Chapter 5 "The Inner Circle" by Chris
Characters:Luce
Arriane
Pen
Cam
Daniel
Gabbe
Places:Auditorium
Cam's dorm room
Memorable Quotes: "His unexpected closeness had made her heart pick up." - Luce page 105
"She wanted to know all about the reform school bad boys?" - Cam page 106
"I can only look after so many new students, Lucky you!" - Arriane page 111
"You want a file hacked into, I'm your girl. But this - I don't know. People in there just think I'm some kind of know-it-all." - Pen page 116
"You're going to have to trust me, honey. I'm the only one you've got." - Gabbe page 122
Summary: It's finally Wednesday and Luce can make her 'one' phone call, she choose Callie. Luce hastily tries to explain her isolated situation to a frantic Callie, but with no such luck. So Luce chooses to talk about a boy, and not Daniel. She begins to tell her about Cam, but speaking of the devil and he shall appear. Luce's 15 minutes are up, and she talk with Cam for a little while, and once again he roots Luce to her spot with his deep green eyes. As they are speaking, Daniel comes in and steals Luce's attention. Cam invites Luce to his little party after the weekly social event, when Luce sees Daniel make an approving gesture she agrees, in hopes that he will be there.
The girls are in a hurry to make it to the auditorium for the Wednesday night social event. Luce has no idea what this event holds, she is wondering why they are in such a hurry to get there, it can't be the great. But after they arrive, she soon learns why you need to get there early and get a seat. If you are the last person to arrive, you must sit by Mr. Cole and help with analyzing the findings of the mental health surveys passed out at the beginning of the film...very boring and causes you to miss the real social event, Cam's after-party. During the movie, the shadows appear and take hold of Luce, making the few hours very excruciating.
Finally the movie is over, and the girls arrive at the party. Cam greets the girls and he gives his undivided attention to Luce, which makes her feel good...especially when Daniel is watching her. They join the party inside, Arriane flutters about chatting with guests while Luce hangs back and observes. She sees that Cam and Roland can really get everything, a disco ball, alcoholic beverage, D-J booth, karaoke... Roland leads of the singing, and when he is finished he nominates Daniel, which quickly declines. Luce accidentally makes herself obvious and Arriane tries to get her to sing. Luce refuses, saying she needs to go find Todd, but really she wants to go after Daniel who just happened to slip out of the party. Luce follows him and what she finds is utterly disappointing. He is talking to Gabbe and by the sound of it they are having a lover's quarrel...and this crushes Luce.
Questions for consideration:
1. Given the way Daniel treats Luce, could he possibly get jealous of her and Cam? Do you think Luce will try to make that happen?
2. The shadows are progressing at S&C and have been more physical with Luce, why do you think that is?
3. Are you liking Cam, and if so why? If not, what about him seems off, too good to be true?
4. Luce overhears Gabbe and Daniel having an argument, reading it the first time what was your reaction? Did you believe what Luce's does?
Author