Summer, #1
The Summer I Turned Pretty
by Jenny Han
Contents
chapter six
Overview
In a childhood flashback, Belly watches Conrad lead the boys in a beach campout and is refused a place. Steven mocks her, Jeremiah teases kindly, and Conrad briefly defends her before leaving her behind. The exclusion cements the boys’ hierarchy and marks the moment Belly first falls in love with Conrad.
Summary
At age ten, Belly observes the boys operating as a tight unit with clear roles: Conrad as leader, Steven as second, and Jeremiah as the jester. Conrad organizes a beach campout with a fire and s’mores, and Belly watches, envious and uncertain of her place.
When Jeremiah’s banter draws Belly in, she asks to join. Steven immediately refuses, invoking a “guys only” rule, and Conrad apologetically backs the decision. Belly turns to the TV, trying to hide hurt, as Steven taunts that she will cry.
Under pressure, Belly threatens to tell Laurel, but she knows it won’t help. Conrad rebukes the boys for being immature, briefly checking their teasing, yet the plan stands and they prepare to leave without her.
As they head out, Jeremiah throws one last playful jig to make Belly laugh. Conrad says, “Good night, Belly,” with real gentleness. That small kindness amid exclusion becomes the catalyst: Belly realizes she is in love with Conrad.
Who Appears
- Belly (Isabel Conklin)Ten-year-old narrator; excluded from the boys’ campout and realizes her first love for Conrad.
- Conrad FisherChildhood leader; organizes the campout, briefly defends Belly, and his kindness triggers her first crush.
- Steven ConklinBelly’s brother; backs the boys-only rule and mocks Belly for nearly crying.
- Jeremiah FisherPlayful jester; teases kindly, includes Belly in small ways, dances a jig to cheer her.