Chapter summaries Imogen, Obviously Becky Albertalli

Imogen, Obviously Chapter 62 Summary: "I Want to Be Your Girlfriend"

⚠️ 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

Imogen and Tessa are still parked in Tessa’s car by the griddle, having spent the past thirty minutes alternating between kissing and texting. A text from Kayla breaks the moment: “WELL, TESSA, ARE WE?? ARE WE TWO GIRLFRIENDS??????” Both Imogen and Tessa initially play it cool, suggesting they do not need to decide right away. But after more light-hearted flirting and Tessa listing her qualities as a potential girlfriend (including her willingness to be an excellent prom date), Imogen blurts out that she wants to be Tessa’s girlfriend. Tessa’s enthusiastic response—"underlined, bold, giant-font yes"—leads to them officially becoming a couple. They kiss, and Imogen feels she cannot wait any longer.

Key Events

  • Imogen almost drops her phone upon reading Kayla’s all-caps text about the girlfriend label.
  • Both Imogen and Tessa initially agree to “let it play out” without a label.
  • Tessa suggests she would make a great prom date and lists her girlfriend credentials.
  • Imogen impulsively declares, “I want to be your girlfriend.”
  • Tessa jumps out of her car to confirm, then responds with an emphatic yes.
  • The chapter ends with Imogen initiating another kiss because she “can’t wait.”

Character Development

  • Imogen shows marked growth in assertiveness. Earlier in the novel, she hesitated to define her feelings, but here she takes the lead in committing to a label. Her confidence blossoms as she speaks without overthinking.
  • Tessa reveals her excited, devoted side. She jokes about prom and being an excellent girlfriend, but her sincerity shines through when she responds to Imogen’s declaration with a full-hearted yes. She is willing to be vulnerable and clear about her wants.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

  • Labeling love: The chapter directly confronts the question of defining a relationship. Both characters initially resist labels, but eventually embrace them as a source of clarity and joy.
  • Communication: The chapter highlights open, playful conversation as a path to intimacy. The text from Kayla serves as an external prompt, but the resolution comes from honest dialogue between Imogen and Tessa.
  • Taking risks: Imogen’s spontaneous admission is a risk that pays off, reinforcing the theme that vulnerability can strengthen bonds.
  • Prom as a milestone: Tessa’s mention of prom symbolizes classic teenage relationship milestones and the desire for shared experiences.

Why This Chapter Matters

Chapter 62 delivers the long-awaited confirmation of Imogen and Tessa’s relationship, transforming their chemistry into an official commitment. It marks a turning point for Imogen, who moves from self-doubt to decisive action. The chapter also solidifies the novel’s message that love can be both playful and profound, and that sometimes the best decisions come from impulsive honesty. For readers, this moment satisfies the romantic build and sets the stage for the couple facing future challenges together.

Study Questions and Answers

Question 1: What external event sparks the girlfriend conversation between Imogen and Tessa?

Answer: A text from Kayla arrives, written in all caps, asking directly whether Imogen and Tessa are now girlfriends. This question forces the pair to acknowledge the relationship label.

Question 2: How does Imogen show assertiveness in this chapter, in contrast to her earlier behavior?

Answer: Earlier in the novel, Imogen often overthought her feelings and avoided committing to a label. Here, she spontaneously tells Tessa, “I want to be your girlfriend,” without waiting for Tessa to decide. She takes the lead in defining the relationship.

Question 3: What promise does Tessa make about being a girlfriend, and how does Imogen respond?

Answer: Tessa claims she would be an excellent girlfriend, listing traits like not blinking in prom pictures, remembering the corsage, and being devoted. Imogen’s reaction is to laugh and then immediately agree to become girlfriends, showing mutual enthusiasm.

Navigation