Crake’s arrival – A few months before Jimmy’s mother disappears, Crake (born “Glenn”) shows up at the HelthWyzer Compound. Jimmy’s mother likes Crake because he seems unusually mature and “intellectually honourable,” able to hold logical, adult‑level conversations. She wishes Jimmy could be more like him.

Crake’s background – The name “Crake” comes from his father’s favourite pianist, a boy‑genius with a double‑n spelling. Crake insists the double‑n “doesn’t have a point,” reinforcing his aloof, non‑conformist attitude.

Snowman’s perspective – Snowman (the narrator) treats Crake as a single, immutable identity, dismissing the “Glenn” phase as a disguise. He thinks the hyphenated/parenthesized versions of the name are unnecessary.

School transfer – Crake transfers to HelthWyzer High in early autumn (September/October). He is introduced by the flamboyant teacher Melons Riley (Hoodroom and Ultratexts teacher, whose real name Snowman can’t recall). Jimmy is asked to show Crake around; he does so with a mixture of sarcasm and begrudging curiosity.

Classroom dynamics – Melons’s revealing outfit and tight NooSkins t‑shirt distract Jimmy. Jimmy imagines a dark fantasy about the teacher, revealing his adolescent insecurity and jealousy.

First impressions of Crake – Crake is taller than Jimmy by about two inches, thin, with straight dark hair, tanned skin, green eyes, a half‑smile, and a laconic, logo‑free wardrobe. He appears older than his peers, but his exact age is ambiguous. Jimmy speculates about Crake’s sport interests (possibly tennis) and notes his quiet, observant demeanor.

Lunch with Crake – Jimmy and Crake share a lunch of giant soy‑sausage dogs and a slab of coconut‑style cake. They wander the school together, with Jimmy narrating the layout (gym, library, girls’ shower, security microlens, etc.). Crake offers only one comment: the chemistry lab is a dump. Jimmy is annoyed at his own chatter while Crake remains detached but subtly impressive.

Jimmy’s need for validation – Jimmy wants to “make a dent” in Crake to elicit a reaction, exposing his insecurity about others’ opinions.

After‑school outing – Jimmy invites Crake to a mall (one of the few leisure spots available to Compound kids). The mall represents a controlled version of the chaotic “pleeblands” outside the compounds, where youths can gather in packs, use drugs, and act destructively. In the Compound, however, strict curfews, patrols, and sniffer dogs keep things orderly.

Romantic tension – Jimmy hopes to see Wakulla Price (his former crush) at the mall, but she isn’t there. He is currently involved with LyndaLee (a muscular rowing‑team member), whose relationship feels transactional (“Pachinko‑machine” metaphor). Jimmy contemplates using Crake to gain social capital, wondering about Crake’s own preferences.

Mall activities – Jimmy and Crake play arcade games (Three‑Dimensional Waco), eat soy‑based burgers, sip an iced “Happicuppuchino,” and consume “Joltbars” plus steroids for a boost. Their interactions remain low‑key; Crake is still sparingly verbal.

Observation of Melons Riley – They spot Melons leaving school with a man toward an adults‑only dance club. Jimmy asks Crake to guess the man’s hand placement on Melons’s rear. Crake delivers a dry, step‑by‑step geometrical analysis, mimicking the Chemlab teacher’s “use your neurons” line. Jimmy is amused and begins to like Crake more, appreciating his humor and intellect, though he also feels threatened by Crake’s imitation skills.

Crake’s aura – Although not overtly popular, Crake draws quiet awe from students and teachers alike. He listens attentively, dresses in dark, logo‑free clothes, and exudes potential that no one can yet identify, making others wary yet intrigued.

Snowman’s narration – Snowman reflects on these events, noting how Crake’s presence subtly shifts Jimmy’s social world and his own memory of Crake’s identity. He also observes that Crake never publicly “performed” after this period, suggesting an undercurrent of mystery surrounding him.