The Summer I Turned Pretty, #2
It's Not Summer Without You
by Jenny Han
Contents
Chapter Nine
Overview
During the tense drive to find Conrad, Belly and Jeremiah admit they have few leads and decide to search at Brown through Conrad’s roommate, Eric. Belly reveals she hasn’t spoken to Conrad since May and lies about her mother’s permission. Jeremiah recalls visiting Nona, stirring memories of Susannah’s decline.
Summary
In the car, Belly tries to meet Jeremiah’s eyes, worried about their distance as they set out to find Conrad. Jeremiah admits he has no idea where Conrad might be and hopes Belly does. Belly confesses she hasn’t spoken to Conrad since May, leaving them with few clues.
They settle on a plan to go to Brown and track down Conrad’s roommate, Eric, and others on the hall, speculating Conrad might still be on campus. Jeremiah asks whether Belly has visited Conrad at school; she hasn’t, and Jeremiah shares that he and his father helped Conrad move into the dorms.
When Jeremiah asks if Laurel approved the trip, Belly lies and says yes. The silence between them grows, broken only by the radio, underscoring their awkwardness despite a history of easy conversation.
Jeremiah mentions he saw Nona, Susannah’s former hospice nurse, at the retirement home where Nona now works. Belly recalls Nona’s strength and Susannah’s frailty at the end, a memory that deepens the somber tone as they continue their uncertain search for Conrad.
Who Appears
- BellyNarrator; admits she hasn’t spoken to Conrad since May and lies about her mother’s permission.
- JeremiahDriving with Belly to find Conrad; proposes searching at Brown; mentions visiting Nona.
- ConradMissing; destination of the search; last contact with Belly ended in May.
- EricConrad’s college roommate; planned first lead at Brown.
- LaurelBelly’s mother; Belly lies that Laurel approved the trip.
- NonaSusannah’s former hospice nurse; Jeremiah recently visited her, prompting memories.
- SusannahDeceased mother of Conrad and Jeremiah; her decline is remembered through Nona.