Chapter 169: Maybe You Should Have Thought About THAT – Lizzie Summary and Analysis
Spoiler Notice: This page contains detailed plot points and character revelations from Chapter 169 of Releasing 10 (The Boys of Tommen) by Chloe Walsh. If you have not read the chapter, proceed with caution.
Summary
Lizzie wakes up naked in Hugh's bed to find him beating another boy—Pierce O'Neill, a teammate—whom he caught having sex with Lizzie. Hugh is devastated and enraged. After Thor (Gibsie) pulls him off Pierce, Hugh orders everyone out. Lizzie begs to explain, claiming she was drunk and thought she was with Hugh. Hugh refuses to listen, tells her to dress, and leaves to stay at Thor's. Lizzie chases him outside, but Hugh ends their nine-year relationship, saying there is no coming back from this. He tells her she can stay in his house that night but must leave in the morning and delete his number. Lizzie's pleas are met with Hugh's final words: “Maybe you should have thought about that.”
Key Events
- Hugh discovers Lizzie having sex with Pierce O'Neill in his own bed.
- Hugh physically attacks Pierce; Thor intervenes and removes Pierce.
- Lizzie realizes her naked state and dresses while crying.
- Hugh refuses Lizzie's attempts to explain or touch him.
- Lizzie confesses she was drunk and looking for Hugh; she claims she thought it was him.
- Hugh reveals he gave Lizzie nine years of his life and was not ready for sex, emphasizing his loyalty.
- Hugh ends the relationship, telling Lizzie she must leave by morning and delete his number.
- Lizzie chases Hugh outside, but he walks away after stating there is no coming back.
Character Development
- Lizzie: Her vulnerability and self-destructive tendencies are laid bare. She admits to “wanting to forget” and seeking pleasure, revealing a pattern of using substance and sex to cope with inner pain. Her regret is genuine but cannot undo the betrayal.
- Hugh: Displays a breaking point after years of patience. His anger gives way to heartbreak as he realizes Lizzie does not understand what love means to him. His decision to walk away shows self-respect despite his love for her.
- Thor (Gibsie): Acts as a steadying force, restraining Hugh and removing Pierce. His loyalty to Hugh is clear, but he also shows restraint by not escalating the violence.
- Pierce O'Neill: Revealed as a teammate who took advantage of Lizzie's intoxication, though he claims she initiated. His quick exit shows cowardice and disregard for Hugh's friendship.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- Betrayal and Trust: The chapter centres on the ultimate romantic betrayal: infidelity with a trusted teammate. Trust is shattered irreparably.
- Intoxication and Consent: Lizzie's drunkenness raises questions about consent and accountability. She insists she “didn’t mean it,” but Hugh sees the act as a choice regardless.
- Love vs. Respect: Hugh distinguishes between loving someone and being treated with respect. He loved Lizzie enough to wait for intimacy, but her actions show she did not value that sacrifice.
- Inevitability of Consequences: Hugh's final line—“Maybe you should have thought about that”—underscores that actions have irreversible consequences, no matter the intention.
Why This Chapter Matters
This chapter is a turning point in Lizzie and Hugh's relationship. It marks the end of a nine-year bond and sets up lasting emotional fallout. Lizzie's spiral—tied to her need to “feel good” and “forget”—foreshadows deeper struggles with mental health and substance use. For Hugh, this betrayal reshapes his identity and trust in others. The chapter also highlights Gibson's (Thor) role as a protective friend. The raw, honest emotion propels the narrative toward future confrontations and growth for both characters.
Study Questions and Answers
1. What does Hugh mean when he says he “could never be intimate with anyone other than you”? Hugh emphasizes that his love for Lizzie made intimacy meaningful only with her. Unlike Lizzie’s drunken encounter, Hugh’s loyalty was absolute; even drunk, he would not give himself to a stranger. This highlights the imbalance in their commitment and the depth of his hurt.
2. How does Chloe Walsh use the setting to amplify the emotional impact? The chapter takes place in Hugh’s bedroom—a personal, intimate space—turning it into a scene of violation. The cold November night outside mirrors the emotional coldness of the breakup. Lizzie running barefoot down the asphalt symbolises her vulnerability and the painful journey ahead.
3. Lizzie says she “just wanted to forget.” What do you think she wants to forget? While not explicitly stated in this chapter, Lizzie’s desire to forget may stem from previous trauma or unresolved pain hinted at earlier in the series. The act of seeking numbness through alcohol and sex suggests an avoidance pattern that will likely be explored in later chapters.