The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian | Chapter 9 Summary

Junior goes home "confused...and terrified".  If he had punched an Indian in the face, he could expect retaliation, but when he had punched Roger in the face, the white boy just walked away.  Now Junior is afraid that Roger is going to kill him.  He wishes he could ask Rowdy what to do, but Rowdy hates him for leaving the reservation.  Junior talks to his grandmother instead.

Junior's wise grandmother thinks for awhile, and concludes that, by standing up to the "giant boy (who) is the alpha male of the school", Junior has earned his respect.   Junior loves his grandmother, but thinks her idea is crazy.

The next day, Dad cannot drive Junior to school because there is no money for gas.  Fortunately, his Dad's best friend Eugene just happens to be riding to Spokane on his motorcycle that morning, and he gives Junior a lift.  When Junior arrives at school, he sees Roger.  Certain that he is going to have to fight, Junior is surprised when Roger says, "Hey", and asks who that was who brought him to school.  Roger is "actually nice", speaking to Junior with "some respect", and paying respect to Eugene and his bike as well.  Junior thinks that maybe his grandmother's analysis of the situation was correct.

Feeling somewhat better about himself, he greets the beautiful Penelope when he gets into class.  She at first ignores him, then makes fun of him.  Ashamed, Junior realizes that though he "might have impressed the king...the queen still hated (him)".