Summer, #1
The Summer I Turned Pretty
by Jenny Han
Contents
chapter thirty - nine
Overview
Conrad brings Nicole to the house, provoking Belly’s jealousy and an awkward group movie. Conrad and Nicole leave together, and Belly clings to Cam when they return. Cam confronts Belly about using him to provoke Conrad, exposing that Belly still has unresolved feelings for Conrad. Cam’s parting question about staying in touch goes unanswered until too late.
Summary
Conrad arrives at the house with Nicole, the "Red Sox girl," which shocks Belly and makes her feel out of place. To cope, Belly quickly invites Cam over. When Conrad and Nicole join them to pick a movie, petty voting and teasing expose Belly’s irritation and Conrad’s needling.
They settle on Titanic, but midway Nicole whispers to Conrad and the pair leave together. Belly vents to Cam about Nicole, revealing her fixation. Cam challenges her preoccupation, noticing her hostility and its source.
When Conrad and Nicole return briefly, Belly instinctively snuggles closer to Cam, trying to project closeness. After Conrad and Nicole depart, Cam asks if Belly invited him to make Conrad jealous and whether she still likes Conrad. Belly denies it aloud, but internally admits her persistent yearning for Conrad despite Cam’s genuine interest.
Cam, aware summer is ending, asks if Belly wants to keep in touch. Belly hesitates and offers a late, uncertain yes. The delay signals her ambivalence; Cam, disappointed, decides to leave, and Belly does not stop him.
Who Appears
- Belly (Isabel Conklin)Jealous of Nicole, tries to provoke Conrad via Cam, admits to herself she’s still hung up on Conrad.
- CamGood-natured boyfriend; confronts Belly about using him and asks about keeping in touch before leaving.
- Conrad FisherBrings Nicole over, teases during movie vote, leaves with Nicole, triggering Belly’s jealousy.
- Nicole (Red Sox girl)Conrad’s date; sits close, leaves with him mid-movie, heightening Belly’s insecurity.