Summer, #1
The Summer I Turned Pretty
by Jenny Han
Contents
chapter twenty - five
Overview
Belly returns elated from her date but overhears Laurel and Susannah arguing, with Susannah asserting control over her own life. Belly chooses comfort with Susannah, reminiscing about past generosity. Susannah encourages Belly to share with her mother, reframing the tension and nudging a mother–daughter reconnection.
Summary
Still floating from her time with Cam, Belly enters the house and hears Laurel and Susannah arguing—an alarming rarity. A memory surfaces of a past disagreement over an expensive dress that Susannah secretly bought for Belly, underscoring Susannah’s affection and Laurel’s pragmatism.
From the foyer, Belly hears Susannah tell Laurel she needs to stop trying to manage her life and that she alone will decide how to live it. Disturbed, Belly confronts them. Laurel claims nothing is wrong, but her red eyes and stiff posture betray lingering upset. Belly, craving warmth, stays with Susannah rather than follow Laurel.
In the sunroom, Susannah soothes Belly, inviting her to share about Cam. Belly eagerly describes Cam’s intelligence, confidence, and looks, and Susannah assures Belly she deserves attention, noting her summer “blossoming.”
When Belly dismisses Laurel’s interest in her love life, Susannah counters, insisting Laurel is Belly’s biggest fan and urging Belly not to shut her out. The scene ends with Belly pivoting back to talk about Cam, while the unresolved tension between the women and Susannah’s assertion of autonomy linger.
Who Appears
- Belly (Isabel Conklin)Narrator; overhears an argument, seeks comfort with Susannah, and gushes about Cam while doubting her mother’s interest.
- Susannah FisherArgues with Laurel about living on her own terms; comforts Belly and urges her to reconnect with Laurel.
- Laurel ConklinUpset after arguing with Susannah; denies conflict, becomes distant, yet is defended as Belly’s biggest supporter.