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Chapter 27 Summary: PMS and the Bully

⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.

Summary

Naomi arrives early for her shift at Honky Tonk feeling upbeat after a spontaneous afternoon with Knox. Her co-workers, Fi and Silver, immediately notice her “orgasm face” and tease her about the relationship. Naomi reluctantly admits she and Knox have been sleeping together but insists it’s only temporary. The conversation is interrupted by a text from Sloane, who warns that Waylay’s teacher, Mrs. Felch, has been harsh with Waylay in class—yelling at her and making odd comments about her mother. Naomi decides to confront the teacher immediately. At Knockemout Elementary, she finds Mrs. Felch in her classroom. When Naomi introduces herself, the teacher mistakes her for her sister Tina and spews insults, calling Waylay “the daughter of a whore.” Naomi stands her ground, but just as she prepares to respond, she notices an unexpected presence at the edge of the room, leaving the confrontation unresolved.

Key Events

  • Naomi arrives at Honky Tonk in high spirits after sex with Knox.
  • Fi and Silver deduce the reason for her mood and extract details about the relationship.
  • Naomi learns from Sloane’s text that Mrs. Felch has been bullying Waylay.
  • She rushes to the elementary school, skipping her shift.
  • In the classroom, Mrs. Felch mistakes Naomi for Tina and insults Waylay’s parentage.
  • Naomi spots a movement out of the corner of her eye, suggesting someone else is present.

Character Development

  • Naomi: Shows growing assertiveness. She leaves work to defend Waylay without hesitation and confronts a hostile teacher, refusing to back down despite her usual aversion to conflict.
  • Fi and Silver: Demonstrate loyalty and humor. They support Naomi by covering her shift, and their teasing reinforces their bond with her.
  • Mrs. Felch: Revealed as prejudiced and cruel, judging Waylay based on her mother’s actions. Her rigid, tight-lipped demeanor underscores her closed-mindedness.

Themes, Symbols, and Motifs

  • Reputation and Judgment: Naomi reflects on how her sister’s behavior has caused people to judge her and Waylay unfairly. The teacher’s treatment of Waylay mirrors the small town’s tendency to associate children with their parents’ mistakes.
  • Protective Instinct: Naomi’s decision to confront Mrs. Felch highlights the theme of guardianship. She is willing to fight for Waylay’s well-being, even when the enemy is an authority figure.
  • Gossip and Secrecy: The bar conversation shows how quickly news travels in Knockemout. Naomi tries to keep her relationship with Knox quiet, but the grapevine is already humming.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter marks a turning point in Naomi’s role as Waylay’s guardian. She moves from being a temporary caretaker to an active protector willing to go head-to-head with a teacher who wrongs her niece. The confrontation also intensifies the novel’s exploration of small-town prejudice and the difficulty of escaping a family’s reputation. The cliffhanger—the unknown observer—raises stakes for the next chapter.

Study Questions and Answers

1. Why does Naomi decide to confront Mrs. Felch immediately, even though she is at work?
Naomi receives a text from Sloane detailing how Mrs. Felch has been yelling at Waylay and making inappropriate comments about her mother. Naomi feels protective and angry, especially because Waylay had not told her about the problem. She cannot wait; she leaves her shift to address the issue directly.

2. What does Mrs. Felch’s insult reveal about her character and the town’s attitudes?
Calling Waylay “the daughter of a whore” shows that Mrs. Felch judges the child by her mother’s past actions rather than her own behavior. This reflects the small town’s tendency to brand people based on family reputation, which Naomi has experienced her whole life.

3. What might the movement Naomi spots at the end of the chapter signify for the story?
While the text does not identify the person, the movement suggests that someone else—possibly a student, another teacher, or even Knox—has witnessed the confrontation. This could lead to further conflict, help, or gossip, escalating the situation.

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