Chapters 26, 27 and 28

• Read on beyond this climax of events to see how the story reaches resolution.
  
• React to your final experience with the characters as this story draws to a close.
  
• Predict what you think will finally happen.
  

Respond to what you read by answering the following in your ROAD JOURNAL:

1. Why are so few words devoted to the return trip back home?
   
2. What comparison does Jenna make with the "Chicago skyline"?
   
3. Upon their return to Chicago, is Jenna through driving for Mrs. Gladstone? What else do you think she may end up doing?
   
4. The . . . at the top of p. 187 signals a return to the main storyline:
   "We spent days catching up." Write a brief summary of "all that happened" while Jenna was away on her job.
   
5. Who pulls up beside Jenna as she is going to Opal's house?
   
   What does he force Jenna to do?
   What does Jenna notice is wrong about this situation?
   Explain what Jenna does to stop this wrong.
   (p. 189 middle) Why does Jenna shout, "This is the hardest thing I've ever had to do"? What happens?
   A fast thought races through Jenna's head. Read the quote in italics at the bottom of p. 189. Who is Jenna thinking about?
   
6. Jenna, her mother, and her sister Faith all experience a lot of pain because of the father's problem.
   
   Besides "swallowing the pain" (p. 192), what are some ways Jenna deals with this problem?
   Have you or anyone you know had to deal with a similar problem?
   Where can you get help or support?
   
7. Write an explanation of what Jenna "finally buys" that she has always wanted. See related "Notice the cars" activity.
   
8. Where does Jenna go in her new car?
   
   What promise does she fulfill to her grandmother?
   What does she tell her about her own experiences?
   How has Jenna changed?
   
9. As the story ends, what issue does Jenna confront and resolve?
   
   Where does Jenna meet her dad?
   What does Jenna have to say to her dad?
   What does she mean by "I've changed."? (p. 199 middle)
   What is the dad's response?
   When Jenna finally speaks the truth, how does it make her feel?
   What "life lessons" does Jenna's tough situation help teach her?
   At the very end of the story, how does Jenna view herself?