Summer, #1
The Summer I Turned Pretty
by Jenny Han
Contents
chapter twenty - four
Overview
Conrad remains distant, leaving Belly feeling unchanged and small. After days of silence, Cam invites Belly to a drive-in, where the date seems awkward until Cam admits he remembered her from Latin Convention because he found her beautiful. His sincere confession leads to their first real kiss, nudging Belly toward Cam.
Summary
The next day, Conrad treats Belly exactly as before, giving her no sign that the tender moment in the car meant anything. Belly recognizes she is still drawn to Conrad regardless of whether he pushes or pulls her.
Cam does not call for several days, and Belly hesitates to reach out. When Cam finally invites her to the drive-in, she accepts but worries about expectations. During the film, Belly feels awkward and self-conscious, noting how Cam keeps physical distance and seems absorbed in the movie.
Afterward, Belly expects to be dropped off without a word, disappointed by the flatness of the evening. Parked in front of the house, Cam stops her and asks why she thinks he remembered her from Latin Convention. He admits it was because he found her incredibly pretty, recalling a blue corduroy dress that made her eyes look blue and confessing he had watched her all week but was too shy to approach.
Surprised and moved, Belly touches Cam’s arm and says she wishes he had come up to her back then. Cam inches closer and kisses her. Belly holds the door handle, thinking she wishes this had been her first kiss.
Who Appears
- Belly (Isabel Conklin)Feels dismissed by Conrad; goes on a tentative drive-in date with Cam; moved by his confession; shares a meaningful first real kiss.
- Cam (Cameron)Invites Belly to the drive-in; shy but sincere; reveals he noticed her at Latin Convention; kisses her after confessing admiration.