the house. His words make Carley’s stomach hurt and her heart pound. When Michael Eric wants to play superheroes, Carley acquiesces because she feels that she owes Mrs. Murphy. She plays with Michael Eric and Adam until dinnertime, using her newly created superhero identity, Super High Tops Girl. Michael Eric gives her a bedtime kiss, which Mr. Murphy notices. Carley goes to bed anxious about school but reflects on the fun time with Michael Eric and Adam.

Mrs. Murphy drives Carley and the boys to school the next morning. Carley turns down Mrs. Murphy’s offer to walk her in and goes alone to the office. She allows herself hope that the new school will be okay, but at her locker, a girl next to her in a Wicked t-shirt fusses and fumes about something she forgot at home, then insults the trendy clothes Carley is wearing: “What do you pathetic clones know, anyway?” (53).