Summer, #1
The Summer I Turned Pretty
by Jenny Han
Contents
chapter thirty - five
Overview
Belly goes mini golfing with Cam, drives his car, and they share their first kiss after an awkward moment over asking permission. Though she claims she is over Conrad, Belly wants him to see her with Cam. The next day, Laurel’s silence makes Belly feel guilty, underscoring Belly’s conflicted loyalties.
Summary
At sunset, Cam picks Belly up for mini golf. Belly immediately asks to drive, and Cam yields. They banter about Belly’s nose as he calls imperfections beautiful, hinting at his feelings. Delays on the course and a fried clams stop keep them out later than Belly intended.
Back at the house, only Conrad’s light is on. Belly, not ready to go inside, lingers with Cam in the driveway. When Cam politely asks if he can kiss her, Belly criticizes the asking, then regrets it. Cam kisses her anyway, and Belly responds positively, ending the moment on a gentle note.
As they part, Belly pointedly wishes Conrad were watching, telling herself she no longer likes him but wanting him to see proof. She goes inside knowing Cam will wait until she’s safe. The next day, Laurel says nothing, yet makes Belly feel guilty without a word, highlighting Belly’s mixed emotions and the house’s underlying tensions.
Who Appears
- Belly (Isabel Conklin)Narrator; drives Cam’s car, shares an awkward-then-sweet first kiss, still preoccupied with Conrad.
- CamTakes Belly mini golfing; compliments her, asks to kiss, then kisses her; considerate and patient.
- Conrad FisherUnseen presence; his bedroom light is on, and Belly wants him to witness her moving on.
- Laurel (Belly’s mother)Says nothing the next day but makes Belly feel subtly guilty.