Summer, #1
The Summer I Turned Pretty
by Jenny Han
Contents
chapter twenty
Overview
A flashback shows Conrad protecting Belly from Steven on the beach, hinting at early loyalty. In the present, Belly’s late-night run-in with Clay leads to a Fourth of July bonfire where she meets Cam and sparks fly. Conrad’s overprotectiveness erupts into a public confrontation, but Cam stays with Belly through the fireworks. Later, Jeremiah hints Conrad is struggling with undisclosed issues, and Conrad’s restlessness about leaving Cousins becomes clear.
Summary
Flashback: On a scorching beach day, Belly lies at the blanket’s edge while the boys play “Would you rather.” When Steven teases Belly and lunges to throw her in the water, Conrad intervenes and calls him off. Belly, shaken but thrilled, registers Conrad’s quiet defense as proof he cares.
Present: The night Steven leaves, Belly finds Conrad, Jeremiah, and neighbor Clay drinking by the pool. Clay flirts and invites her to his Fourth of July bonfire. Conrad treats Belly like a kid, which stings, and Belly notices Conrad saying he’s ready to leave Cousins.
At the bonfire, Belly feels underdressed and sidelined. Clay ignores her, but she meets Cam, who recognizes her from Latin Convention and charms her with easy intellect and warmth. When Cam offers a ride home to study for a whale-watching exam, Belly accepts, but Conrad blocks it, gripping her arm and insisting she not leave with a stranger. A tense exchange escalates in front of a girl in a Red Sox cap, Nicole; Belly retaliates with a crude innuendo, and Nicole insults her. Jeremiah diffuses the scene, and Belly stays.
During the fireworks, Cam remains with Belly, shares stories about whales, and gives her his hoodie when she’s cold, explaining he’s straight edge. They exchange numbers, and Belly feels the night is transformative. Conrad drives home sober in silence while Belly savors the memory of Cam’s attention.
Later, in the bathroom, Jeremiah urges Belly not to be so hard on Conrad and hints Conrad is dealing with private issues he won’t disclose. Belly recalls the old “No pouting” rule and feels the old dynamics tug against the change she craves.
Who Appears
- Belly (Isabel Conklin)Narrator; underdressed at the bonfire, bonds with Cam, clashes with Conrad, and feels newly seen and grown.
- Conrad FisherProtective and irritable; stops Belly from leaving with Cam, embarrassed by the scene; hints he wants to leave Cousins.
- Cam (Sextus)Gentle, studious boy from Latin Convention; straight edge; comforts Belly at the bonfire, gives her his hoodie and number.
- Jeremiah FisherEasygoing mediator; chats at the party, later hints Conrad is dealing with private issues.
- Steven ConklinIn flashback, teases Belly until Conrad intervenes; absent in present chapter after leaving.
- Clay BertoletLocal neighbor; drunk, flirty by the pool; hosts the bonfire but ignores Belly there.
- Nicole (Red Sox girl)Flirts with Conrad; trades insults with Belly during the confrontation at the bonfire.