Jennifer Chan Is Not Alone

The narrative flashes back to the week after Jennifer’s first day at school. A bully named Pete has been mocking Jennifer behind her back by making martial arts moves. He decides to embarrass her by asking for a kung fu demonstration, and students begin filming on their cellphones. Mal imagines her mother stepping in and scolding the crowd, but no one intervenes. Jennifer corrects Pete and tells him she knows capoeira, a Brazilian form of martial arts she practiced with her father before he died. To everyone’s surprise, Jennifer performs an impressive spinning kick, and a few of the kids gasp in awe. Pete’s demeanor changes, and he asks her to do another cool move. Jennifer politely explains that she won’t perform for him like a puppy. Her manner of speaking defuses the tension, and a few girls in the crowd begin to laugh with Jennifer rather than at her. Pete smiles and tells Jennifer she’s “different,” meaning it as a compliment. Jennifer responds, “I know,” and walks away.

Mal is relieved that Jennifer won over the crowd, but she is also hurt that she could never be that confident herself. Pete’s compliment makes Mal think Jennifer is more special and better than other girls, including herself.