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The story starts by introducing Gabriel, which is the narrator of the story. He explains how Meriwether has taught him to look at things in different perspectives.

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Gabriel goes all the way back to his 12th birthday when he received the bike he always wanted. He leaves and rides to his friend Patrick's house his mom tells Gabriel to be back soon because his family will be coming over for his birthday.

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While riding Gabriel is not as careful as he should be. He is riding his bike fast he doesn't even have to peddle. Quickly the light turns red and he has no time to stop.... Suddenly he sees a Yellow car in his preferals and has no time to stop.....

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He thought for sure he was dead until he was pushed out of the way. The was a colored man named Meriwether with a sign around his neck stating, "Need Work, I great at fixing things" He helped me up and practically staved Gabriel's Life. Meriwether also wanted to fix Gabriel's bike

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Mrs. Betty Babcock was so worried she hit Gabriel with her yellow Buick road master. Everyone was surrounding him making sure he was okay! Gabriel Kept responding with "I'm Quite alright!" He was looking for the person who saved his life. he wanted to speak with him again Mrs. Babcock insisted on taking him back home. She grabbed the bike from Meriwether and headed back to Gabriel's house.

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When Gabriel Arrived back home his mom ran out the house and hugged him. Right behind Mrs. Babcock's car came his family his cousins. His Cousin, is always always taking pictures she took a picture of the two hugging in the driveway and commanded for everyone to take a family picture when they go out of the car.

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the family had a mouth watering dinner with mash potatoes, Roast beef, green beans, corn, and buttery biscuits. A home southern meal. Cousin Polly came up wit ha plan to help Gabriel keep his bike by making his parents feel bad for him. Auntie Rita tells Gabriel he has a special destiny. While dad just lost one of his mechanics at the car shop he owns. The family continues to talk....

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The family had left and Gabriel Sat down on the couch trying to get the full story of what happened earlier in the day. They came to the conclusion that it was Gabriel's Fault and let him keep the bike. However it had to stay in his room for two whole weeks without moving.

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The next day Patrick came over to Gabriel's house early in the morning. They ate breakfast and off they were. Patrick wanted to go fishing but Gabriel told him he had to find Mr. Meriwether. They went all over finally they went to Mr. Summerlin, the man who owns the drug store. They asked him because Mr. Meriwether had done work for Mr. Summerlin before. He gave the two boys the address and off they went to 127 holly street.

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Gabriel and Patrick had crossed the "other side' where mostly all African Americans lived. He noticed a house which was the school house for colored people and peeked in he wondered why they didn't have a bunch of classrooms and a library like they did at his school. He didn't understand why colored people and Whites didn't receive the same things. He also, remembered the conversion he had with Tink that up in New York City they didn't have signs that said "whites ONLY." He was curios about this and wanted to know why and how could this be possible...

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When they reached Mr. Meriwether's House it was white with gray lining with a yellow door. two cars in the driveway both wit the hood popped and the other jacked up. A little girl cam and greeted them her name was Abigail, Mr. Meriwether's daughter. Mr. Meriwether soon came out from under the car to greet the two boys and invited them in. Gabriel then met Mrs. Meriwether and she poured the two boys a glass of Lemonade. They talk then finally Gabriel asked Mr. Meriwether if he would like to work at his dad's car shop it was the least he could do. Mr. Meirwether was in shock and told Gabriel he did not owe him anything. Also told him was he sure his dad would let him work there? Gabriel Reassured him that his dad would give him the job. Patrick, Mr. Meriwether and Gabriel all headed to Jakes car shop together.

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The boys and Mr. Meriwether finally arrive at the shop. Gabriel introduces Mr. Meriwether to his mom and dad. Lucas, one of Gabriel's dads workers who is down right rude and smelly comes along. He spits on Mr. Meriwether's shoe and has to go back to work. Gabriel then changes the conversation and ask his dad can Mr. Meriwether have the job? He know all about fixn' cars and anything for that matter. His dad is very hesitant due to Lucas begin so mean and also seemed to hate colored people. But gives him the job anyway. He promises to stay out of Lucas's way and never cross paths with him. Gabriel still wonders why would someone do such a horrible thing. He knew that some whites did treat colored or African Americans poorly and rough, but he never seen it in his face before and is in shock.....

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Gabriel asked his dad for a job at the shop because he wanted to make sure Meriwether was okay. He also wanted to learn some thing around the shop, his dad agreed to letting Gabriel work at the shop. Gabriel's mom and dad left for a while and Patrick shows up at Gabriel's house. Patrick tempts Gabriel to take his bike our for a ride and convinces him to do so. stating we have nothing else to do. Gabriel and Patrick sneak the bike outside and ride it with out anyone knowing. Gabriel is a little nervous that Patrick will tell on him because he is on punishment for one more week....

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The first day for Gabriel was more of a learning experience. He had to learn how to check and fill the oil, put air in. He already knew how to fill up the gas and clean the windows. Gabriel had a chance to see talk with Meriwether which he was excited to do because he was looking after him. Meriwether explained to Gabriel about perspectives. He explained that looking from others point of view or through there eyes helps you to understand things better. This is the same thing that was explained at the beginning of the book if you remember.  Meriwether tells Gabriel his bike to work is not quite as nice as his new red bike he got for his birthday. Gabriel gives in and tells Meriwether he rode his bike while he was still on punishment. He explains he has failed his parents were trying to teach him a lesson he promised he wouldn't ride it again he would finish out his punishment fair and square.

