The Summer I Turned Pretty, #2
It's Not Summer Without You
by Jenny Han
Contents
Chapter Eighteen
Overview
Belly, Jeremiah, and Conrad quietly coexist after a tense day, avoiding talk of school or Mr. Fisher. Belly bristles at Taylor’s swapped wardrobe, recognizing Taylor’s controlling tendencies and her own complicity. Jeremiah resolves to back off Conrad for the night and try again tomorrow, affirming a shared plan with Belly.
Summary
After returning to the beach house, Belly, Jeremiah, and Conrad watch TV in uneasy silence, skirting talk of school or Mr. Fisher. Belly, exhausted from the day’s search and travel, announces she’s going to bed. Conrad says nothing, underscoring the distance he has placed between himself and the others.
In her room, Belly discovers Taylor replaced her packed clothes with flashier items and heart-print pajamas. Irritated and embarrassed, Belly reflects on Taylor’s habit of imposing her will and on Belly’s tendency to allow it, recognizing the pattern without confronting it.
As Belly settles in, Jeremiah visits quietly. He explains he will ease up on Conrad for the night and try again tomorrow, aiming to “plant some seeds.” Belly agrees, and they high-five, reaffirming their joint goal to coax Conrad back to school despite Belly’s private doubts.
Who Appears
- Belly (Isabel)Narrator; exhausted, upset by Taylor’s swapped clothes; agrees to Jeremiah’s slower plan to reach Conrad.
- Jeremiah FisherStrategizes to ease pressure on Conrad and try again tomorrow; reassures Belly and solidifies their plan.
- Conrad FisherDistant and silent during the evening, reinforcing his refusal to return to school.
- TaylorAbsent friend whose replacement of Belly’s clothes highlights her controlling tendencies and Belly’s frustration.