Chapter 45 Summary: The Bailey Ball

⚠️ 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

On the afternoon of the Bailey Ball, Georgia video-calls her mum, who asks about her dress and whether any boys invited her. Georgia explains that British universities don't have dates, but her mum still hopes she might meet someone. Georgia reflects that two months ago she would have dreamed of a magical meet-cute, but now she dresses for herself. Rooney styles Georgia's hair and makeup, and Georgia wears a rose-colored chiffon dress with a sequined bodice. Rooney herself wears a bloodred dress, and they joke about being angel and devil.

At St. John's College, the ball's theme is revealed as Romeo and Juliet, with decorations including flowers, poison bottles, and wooden knives. Georgia meets Pip and Jason outside. Jason is in a tuxedo, Pip in a forest-green velvet jacket. Rooney and Pip exchange compliments, but there's tension. They share a dinner table with other students. Georgia feels low and isolated, drinking wine to cope. Sunil and Jess stop by, but Georgia's negative thoughts persist. After dinner, they explore the themed rooms, but Rooney, who has been drinking, abruptly leaves to see other friends. Pip denies having feelings for Rooney, but Georgia and Jason see through it. Georgia decides to check on Rooney, suspecting that if Rooney keeps drinking, she might do something she regrets.

Key Events

Georgia video-calls her mum, who asks about boys and the dress.
Rooney does Georgia's hair and makeup; they joke about angel/devil.
The ball theme is revealed as Romeo and Juliet.
Georgia meets Pip and Jason; they have dinner together.
Georgia feels like an outsider and drinks wine.
Rooney leaves to see other friends, upsetting Pip.
Pip denies liking Rooney, but Georgia and Jason see through it.
Georgia goes to find Rooney to check on her.

Character Development

Georgia shows significant growth in this chapter. Earlier in the book, she would have fantasized about a romantic meet-cute at a ball, but now she acknowledges she dresses for herself. However, she still struggles with feelings of exclusion and negative self-talk, thinking she will never experience romantic love because of her sexuality. Her decision to check on Rooney demonstrates her care for her friend, even when she herself is feeling low.

Rooney appears more vulnerable than usual. She is drinking heavily and seems nervous around Pip, though she hides it with a grin. Her abrupt departure suggests she is avoiding something, possibly her own feelings or the pressure of the evening.

Pip's denial of her feelings for Rooney is transparent, and her rambling explanation reveals her attraction. Jason's observation that Pip likes Rooney shows his perceptiveness, and he calls out Pip's deflection.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Aromantic exclusion: Georgia's internal monologue about never experiencing romantic love highlights her sense of being left out of the romantic scripts that the ball's theme celebrates.
Dressing for oneself: Georgia's choice to wear the dress for herself, not for a potential partner, marks a shift in her self-perception.
Unrequited attraction: Pip's hidden feelings for Rooney, and Rooney's possible reciprocation or avoidance, create tension.
Romantic scripts (Romeo and Juliet): The ball's theme reinforces the idea of romantic love as a grand, tragic narrative, which contrasts with Georgia's aromantic identity.
Alcohol as coping: Georgia drinks wine to numb her feelings, and Rooney drinks heavily, suggesting alcohol is used to escape emotional discomfort.
Outsider feeling at social events: Georgia feels disconnected from the conversations and the romantic atmosphere, emphasizing her isolation.
Family expectations of romance: Georgia's mum's comments about meeting a future husband reflect societal pressure.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter deepens the emotional stakes for Georgia. It shows her internal conflict between accepting her identity and still feeling the sting of exclusion. The tension between Pip and Rooney adds a new layer to the friend group dynamics, and Georgia's decision to check on Rooney sets up potential conflict or bonding. The Romeo and Juliet theme serves as a stark contrast to Georgia's reality, highlighting the central theme of the novel: that love is not limited to romance.

Study Questions and Answers

Why does Georgia decide to check on Rooney, despite her own low mood?

Georgia notices Rooney's nervousness and heavy drinking. She suspects that if Rooney continues drinking, she might do something she regrets. Her decision shows her loyalty and concern for her friend, even when she feels disconnected from the event.

How does the Romeo and Juliet theme affect Georgia's experience of the ball?

The theme reinforces the idea that romantic love is the ultimate goal, which makes Georgia feel more like an outsider. She is surrounded by decorations and music that celebrate a tragic romance, while she knows she will never experience that kind of love. This contrast amplifies her feelings of exclusion.

What does Pip's denial of her feelings for Rooney reveal about her character?

Pip's rambling, over-explained denial shows that she is not ready to admit her attraction, possibly because she believes Rooney is straight and hates her. It also reveals her tendency to deflect with humor and logic, but her friends see through it, indicating that she is not as good at hiding her emotions as she thinks.