Chapter Thirty-seven: Tripp — Summary and Analysis
⚠️ 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
The chapter opens at the school's black-light dance, where Tripp waits for Brynn, still replaying the kiss they shared outside Mason's van. When Brynn arrives, she's accompanied by Ellie, who immediately grabs Tripp's hands and inspects his palms under the ultraviolet light. Ellie explains her plan: she coated a red marker with ultraviolet powder and left it beside a poster of Mr. Larkin, so anyone who used the marker to vandalize the poster would have glowing green residue on their hands. She checks Brynn as well; both are clean.
Ellie asks Tripp to help her get close to Shane and Charlotte, the two people she considers primary suspects. Tripp reluctantly agrees, and the three approach the group surrounding the royal court. Tripp apologizes to Charlotte for his earlier behavior at her house, and Brynn apologizes too, but Charlotte remains cold, accusing Brynn of getting exactly what she wanted. Ellie then lunges for Shane's hands, checking them—clean—before trying Charlotte's, who resists fiercely. Shane, who has been drinking, grows frustrated and stalks off, with Charlotte following.
With the confrontation over, Tripp and Brynn dance together. Brynn reveals that Tripp rubs his thumb with his forefinger whenever he's not being honest—a habit she's noticed since they were kids. The moment is interrupted when Mason and Geoff join them. Geoff dances with Brynn, and Mason offers his hand to Tripp. As Tripp reaches for it, he sees Mason's palm glowing bright green under the black light—the same green as Ellie's. The chapter ends with Tripp frozen, realizing Mason is the one who defaced the poster.
Key Events
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Ellie reveals her UV powder trap and checks Tripp's and Brynn's hands—both clean.
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Tripp and Brynn apologize to Charlotte, but she remains hostile toward Brynn.
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Ellie checks Shane's hands (clean) but fails to check Charlotte's before Shane storms off.
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Brynn tells Tripp about his thumb-rubbing tell, deepening their trust.
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Mason's glowing green palm reveals him as the vandal.
Character Development
Tripp shows growth in this chapter. He takes responsibility for his earlier behavior, apologizing to Charlotte without being prompted. His internal conflict is also visible: he wants to believe Shane is innocent, but he's also aware that Brynn's theory about Shane being Michael Robbins might be true. His reaction to Mason's glowing palm—freezing in shock—shows how blindsided he is by the revelation.
Brynn continues to demonstrate her investigative instincts, though she's also learning to balance them with her relationship with Tripp. Her apology to Charlotte is genuine, but Charlotte's rejection stings. Brynn's observation about Tripp's thumb-rubbing habit shows how well she knows him, and it also gives her a tool for reading his honesty.
Ellie emerges as a clever, determined investigator in her own right. Her plan is methodical and thorough—she checks everyone, including her own friends. Her willingness to push past social boundaries to get to Shane and Charlotte shows her commitment to finding the truth.
Charlotte remains guarded and resentful, especially toward Brynn. Her refusal to let Ellie check her hands is suspicious, though the chapter doesn't confirm whether she's hiding something or simply reacting to Ellie's aggressive approach.
Mason is revealed as the vandal, but the chapter doesn't explain his motive. His earlier behavior—offering his hand to Tripp as if daring him—suggests he may have been testing Tripp or even hoping to be caught.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
Hidden identities and deception: The black-light dance is a fitting setting for a chapter about revealing what's hidden. The UV powder acts as a truth serum, exposing the vandal's identity. Mason's glowing palm is a literal unmasking, and it connects to the larger theme of people hiding their true selves—Shane's possible identity as Michael Robbins, Charlotte's secrets, and even Tripp's own lies.
Trust and suspicion: The chapter explores how trust is built and broken. Ellie's