Speak: Part 3, Chapter 6 Summary & Analysis

Commenting that a high school cafeteria is a place meant for “Teenage Humiliation Rituals,” Melinda sits with Heather, but not at the Marthas’ table; instead they sit close to the courtyard. Melinda imagines the snow behind her, and feels the wind through her shirt. She ignores Heather, instead listening to the ambient noise of the cafeteria and pretending that it is a giant hornet hive. She snaps back into focus, however, when Heather tells her that she doesn’t think that they should be friends anymore because Melinda is too depressed. In fact, she believes that Melinda needs “professional help,” and adds that the two of them were never really friends anyway. Melinda tries to think of a clever or mean response, but is unable to do so. She knows that Heather is choosing her own social status over their friendship. Realizing that Heather is her only real friend, Melinda tries to salvage the relationship, but is unable to do so as Heather becomes increasingly condescending and insulting, telling Melinda that she has “‘a reputation.’” She ends by telling Melinda that they can’t sit together anymore and walking back to the Marthas without looking back.