Chapter Twenty: Love, Separation, and the Word “Someday”
⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.
Summary
In this short but emotionally dense chapter, Aristotle (Ari) and Dante have a quiet conversation before they separate for the holidays. Ari is preparing to visit his brother in prison, an event that makes him feel uneasy—not scared, but full of butterflies. Dante admits he wishes he could go with Ari, but he understands that Ari must do this alone. Meanwhile, Dante is heading to California with his parents to visit relatives who speak only Spanish, a situation that makes him feel insecure and judged. Ari reassures him that the separation is temporary and that they will both return. Their exchange becomes increasingly affectionate: Ari confesses that the word “love” makes him think of Dante. They tease each other about kissing and part with a promise—or a hope—that someday they will spend Christmas together. The chapter ends with a tender, bittersweet goodbye.
Key Events
- Ari admits he has “butterflies” about seeing his brother, but denies being scared.
- Dante expresses regret that he cannot accompany Ari on the prison visit.
- Dante shares his anxiety about his California trip: he doesn’t fit in with his Spanish-speaking family and fears they will resent him for not speaking the language.
- Ari and Dante acknowledge that they must each do what they have to do, even if it means being apart.
- Ari declares, “When I think of the word ‘love’—I think of the name Dante.”
- They joke about Ari kissing Dante when they reunite; Dante threatens to kill Ari if he doesn’t, and Ari counters that dead boys can’t kiss.
- They exchange “Merry Christmas” and finally voice the wish that “someday” they will spend the holiday together.
Character Development
Aristotle Mendoza: Ari shows a new level of vulnerability by admitting his nervousness about visiting his brother. He has moved beyond the stoic silence of the first book. His declaration that Dante is the embodiment of the word “love” marks a major milestone in his emotional growth. He is learning to put his feelings into words and to offer reassurance to Dante.
Dante Quintana: Dante remains the more openly expressive of the two, but here he also reveals his insecurity about language and cultural belonging. His fear of being judged by Spanish-speaking relatives highlights his ongoing struggle with his Mexican-American heritage. Despite his anxiety, he affirms his commitment to Ari, and his playful threat (“If you don’t, I’ll kill you”) is grounded in deep affection.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- Separation as a test of love: The chapter is built around the idea that Ari and Dante must temporarily go their separate ways. Their conversation proves that their bond can withstand physical distance.
- Language and identity: Dante’s worry that his relatives will think he looks down on Spanish echoes a larger motif in the series—the tension between cultural heritage and personal identity. Language becomes a symbol of belonging and exclusion.
- The word “forever” and “someday”: The characters dwell on these temporal words. “Forever” is what comes to mind when you love someone, but “someday” is a more realistic, hopeful term for a future they can work toward together. This contrast underscores the difference between idealistic love and practical commitment.
- Play as emotional armor: The joking about kissing and killing allows Ari and Dante to express serious feelings without becoming overly vulnerable. It’s a coping mechanism that keeps their intimacy safe.
Why This Chapter Matters
Chapter Twenty is a turning point in the couple’s relationship. It is the first major separation they face after fully acknowledging their love. The chapter demonstrates that their relationship can survive external pressures—prison visits, family obligations, language barriers. It also deepens both characters individually: Ari by revealing his vulnerable side, Dante by exposing his cultural insecurity. The final word, “Someday,” becomes a quiet promise that anchors the second half of the book. This chapter reminds readers that love is not just about being together but about trusting each other during times apart.
Study Questions and Answers
1. Why does Dante worry about visiting his family in California?
Dante is anxious because his relatives speak only Spanish, and he does not speak it fluently. He fears they will think he is “too good” to speak Spanish, which would make him feel like an outsider in his own family.
2. What does Ari’s statement “When I think of the word ‘love’—I think of the name Dante” reveal about his character development?
It shows that Ari has grown emotionally open. Earlier in the series, he struggled to articulate his feelings. Now he can directly connect love with a specific person, demonstrating his commitment and maturity.
3. How does the word “Someday” function in the chapter’s ending?
“Someday” represents hope and intention. Unlike “forever,” which feels abstract, “someday” acknowledges that their shared future is not guaranteed—but it is something they can work toward. It turns a bittersweet farewell into a promise of reunion.