Why is Junior hesitant to tell Rowdy? Why Does he tell him? How does Rowdy react? Why does he react that way?

Junior is afraid that when he tells Rowdy that he is transferring to Reardon Rowdy will get angry. Rowdy has always been the protector of Junior but he might beat up Junior. Junior is also concerned about losing his best friend on the reservation especially if the is concerned about being an outsider at
Reardon. Lastly, he knows that he doesn't have anyone else besides family that could help him through his transition to Reardon.
Junior tells Rowdy because he wants Rowdy to come with him to Reardon. He wants to have his best friend come with him so that the friendship doesn't die and there will be someone with him to get through Reardon. Also he sees what Mr. P said about Rowdy having given up and wants to help save him and get Rowdy off the reservation as well. If Junior hadn't told Rowdy and he found out it would be even worse and Junior wouldn't be able to have a proper closing with Rowdy. Finally, he sees the hope that is help by the Reardon kids and wants it for both of them.
Rowdy reacts the way Junior was afraid of. hen Junior tries to comfort Rowdy he insults him just like the other kids on the reservation. He then begins to cry which is very out of character for Rowdy who has a reputation for being tough. Junior describes it as "pure pain" when he screamed. He continues insulting him until finally he punches him right in the face knocking Junior down.
Rowdy reacted this way because he knew that if he didn't come with Junior he would lose him as a friend. Rowdy also didn't want to go to Reardon. He felt as though this was Junior's way of betraying him. Rowdy also gets very angry and react with violence. This was why he poured all of it out on Junior.