Contents
Chapter 36
Overview
Mabel attends a packed Mass amid community hostility following Billy’s accident. Christos Loukas quietly leads Mabel outside and kisses her, initiating a clandestine arrangement to meet weekly. The moment marks Mabel’s first real crush and exposes a troubling power imbalance that will shape future events.
Summary
At St. Mary’s, the congregation gathers in large numbers as the parish prays for Billy Harris, who remains in a coma after his accident. Mabel, shunned by whispers and stares, stands near the side doors at Cess’s urging to hold her head high, scanning the pews for Daphne and trying to stay out of sight.
Mabel notices Christos Loukas, who gives up his seat to a latecomer and then signals her to step outside. Expecting an errand or even expulsion, Mabel follows him around the church to a hidden nook, infamous for secret kisses.
There, Christos abruptly initiates an intimate kiss. Mabel, fourteen and a social pariah, experiences her first genuine crush fulfilled, feeling both outside her body and keenly aware of his touch and confidence. When the kiss ends, Christos states she liked it and proposes “same time next week.”
Mabel, awed and compliant, agrees and calls him “Mr. Loukas,” underscoring the imbalance between them and the secrecy of their new arrangement, set against a community already blaming her for Billy’s injury.
Who Appears
- Mabel (Elsie)Fourteen-year-old narrator; ostracized after Billy’s accident; experiences a first crush and secret kiss with Christos.
- Christos LoukasAdult man from church; confidently leads Mabel outside, kisses her, and proposes weekly secret meetings.
- Billy HarrisIn a coma after an accident; his condition dominates parish concern and fuels blame toward Mabel.
- CessEncourages Mabel to attend Mass with her head held high despite gossip.
- Mr. and Mrs. HarrisBilly’s parents, seated up front in prayer during the service.
- Mrs. GregoryLate-arriving parishioner; Christos yields his seat to her before seeking out Mabel.
- DaphneMabel searches for her in the pews; no direct interaction this chapter.