Chapter 14 Summary: Molly's Chapter

⚠️ 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

Chapter 14 opens with Molly waiting outside her biology classroom for Alex, mentally rehearsing the simple act of walking in and sitting down next to Cora. She acknowledges that the hard part isn't the sitting—it's holding a conversation afterward. She reflects that Alex, despite being infuriating, is the only non-family member she can be fully herself around without her anxiety overwhelming her.

Her phone buzzes with a call from her mom, who is eager to hear about the party. Molly gives deliberately vague answers, mentioning games and staying late but leaving out everything that happened after—including her plan with Alex. She realizes she's been keeping her mom at a distance, texting about small things but avoiding real conversations. She doesn't want to jinx what could be her first relationship. Her mom mentions that Leonard, the family dog, misses her, and suggests coming down for a quick lunch. Molly agrees to sometime next week, then cuts the call short as Alex arrives.

Alex shows up eating powdered donuts from a convenience store package, and the two head into class. The moment Molly spots Cora and Abby, her anxiety spikes. She starts to head for her old seats, but Alex grabs the loop of her backpack and shoves her into Cora's row. Cora's face lights up when she sees Molly, and they exchange greetings. Cora notes she didn't expect Molly and Alex to be hanging out together. Alex makes a coy joke that comes out sounding wrong, and Molly quickly clarifies that they're just friends.

During the lecture, Alex slides a note over suggesting they grab breakfast after class. Molly initially thinks it's for her, but Alex clarifies it's meant for Cora. Molly adds the words