Chapter 20 Summary: Allison, Age 18

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

⚠️ This page contains major plot developments from Chapter 20 of The Cousins. If you haven't finished the book, proceed with caution.

Summary

Allison stands before her bedroom mirror in a white ball gown, pleased with how the shimmering blue-white fabric brings color to her pale cheeks. She tells herself she hasn't gained weight, so she can't be pregnant—but her mind immediately counters with the truth: her period is weeks overdue, and her stomach has been churning with unfamiliar nausea for days. The pregnancy test she stole from Mugg's Pharmacy sits unopened beneath a pile of sweaters in her closet. She decides she'll take it after the Summer Gala. Probably.

Archer knocks and enters, dressed in a tux with his bow tie already loosened. He's holding a bottle of Dom Pérignon he found and wants to open it early. Allison snaps at him, asking if he can wait until they arrive, and then lectures him about showing restraint so he doesn't embarrass himself or pass out before midnight. She reminds him that their mother has put enormous effort into planning the gala—it's the one thing that has made her happy all summer—and asks him not to ruin it. Archer looks hurt and leaves, saying he knows when he's not wanted. Allison immediately regrets lashing out, recognizing that her constant anxiety isn't his fault.

After touching up her lip gloss repeatedly, Allison wanders down the hallway and knocks on Anders's door. He's dressed except for his tuxedo jacket, struggling with his bow tie. He asks without preamble whether she's taken the test yet. She says no. He rolls his eyes and tells her she'll give birth before she acknowledges there's a problem. Allison admits she's scared. Anders responds cruelly, mocking the idea of introducing the Ryan gene pool into the family and calling Matt a