Chapter 22: May Day Festival and Rising Tensions
⚠️ 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
Daisy and Elliot spend the afternoon at the May Day festival with Elliot’s visiting mother. The two women bond over household tips, giving Elliot a rare chance to relax. They watch the chaotic maypole dance, then crowd around the stage for the May Queen crowning. Andy Sinclair wins, and Daisy collects fifty dollars from a bet. As the sun sets, Elliot’s mother leaves for the night, clearly convinced the fake relationship is real. Daisy suggests heading to the bonfires, but Elliot is tormented. He reexamines his deal with Daisy—she wants only a physical connection, while he has fallen deeply in love. The chapter ends with Elliot unsure whether he can continue the arrangement without confessing his true feelings.
Key Events
- Daisy and Elliot’s mother swap tips on baking soda, vinegar, and grass stains.
- The maypole dance goes awry; Miss Janet cuts a boy free from tangled ribbons.
- The May Queen contenders are Andy, Gladys, and Kira; Andy wins the crown.
- Daisy wins fifty dollars because she bet on Andy (a repeat entrant).
- Elliot’s mother privately mouths “I like her” to Elliot over Daisy’s shoulder.
- His mother leaves, satisfied that Elliot is in a happy relationship.
- Daisy takes Elliot’s hand and leads him toward the bonfires.
- Elliot internally acknowledges he wants forever, not just a hookup.
Character Development
Elliot – His inner conflict intensifies. He admits he has never wanted anyone the way he wants Daisy. Though he attempted to accept her “fuck-buddy” offer, he realizes he cannot detach his feelings. The successful performance for his mother highlights how real his affection has become, yet he fears that confessing will scare Daisy away.
Daisy – Remains consistent in her stated desire for no strings. She enjoys the festival, wins a bet, and is affectionate but avoids deeper emotional talk. Her offer of casual intimacy stands, and she seems unaware of Elliot’s growing emotional investment.
Elliot’s mother – A secondary but influential character. Her approval of Daisy and her relief at seeing Elliot “paired up” intensify the pressure on Elliot. She serves as a catalyst for Elliot’s realization that the fake relationship has achieved its original purpose—but at the cost of his own heart.
Themes, Symbols, and Motifs
- Fake vs. Real – The chapter dramatizes the gap between the couple’s public performance and Elliot’s private truth. His mother’s exit marks the end of the need for pretense, yet Elliot cannot switch off his feelings.
- Beltane / Festival as catalyst – The May Day setting (Beltane, when “everyone hooks up”) pushes Elliot to confront his limits. The night’s cultural expectation of casual sex clashes with his desire for commitment.
- Flowers and creativity – Daisy’s flower crowns sell out, symbolizing her ability to bring joy and beauty to the community, but also her ephemeral approach to relationships (enjoy now, move on).
- Betting and winning – Daisy’s bet on Andy mirrors her risk-taking personality and her preference for low-stakes games. It contrasts with Elliot’s high-stakes emotional gamble.
Why This Chapter Matters
Chapter 22 is the turning point in Elliot’s arc. It formally ends the fake-dating subplot—his mother is satisfied—and forces Elliot to decide whether he can accept Daisy’s terms or risk losing her by revealing his love. It also deepens the romantic tension by placing them in a festival atmosphere that encourages physical intimacy, raising the stakes for the next chapter. The chapter sets up a crucial confrontation between Elliot’s emotional need and Daisy’s protective boundaries.
Study Questions and Answers
1. What does Elliot’s internal dilemma reveal about his character growth?
Answer: Elliot realizes that Daisy is not just another passing interest—he wants a genuine, lasting relationship. This marks a departure from his earlier patterns and shows he is capable of deep commitment, even if Daisy is not ready for it.
2. How does the May Day setting influence the chapter’s conflict?
Answer: The festival’s “Beltane” tradition of casual hookups directly pressures Elliot. He knows Daisy expects only a physical encounter that night, yet his feelings are far stronger. The setting externalizes his inner struggle between desire and love.
3. Why is the moment with Elliot’s mother significant for the fake relationship?
Answer: His mother’s approval and her departure to Florida signal that the original goal of the fake relationship is complete. This removes the external reason for pretending, leaving only the real emotional bonds—which Elliot can no longer hide from himself.