The Summer I Turned Pretty, #3
We'll Always Have Summer
by Jenny Han
Contents
Chapter Sixteen
Overview
On freshman move-in day, Belly informally adopts “Isabel,” navigating family good-byes as Jeremiah tries to impress her father. Roommate Jillian proves mismatched, leaving Isabel lonely until hall events draw her out. A drinking game reveals Isabel dated brothers, and she ultimately bonds most with Anika, foreshadowing independence despite her attachment to Jeremiah.
Summary
On freshman move-in day, Isabel arrives with her mother, father, and Jeremiah. When her mother corrects “Belly” to “Isabel,” the rhinestoned door tag makes the name change feel real. Jeremiah hauls heavy boxes to impress Isabel’s father, who grows awkward. Good-byes are emotional, and Isabel’s mother urges her to build an independent college life.
That night, Isabel meets her roommate Jillian in the elevator. Jillian is polite but brisk, focused on routines and quiet study, revealing mismatched habits. Isabel feels isolated when Jillian turns to her laptop and Jeremiah leaves.
The hall icebreaker has residents share items that represent them; Isabel brings swim goggles and notices athletic Joy. Craving connection, she declines Jeremiah’s offer to visit and later joins Joy, Anika, Molly, and Shay for a drinking game. Insecure about her inexperience, Isabel contributes little until she drinks to “I never dated two people in the same family,” admitting she dated brothers, which briefly boosts her standing.
Though Isabel chats with Joy and coexists well with Jillian, she grows closest to Anika, who mentors her with an easy confidence. Isabel imagines future domesticity with Jeremiah, concluding she’ll only have one more roommate—her soon-to-be husband—while beginning to claim “Isabel” and tentative independence.
Who Appears
- Isabel (Belly) ConklinNarrator; adopts the name “Isabel,” navigates move-in, struggles socially, bonds most with Anika.
- Jeremiah FisherBoyfriend; helps during move-in, tries to impress Isabel’s father, offers support and rides.
- Jillian CapelRoommate; orderly, quiet, early-to-bed, mismatched with Isabel’s habits but ultimately cooperative.
- JoyAthletic hallmate; hosts drinking game, friendly but doesn’t become Isabel’s close friend.
- AnikaJoy’s roommate; cool and kind mentor figure who becomes Isabel’s closest friend on the hall.
- Mr. ConklinIsabel’s father; emotional at good-bye, wary of Jeremiah’s presence after move-in.
- LaurelIsabel’s mother; champions independence, pointedly calls her “Isabel,” gives practical advice.
- MollyHallmate at the game; instigates playful questions, prompts Isabel’s brother-dating reveal.
- ShayHallmate and model; candid during the game, contributes to the group’s bawdy camaraderie.
- KiraResident advisor; leads the hall icebreaker item circle.