Chapter 33 Summary, Themes, and Key Takeaways

⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.

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Summary

The chapter opens with Jenna showing off her festival outfit: a rainbow tie-dyed crop top, bright pink pants, a frizzy side ponytail with a silver scrunchie, and blue-tipped hair. She completes the look with rainbow sunglasses. Jake, still searching his closet, pulls out his red-and-black flannel shirt, explaining that it matches the outfit his character wears in the video game Songbird Hollow—the same shirt he wore when he proposed to his in-game partner, Peter. Jenna teases him about the lumberjack aesthetic, but Brett, who has just entered the room wearing a white tee with a small rainbow flag, compliments Jake's look. Jenna hands out rainbow sunglasses to both of them, and they model together in the mirror.

The three friends ride to the church with Jake's parents. As they arrive, they see the pep band setting up instruments. Jenna jumps out, grabs her cymbals from Connor, and gives him a tight hug, showing that she's no longer upset about Connor's science presentation being selected for a conference. Brett and Jake talk about Brett's mother's reaction to the news. Brett reveals that his mom initially overreacted, even threatening to call the school, but that the incident led to a serious conversation about the pressure she'd been putting on him. She apologized and asked Brett to pass along her apology to Jake. Brett explains that his mom has been trying to control everything because she's worried about the upcoming election. Jake acknowledges that the apology is a start, though he doesn't have to accept it.

Meanwhile, Jake's dad raises the Pride flag in the center of the parking lot, and his mom speaks with the pastor, who is setting up cornhole boards and an outdoor seating area. Food stalls are being prepared, with Susan Lee checking on each one. Ashley arrives and distributes rainbow beads, offering Jake and Brett first pick. Jake grabs a rainbow bandanna, and Brett takes stickers.

As the crowd begins to gather, Brett carefully places pride stickers on Jake's face—a rainbow on one cheek and an equality sign on the other. Jake laughs at Brett's concentration, and the moment reminds him of a pep rally where he painted Brett's face. He admits that even back then, being that close to Brett made him want to lean in and kiss him. He quickly clarifies that he's not going to do it now, but he wants Brett to know it's something he might want someday. Brett blushes but nods, saying, “Yeah, absolutely. Someday.”

The band launches into the fight song, and the crowd becomes a sea of color. Jake sees his Uncle Jeremy helping his dad hoist the flag, and as it rises, the cheers grow louder. Jake runs over to hug them both. His cousin Jess appears wearing a ridiculous rainbow wig, joking that Granny will hate it. Jake learns that Granny is coming, and his dad confirms that “pretty much everyone” is coming.

After posing for family photos, Jake stands by the flagpole for a moment, soaking in the scene. He feels a genuine sense of belonging for the first time, and he credits the flag for making it possible. Brett joins him, takes his hand, and they walk toward the stage. Jake knows Brett isn't ready to come out publicly, but he's willing to be patient—as patient as he is when digging up twenty golden seashells in his game. Brett keeps holding his hand as they push through the crowd. When they reach the stage, Brett lets go, and Jake climbs the steps. His mom gives him a thumbs-up from across the stage. Jake approaches the microphone, his nerves buzzing but his focus sharp. He's ready to make Barton Springs history.

Key Events

Jenna arrives in a rainbow-themed outfit with blue-tipped hair, and Jake chooses his red-and-black flannel shirt, explaining it matches his Songbird Hollow character.
Brett wears a white tee with a small rainbow flag, and Jenna gives everyone rainbow sunglasses.
The group drives to the church, where the pep band is setting up; Jenna retrieves her cymbals from Connor and hugs him.
Brett tells Jake about his mother's overreaction to the science presentation news and the subsequent conversation that led to her apology.
Jake's dad raises the Pride flag while his mom talks with the pastor.
Ashley distributes rainbow beads and other accessories.
Brett places pride stickers on Jake's face, leading to a vulnerable conversation about Jake's potential desire to kiss Brett someday.
Uncle Jeremy helps hoist the flag, and cousin Jess shows off a rainbow wig.
After family photos, Brett holds Jake's hand as they walk to the stage, where Jake prepares to give his welcome speech.

Character Development

Jake shows significant growth in this chapter. He moves from nervous anticipation to a calm, focused determination. His decision to wear the flannel shirt—a symbol of his video game identity—demonstrates his willingness to blend his personal passions with the public celebration. More importantly, he openly shares his feelings with Brett, admitting that he might want to kiss him someday, while respecting Brett's timeline. This vulnerability marks a mature step in their relationship. Jake also reflects on his sense of belonging, noting that the flag and the festival make him feel like he truly belongs in Barton Springs.

