Chapter 23 Summary: Alex's Perspective and Key Moments

⚠️ 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

Alex arrives at the library completely soaked from biking through a downpour. Molly pulls her aside, dressed in new jeans and a graphic T-shirt, and Alex notices she looks more put-together than usual. They join Cora and Abby at a study table near the café. Molly initially sits in the chair farthest from Cora, but Alex nudges her to move across from Cora, hinting that she needs an outlet. Cora asks about the assigned reading, and Molly's joke about leaving 1984 in high school makes Cora laugh, breaking the ice.

The group studies for about an hour. Molly repeatedly glances at Cora, her pen tapping nervously. Alex, restless, decides to browse the bookshelves. On her way, she passes her roommate Heather, who gives her a small wave—an improvement Alex attributes to Jackson's absence. Alex selects several novels, including a Romeo and Juliet retelling, a fantasy book, and old favorites like Cyrano de Bergerac, Little Women, and Pride and Prejudice. She notes that having books makes her feel grounded, especially given her recent fights with Natalie and her mom.

When Alex returns, Molly and Cora are laughing together. Molly teases Alex about being premed while reading so much. Alex defends her choice by citing job security and a high starting salary. Molly and Cora argue that doing what you love matters more than money. Alex privately thinks she doesn't have the privilege to pursue passion because she needs to support her mom. She reveals that she sent her mom fifty dollars that morning, but her mom sent it back instantly and hasn't responded to calls or texts. Alex is anxious about this silence.

Molly and Cora head to the café together, and Alex watches them go, feeling a wave of relief. She reflects that she genuinely wants Molly to succeed as her friend, regardless of what Natalie thinks. The chapter ends with Alex thinking, “Let step three commence.”

Key Events

Alex arrives at the library soaked from biking in the rain.
Molly pulls Alex aside, showing off her new outfit.
They join Cora and Abby at a study table; Molly initially sits far from Cora but moves across from her after Alex's hint.
Molly's joke about 1984 makes Cora laugh, easing tension.
The group studies for about an hour; Molly keeps glancing at Cora.
Alex browses books and picks up several novels, including Pride and Prejudice.
Heather waves at Alex, a sign of progress in their roommate relationship.
A debate arises about premed versus pursuing what you love; Alex argues for financial security.
Alex reveals she sent her mom money, but her mom returned it and hasn't responded.
Molly and Cora go to the café together; Alex feels happy for Molly.
Alex reflects that she genuinely cares about Molly's success as a friend.

Character Development

Alex shows a mix of selflessness and internal conflict. She actively helps Molly get closer to Cora, nudging her to sit across from her and encouraging her to speak. At the same time, Alex struggles with her own anxieties: she hasn't heard from her mom since sending money, and she feels guilty about her earlier fight with Natalie. Her decision to read Pride and Prejudice ties back to her earlier conversation with Molly, showing that she values their connection. Alex's argument about premed reveals her pragmatic side, but her private thoughts show she's not entirely happy with her choice—she feels she lacks the privilege to pursue what she loves because of family obligations.

Molly demonstrates growth in confidence. She dresses up for the study session, makes a joke that lands, and engages with Cora. She also tries to mediate the debate between Alex and Cora, showing maturity. Her nervousness is still visible, but she's making progress.

Cora is supportive and open, laughing at Molly's joke and defending the idea of doing what you love. She invites Molly to the café, showing interest.

Heather appears briefly, but her wave to Alex signals a thaw in their relationship, likely due to Jackson's absence.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Friendship and Selflessness: Alex's actions are driven by a genuine desire to help Molly, even when it doesn't benefit her directly. She reflects that she cares about Molly's success as a friend.
Financial Responsibility vs. Passion: The debate about premed versus English highlights the tension between practical career choices and following one's dreams. Alex's internal monologue emphasizes that she feels she can't afford to choose passion.
Family Obligation and Anxiety: Alex's worry about her mom's silence after the money transfer shows the weight of her responsibility. The lack of communication creates a sense of unease.
Reading as Escape: Alex's book-browsing serves as a way to ground herself amid stress. The books she picks, especially Pride and Prejudice, connect to her earlier conversation with Molly and offer comfort.
Privilege: Alex explicitly thinks she doesn't have the privilege to do what she loves, contrasting with Cora's more idealistic view.
Communication Breakdown: Alex's mom's refusal to accept the money and her silence represent a breakdown in communication, mirroring Alex's unresolved issues with Natalie.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter deepens Alex's character and her relationship with Molly. It shows Alex actively working to help Molly succeed, while also revealing her own vulnerabilities—her financial worries, her guilt about her mom, and her strained friendship with Natalie. The debate about career vs. passion adds depth to Alex's motivations, explaining why she's pursuing premed despite not loving it. The chapter also advances the plot of Molly and Cora's potential romance, as they head to the café together. Alex's reflection that she genuinely wants Molly to succeed sets up a shift in her own priorities, moving away from her original scheme with Natalie.

Study Questions and Answers

1. Why does Alex argue for financial security over doing what you love, and what does this reveal about her character?

Alex argues for financial security because she feels she has to support her mom. She privately thinks she doesn't have the privilege to pursue passion. This reveals that Alex is pragmatic and carries a heavy sense of responsibility, but also that she's conflicted—she admits she doesn't really like premed, yet feels trapped by her circumstances.

2. How does Alex's interaction with Heather show a change in her relationships?

Heather waves at Alex, which Alex attributes to Jackson's absence. This suggests that Alex's relationship with her roommate is improving now that Jackson isn't around, indicating that Alex is becoming more aware of the positive effects of distancing herself from negative influences.

3. What does Alex's choice of books, especially Pride and Prejudice, signify in this chapter?

Alex picks up Pride and Prejudice because it's been on her mind since her questions game with Molly. This choice symbolizes her growing connection to Molly and her interest in romantic stories, perhaps reflecting her own hopes for Molly's relationship with Cora. It also serves as a comfort object for Alex during a stressful time.