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Gabriel’s family heads to Charleston and Patrick's mom is about to have her baby so he doesn't get to tag along. They are going to uncle Earls parade for the American hero’s some just veterans. Before they go Gabriel spots cousin polys neighbor and friend Helene she is just the most beautiful thing in Gabriel’s eyes he cannot stop thinking about her beautiful hair and how pretty she was. He ask cousin poly if maybe Helene would be going to the parade and she says no not sophisticated enough for her. They get to the parade and everyone is dancing and having a good time but Gabriel cannot seem to get his mind off Helene enough.

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Gabrielle and Poly played in her room before the party really started. They seen a guy walk up and greeted him, he was from the Charleston evening post and he was there to take pictures mostly. Auntie Rita got all dressed soon other arrived. Gabriel was so hungry he went to the kitchen where two colored maids were making pies and all kinds of dishes for the guest to eat. One maid approached Gabriel and he told her he was starving she asked would he like a sandwich and he said of course! She fed Gabriel and talked she asked about uncle earl but mostly talked about her soon whom served in the United States Navy and never returned he was a fine man she explained and they never found his body. She wished they would but she stopped hoping after a couple of months went by. Gabriel was so sorry to hear the news he was a great listener he sat and Mrs victory the maid talked all about her son while he ate the sandwich she made for him.

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The next day Gabriel and his dad came back to the shop and found out that Meriwether's bike had been stolen. He wasn't sure who did and and why they had did it but every one thinks it is Lucas. They do not blame him because Meriwether says we don't know for sure so it may not have been him. Meriwether also had to bring his daughter Abigail with him to work for a couple days because his wife went out of town. Gabriel and Abigail begin to talk and she states she would like to be a writer when she grows up. Gabriel is wondering how people can be so sure that what they want to be because being a pilot or a detective seemed like questions in his mind.

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Meriwether was asking Gabriel how the Parade went. Meriwether also came out with some sensitive information that he was once in the ARMY and Gabriel could not tell a soul because it could get him hurt badly. Also the Chevy that no one could get to start Meriwether got it running and he got himself his very own new car that he fixed himself.

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Meriwether Shared with Gabriel a Picture and now called Gabriel his Friend he knew he could trust Gabriel even if he was only 12 years old he was a great boy. Meriwether showed Gabriel a photo of him and his crew when he was in a army and told Gabriel stories of the men he fought with. He also gave Gabriel some truth on how differently African Americans are treated not only in the south but when they wear their uniforms from serving one man got his eyes taken out and beaten for just wearing his uniform. This was not right and Gabriel knew it in his heart. He was just happy him and Mr. Meriwether were friends.

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late in the evening there was a knock on the door...... It was Meriwether he was in panic he says it knew it was him he tried to hurt my girl! ..... --talking about Lucas from the shop. He leaves a 'gift' for Abigail a diamond back rattle snake charged at her when she opened the box but she wasn't hurt. that wasn't it the picture of Meriwether and his army crew picture was at the bottom of the box. Gabriel's mom suggest that they call they Police, Meriwether states the Police are not for colored people they don't protect us mostly don't believe us either. Gabriel Stood up to his parents telling them how unfair things were and how Meriwether did not deserve these things. He also suggest that this situation may be an attempted murder case. Gabriel Could hardly sleep that night trying to imagine how things went down with the snake and how Meriwether was feeling.

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Early that morning Patrick came to the window and Woke Gabriel up. By the time Patrick to the back door the doorbell rang..... It was the Police they came in wanting to question Gabriel's mom and dad. They sat down in the living room and the Sheriff  talked about the incident asked Gabriel's mom and dad did they know anything about it maybe any tips of who may could have done this. Gabriel, His dad, and Patrick all head over to Meriwether's house.

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They reached Meriwether's house, They parked on the sidewalk and seen two guys one Gabriel knew was the Pastor and another guy. They introduced themselves and ask what they were there for? Gabriel's dad responded to see Meriwether he works for me nee to talk with him. They let them inside the house, all they see are open packed suitcases. Meriwether and his family were moving up north to Michigan his friend was getting him a job quick at the Ford plant. However, they didn't see Meriwether at the house the guys quickly jump back in the car and drive looking for him.

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When they arrived back at the shop Gabriel was the first to jump out... There in the shop he found Lucas against the wall and Meriwether with a pipe pulled back as if he was ready to strike. Then came Gabriel's dad He yelled don't do it! then the Pastor yelled he didn't hurt your girl. Meriwether says he just wants Lucas to admit to that he did it. Gabriel gets close enough to Meriwether where he pushes the pipe out of Meriwether's hands as the pipe falls so does Lucas. No one killed him but he was laying there died no one said a word.

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Doc Riley Finally arrived at the shop, he examined Lucas and hmm... he says heart finally stopped ticking. Doc Riley explains he had a heart disease and they body was not harmed nor injured. The hearse came and took Lucas body. The sad ending Gabriel's Family goes to Meriwether's House just before they leave to head north and say their goodbyes. Gabriel remembers all the great times they had together and hoe Meriwether has taught him to see things through others eyes. The also says how they are family and beat friends but time has came to an end in Birdsong. Meriwether's family thanks Gabriel's Family for everything they have done for them and they leave to go north and Gabriel and his family stand outside and watch as they drive away. Gabriel is sad but he says they will have a better life there so I am happy for them.