The Score Chapter 35: Allie Waits for Dean – Summary and Analysis
⚠️ 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
Allie waits in Dean's room for his return from Boston. They immediately embrace, and Dean reassures her that her father is fine after a minor joint issue. Allie says she no longer needs time alone and wants to be with Dean. Dean asks about the FOX role; Allie reveals she is considering turning it down. Dean thought she was giving up her dream for her father and bought tickets for her father to move to LA. Allie clarifies she is declining because she dislikes the project and the seven-year commitment. Dean then shares his own news: he will become a PE teacher and has a lead on a job in Manhattan. They express love and end with intimacy.
Key Events
- Allie waits in Dean's room and they reunite after his weekend in New York.
- Dean reports that Allie's father is okay; the ambulance call was just a precaution.
- Allie states she has finished her period of self-reflection and wants to be with Dean.
- Dean presents plane tickets he bought for Allie's father, thinking that was the reason she would turn down the TV role.
- Allie explains her true reason for declining the role: she doesn't like the script or the required seven-year contract.
- Dean reveals he has decided to become a PE teacher instead of a lawyer and has already spoken with his family and a school in Manhattan.
- They reaffirm their love and become intimate.
Character Development
Allie demonstrates significant growth in this chapter. She acknowledges that her time alone proved she can be independent, but she chooses to be with Dean because she wants to, not out of need. Her decision to reject the FOX role is made entirely on her own terms—she dislikes the script and the long-term commitment. This marks a shift from earlier in the series when she often defined herself by her relationships.
Dean undergoes a major transformation. He abandons the law school path that was expected of him and instead pursues a career as a PE teacher. This decision reflects his reconciliation with imperfection following his breakdown in the previous chapter. He also shows thoughtful consideration for Allie's father, arranging tickets to allow the family to stay together. His conversation with his father and brother indicates he is learning to communicate and seek support from his family.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs Actually Evidenced Here
Self-Determination: Both characters make life-altering decisions based on internal conviction. Allie refuses a prestigious role because it doesn't align with her artistic standards; Dean chooses a less conventional career because it brings him joy. Neither acts out of obligation or to please someone else.
Family and Support: The chapter highlights the importance of chosen and biological family. Dean involves Allie's father in their plans, and he receives support from his own family for his career change. This contrasts with earlier conflicts where Dean felt pressure to live up to expectations.
Communication: A key motif is the correction of assumptions. Dean assumed Allie was giving up her dream for her father, but Allie clarifies her real reason. This honest exchange prevents resentment and strengthens their bond.
Why This Chapter Matters
This chapter resolves the romantic tension that built during Allie's period of self-reflection. It solidifies Dean and Allie's commitment and aligns their futures: Allie asserts her professional independence, while Dean commits to a meaningful career. The chapter also ties up the lingering subplot about Allie's father and Dean's future, showing that both characters have grown individually and as a couple. It serves as a turning point where they actively choose each other and their authentic paths.
Study Questions and Answers
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Why does Allie turn down the FOX role despite Dean's prepared solution?
Allie declines because she does not like the role or the required seven-year commitment. She makes the decision based on her own professional judgment, not because of her father or Dean. -
What does Dean's career change reveal about his character arc?
Dean decided to become a PE teacher rather than a lawyer, reflecting his desire for work that brings him joy and purpose. This change shows he has overcome his fear of imperfection and is willing to pursue a less conventional but fulfilling path. -
How does the chapter demonstrate the theme of communication?
Dean initially assumes Allie is giving up her dream for her father, but Allie corrects him. Their honest conversation prevents misunderstanding and strengthens their relationship, emphasizing that open dialogue is essential for a healthy partnership.