Reality Boy

Gerald drives Hannah and himself back to the PEC Center, where he plans to run away with Joe Jr. to the circus. Gerald has been messaging Joe Jr. but has not heard from him. When Gerald relays his plan to join the circus to Hannah, he also offers her his car when she is gone. She does not want to be an accomplice for assisting a teenage runaway, so she declines. As they discuss Gerald’s plans, Joe Jr. gets into the backseat and says to Gerald, ““Are you $%#*ing crazy?” (123).

Joe Jr. discourages Gerald from trying to join the circus. He tells him that he has a lot going for him in town and that circus life is not as glamorous as he thinks it is. Gerald protests: “If I stay here, I’ll end up in jail” (125). Hannah sides with him and demands that Joe Jr. allow him to join the circus. Joe Jr. mistakenly identifies Hannah as Gerald’s girlfriend and tries appealing to their relationship to encourage Gerald to stay.