Brett continues to evolve as well. He wears a subtle rainbow flag on his shirt, showing a cautious step toward visibility. His conversation with Jake about his mother reveals that he's learning to advocate for himself and communicate his needs. He also reciprocates Jake's feelings by agreeing that he might want to kiss Jake someday, and he holds Jake's hand in public, even though he isn't ready to come out fully. This shows a growing comfort with Jake and with his own identity.

Jenna remains a supportive and vibrant friend. Her elaborate outfit and enthusiastic participation in the festival highlight her role as a cheerleader for Jake and the cause. Her hug with Connor indicates that she's moved past her competitive jealousy, showing emotional maturity.

Brett's mother undergoes an off-page but significant change. Her apology, delivered through Brett, signals a willingness to acknowledge her controlling behavior and begin repairing her relationship with her son.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Rainbow Symbolism: The rainbow appears throughout the chapter—in clothing, sunglasses, beads, stickers, and the flag itself. It represents pride, visibility, and the collective joy of the community. The transformation of the parking lot into a “rainbow of people” underscores the theme of unity.
Self-Expression Through Clothing: Jake's flannel shirt and Brett's subtle rainbow tee illustrate how characters use fashion to express their identities, whether through personal nostalgia or cautious public declaration.
Community Support: The festival brings together family, friends, and townspeople. The presence of Uncle Jeremy, Jess, Granny, and even Brett's mom (through her behind-the-scenes help) shows that support can come from unexpected places.
Belonging: Jake's reflection that he finally feels he belongs because of the flag highlights the importance of visible symbols of acceptance.
Reconciliation: Brett's conversation with his mother and her apology represent a step toward healing a strained relationship.
Parental Pressure: Brett's discussion about his mom's attempts to control his grades and the town illustrates the weight of parental expectations and the need for open communication.
Vulnerability and Patience: Jake's confession to Brett and Brett's response demonstrate the courage required to be vulnerable. Jake's willingness to wait for Brett to be ready emphasizes patience in relationships.

Why This Chapter Matters

Chapter 33 is a pivotal moment in Small Town Pride because it marks the culmination of the characters' efforts to create a Pride festival in Barton Springs. The chapter shows the festival coming to life, with the community rallying around the flag and the celebration. It also deepens the relationship between Jake and Brett, moving from unspoken tension to a mutual acknowledgment of their feelings. The chapter highlights Jake's personal growth as he steps into a leadership role, ready to give a speech that will make history. Additionally, Brett's reconciliation with his mother adds a layer of emotional complexity, showing that change is possible even in strained family dynamics. The chapter sets the stage for the festival's success and Jake's public declaration, making it a turning point in the narrative.

Study Questions and Answers

1. How does Jake's choice of clothing reflect his character development in this chapter?

Jake's decision to wear his red-and-black flannel shirt—the same outfit his Songbird Hollow character wears—shows that he is integrating his personal interests with the public celebration. Rather than buying a new, overtly rainbow-themed shirt, he chooses something that holds personal meaning. This reflects his growing confidence in being himself, even if it doesn't fit the expected “pride” aesthetic. It also connects his virtual identity to his real-life identity, suggesting that he is becoming more comfortable with all aspects of who he is.

2. What does Brett's conversation with Jake about his mother reveal about their relationship and Brett's growth?

Brett's willingness to share the details of his mother's overreaction and subsequent apology shows that he trusts Jake deeply. He also demonstrates growth by having a direct conversation with his mother about the pressure she's been putting on him, rather than silently enduring it. The fact that he passes along the apology—even though he wasn't sure he would—indicates that he values honesty and wants to clear the air between his mother and Jake. This conversation strengthens the bond between Brett and Jake, as they navigate family challenges together.

3. Why does Jake feel a sense of belonging at the festival, and what role does the flag play in that feeling?

Jake explicitly states that he feels he belongs because of the flag. The flag serves as a tangible symbol of acceptance and visibility, transforming the church parking lot into a space where he and others can celebrate their identities openly. Seeing the flag raised high, with the support of his family and community, gives Jake a sense of validation that he hasn't felt before. The flag represents not just the festival, but the collective effort to make Barton Springs a more inclusive place, and that effort makes Jake feel like he has a place in the town.