Dreamland

With the incident at Rogerson’s house now an unspoken secret, Caitlin’s relationship with him is cemented. The other cheerleaders talk about how Rogerson is a little dangerous, but Caitlin ignores them, feeling confident about her choice. Rogerson is “suddenly just there” (90), picking up Caitlin after school and sometimes coming over at lunch to see her. Caitlin even stops riding with the cheerleading team to games.

One day when Caitlin comes home after practice, her mother and Boo are discussing Cass’s continued silence. Boo brings up starting a photography class at the local center, and Mrs. O’Koren and Caitlin are both roped in. Boo asks Caitlin how she is doing, and she says she is “fine” (98).

The next week, after cheerleading practice at school, Mike Evans tries to talk to Caitlin about why she rejected him. She tries to ignore him and Rogerson shows up, looking threatening. Caitlin leaves with Rogerson, feeling protected.

When Caitlin’s parents tell her to invite Rogerson in one night, she is nervous, but he impresses them with his trivia knowledge. After a few questions, Caitlin says they have to go, and Caitlin feels struck by Rogerson’s brilliance. Caitlin reflects on her attraction to him and how respectful he is of her desire to take her “time” (109) in getting more intimate.