Firefly Lane

Kate can’t sleep, so she prays for Tully and her mother, while also wondering whether she will be Tully’s secret friend. She doesn’t want to do anything to mess things up; only the popular kids know the rules for this sort of thing.

Tully doesn’t show at the bus stop, and Kate doesn’t see her during morning classes. At lunch, alone and with her head down as usual, Kate is surprised when Tully approaches her. After Kate confirms that she hasn’t told anyone about the rape, the girls agree to be friends and fall into easy chatter.

After school, the girls go back to Tully’s house, where Tully gives Kate a makeover. Kate feels beautiful and doesn’t try to hide her appearance from her parents, despite knowing that they won’t approve. When her parents see her transformation, Mrs. Mularkey supports her daughter and simply asks her not to break the rules again. When Mrs. Mularkey encourages Kate to think for herself and not let Tully lead her into trouble, Kate gets angry and storms off. After sitting in her room for a while, Kate starts to feel guilty. When her mother comes in, they make up, and Mrs.