Summer, #1
The Summer I Turned Pretty
by Jenny Han
Contents
chapter forty
Overview
During a nostalgic Hitchcock movie night without Conrad or Steven, Susannah falls asleep and Jeremiah carries her upstairs, appearing suddenly grown. Afterward, Jeremiah confesses he loves Belly. Belly, still attached to Conrad, cannot reciprocate. Jeremiah leaves hurt, shifting the fragile balance among the trio and deepening the central love conflict.
Summary
Belly, her mother, Susannah, and Jeremiah recreate an old tradition, watching Susannah’s favorite Hitchcock films in the rec room while Conrad works a dinner shift. Midway through Notorious, Susannah falls asleep, and Belly’s mother asks Jeremiah to carry her upstairs. Jeremiah lifts Susannah gently, and Belly notes how unexpectedly grown he seems.
When Belly’s mother retires, Belly stays to clean up. Jeremiah returns and suggests they watch TV. He asks about Cam, and Belly admits neither has called and that the summer is nearly over. Jeremiah mutes the TV and, looking serious, says he doesn’t think Cam is right for her.
Gathering courage, Jeremiah confesses that Belly has always been his best friend but now he sees her as more. He emphasizes that she can count on him, then asks if Belly is over Conrad. Belly, overwhelmed, admits she isn’t.
Hurt, Jeremiah argues that Conrad doesn’t see Belly that way and will only hurt her. Belly apologizes, wishing she could feel differently but unable to. Jeremiah, frustrated and heartbroken, asks why it always has to be Conrad, then leaves, leaving their friendship strained and the triangle more complicated.
Who Appears
- Belly (Isabel Conklin)Narrator; enjoys movie night, rejects Jeremiah’s confession because she still loves Conrad.
- Jeremiah FisherCarries Susannah upstairs, confesses love to Belly, is rejected, and leaves hurt.
- Susannah FisherFalls asleep during movie night; Jeremiah carries her tenderly, highlighting his maturity.
- Laurel (Belly’s mother)Hosts movie night, makes snacks, asks Jeremiah to carry Susannah, then heads to bed.