The Summer I Turned Pretty, #2
It's Not Summer Without You
by Jenny Han
Contents
Chapter Twelve
Overview
Belly’s dream prom with Conrad unravels as Conrad arrives distant, forgets her corsage, and resists the night. In the parking lot, Belly forces the conversation and they effectively break up when Conrad decides to leave early. The next day Laurel frames the fallout’s wider stakes, and later, as Susannah worsens, Belly reaches out once, unheard—closing that chapter for good.
Summary
Belly invites Conrad to her April prom despite knowing he hates dances. On the phone, Conrad declines, citing finals, until Belly mentions another potential date; he relents but makes clear he just doesn’t want her going with someone else. Belly clings to a fantasy of a perfect night.
On prom day, Belly wears a violet dress and Susannah stays on the phone for pictures, extracting a promise from Conrad. Conrad forgets Belly’s corsage, and Claire lends Belly a rose, embarrassing Conrad further. Throughout photos and arrival, Conrad is tense and distant, hinting something has changed.
At the Old Hollywood–themed prom, Conrad stays withdrawn. In the bathroom, Taylor urges Belly to make him dance. A slow song draws them to the floor, but even as they hold each other, Conrad feels far away. Afterward, he asks to go somewhere to talk, alarming Belly, who stalls.
Outside in the drizzle, Conrad complains of a headache and asks to skip after-prom and drive back to school. Panicked, Belly presses for answers; Conrad evades. Belly declares they are over, and when Conrad doesn’t follow her, he drives away—ending the night and their relationship.
The next morning, Steven comforts Belly, saying Conrad isn’t worth it. Laurel gently reminds Belly the breakup affects more than just them and offers to tell Susannah. Alone, Belly admits she would have taken Conrad back if he’d tried. When Susannah’s condition worsens, Belly calls Conrad once; he doesn’t answer, and their breakup stands.
Who Appears
- Belly (Isabel Conklin)Narrator; longs for a perfect prom with Conrad, confronts his withdrawal, and ends their relationship.
- Conrad FisherArrives distant, forgets Belly’s corsage, resists prom, and leaves early, effectively ending the romance.
- Laurel (Belly’s mother)Helps Belly get ready, frames the breakup’s broader family implications, offers to tell Susannah.
- Susannah (Beck) FisherOn the phone for photos; later worsens. Her presence and illness amplify the stakes for Belly and Conrad.
- Steven ConklinBelly’s brother; attends prom with Claire, later comforts Belly, saying Conrad isn’t worth it.
- Claire ChoSteven’s date; kindly offers Belly a rose to make up for the missing corsage.
- Taylor JewelBelly’s friend; urges Belly to demand more from Conrad and enjoys prom with Davis.
- DavisTaylor’s date; chats sports with Conrad and dances with Taylor.
- Cory WheelerSoccer player and would-be date; his mention spurs Conrad’s jealousy, later seen dancing at prom.