Chapter 84: K-I-S-S-I-N-G – Lizzie’s First Kiss with Hugh Biggs
Spoiler Notice
This summary and analysis contains spoilers for Chapter 84 of Releasing 10 (The Boys of Tommen). If you have not read this chapter, proceed with caution.
Summary
On July 31, 1999, Lizzie shares a kiss with Hugh Biggs during a game with friends. The kiss is gentle and exploratory, not at all like the sloppy kisses she has witnessed from other kids. Lizzie feels an electric connection, instinctively knowing how to move with him. When they break apart, Hugh’s cheeks are flushed, and he catches her eye with a different look than he gives anyone else. A silent understanding passes between them—both want to repeat the experience. The moment marks a turning point in Lizzie’s childhood, as she realizes that this is the best day of her life and that she wants to feel this way forever.
Key Events
- Lizzie and Hugh kiss for the second time (implied from the chapter title “K-I-S-S-I-N-G” and the opening line).
- The kiss starts with gentle brushes of lips, then deepens as Hugh’s tongue touches Lizzie’s.
- Lizzie describes the sensation as electric and instinctive, unlike other kids’ dares.
- The children split into groups after the kiss: girls gossip, boys cheer.
- Hugh and Lizzie exchange a meaningful look and both smile and shrug, affirming their mutual desire.
Character Development
Lizzie: This chapter reveals a new emotional depth. Lizzie transitions from a casual observer of kisses to an active participant who feels intense excitement and a wish for permanence. Her instinctive knowledge of how to kiss shows a maturing self-awareness.
Hugh Biggs: Hugh is portrayed as gentle and considerate, avoiding the slobbery or aggressive methods of other boys. His flushed cheeks and shy smile after the kiss suggest vulnerability and a genuine connection with Lizzie.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- First love / First kiss: The chapter centers on the transformative power of a romantic first kiss. Lizzie’s description of it as “the best day of my life” underscores its significance.
- Innocence and instinct: The kiss is both childlike (part of a game) and profound (emotional electricity). Lizzie does not copy what she has seen; she acts from instinct, highlighting pure, unscripted emotion.
- Electricity motif: Lizzie’s body feels “shocked by an electric fence,” symbolizing the jolt of new love and attraction.
Why This Chapter Matters
Chapter 84 is a cornerstone for Lizzie and Hugh’s relationship. It solidifies their connection beyond friendship, setting the stage for future emotional stakes. The moment is portrayed as unforgettable for Lizzie, marking a permanent shift in her personal history. For readers, it provides insight into Lizzie’s character—her capacity for deep feeling—and foreshadows the intensity of her later storyline with Hugh.
Study Questions and Answers
1. What details make Lizzie’s first kiss with Hugh different from the kisses she has seen from other kids? Lizzie notes that Hugh does not shove his tongue down her throat, is not slobbery, and does not bite. The kiss is gentle and mutually attuned, contrasting with the rough, dare-driven kisses she has witnessed.
2. How does the author use sensory language to convey Lizzie’s emotional state during the kiss? The author emphasizes bodily reactions: racing heart, electric jolts, flushed cheeks, a rush of heat, and a shaky breath. These sensations mirror Lizzie’s excitement and overwhelm, making the reader feel her nervousness and ecstasy.
3. What does the ending—Lizzie wanting to do it again every day and thinking Hugh wants the same—suggest about their future? The ending implies a mutual, lasting attachment. Their silent agreement points toward an ongoing romance, which will likely become a core element of the book’s plot and Lizzie’s character arc.