When I Was the Greatest

Noodles and Ali go through John’s car trunk to pick out outfits. John still has the same cherry-red Plymouth he used to take Doris out on dates—Ali knows because she still talks about it. The clothes are a bounty of high-end clothing unlike anything the boys have seen before. Noodles gets a shirt for himself, while Ali picks out shirts for himself and Needles. They pair them with jeans and new sneakers, Jordan sneakers for Ali and boots for Needles; all that is left for Noodles is a pair of undersized Nike shoes. Noodles is upset but still takes them. When John searches the car’s interior for a hat, Ali notices a blanket and a toothbrush and worries his father is living in his car. Ali pities him but stays silent to avoid causing embarrassment. Ali also glimpses a gun in the car. Shaken to see his father with a gun, he tells himself the weapon is to keep John safe while sleeping in the car. Again, he promises to text John after arriving at the party and when returning home.

The following day Jazz braids Ali’s hair in the apartment. Jazz has a strong grip, so the experience is painful for Ali.