Samantha's world shifts as she navigates new relationships and confronts old anxieties. She finds herself drawn closer to AJ Olsen, sharing vulnerable parts of herself and experiencing the thrill of first love. Simultaneously, she begins to assert her independence from the controlling influence of the Crazy Eights, marking a significant turning point in her journey toward self-acceptance.
Chapter 26: No Shit
Samantha McAllister takes AJ to her sanctuary: the North Valley Swim and Tennis Club. There, she reveals her prowess as a competitive swimmer, surprising him with her county record. Sam, uncharacteristically self-conscious, slips into the pool, followed by AJ. She demonstrates her writing process by swimming laps, composing a poem in her head, her rhythm a subtle nod to her OCD rituals, highlighting the theme of Mental Health and Illness.
AJ compliments her strong shoulders, a feature her friends mock, but he admires. He coaxes her to share the poem she wrote: "I didn't go there looking for you. I went looking for me. But now, here you are, and somehow, in finding you, I think I've found myself." The raw honesty leads to their first kiss, soft and perfect. Anxiety surfaces, and she fears AJ only likes the "normal" version of her. Sensing her hesitation, AJ admits he's wanted to kiss her for weeks, reassuring her and validating her feelings.
Chapter 27: Whatever This Is
The kissing continues, passionate and playful. Sam uses Caroline Madsen's "baseball trick" to push away intrusive thoughts about AJ's ex-girlfriend. In the car, AJ discovers her "Song for You" playlist, and Sam admits she created it for him after their first meeting, embracing the theme of Secrets and Honesty. AJ reveals he also wrote a song for her that day.
Arriving at AJ's house, Sam's anxiety spikes, and she asks, "What happens tomorrow?" AJ suggests they keep their relationship a secret "until we figure it out," easing her anxiety. She questions if she can handle another secret on top of hiding Poet's Corner from her therapist, Sue. As Led Zeppelin plays, AJ promises to learn it for her, solidifying their deep connection.
Chapter 28: It's Personal
At school, the Crazy Eights, led by Alexis and Kaitlyn, confront Sam for lying about swimming during lunch, revealing they've been spying on her. Sam's panic gives way to strength, a pivotal moment in her journey of Finding Your Voice and Self-Acceptance. She spots Caroline, worried Sam will expose Poet's Corner, and reassures her.
Instead of caving, Sam stands up for herself, telling them her lunchtime activities are "personal" and "none of your business." Stunned, they are unprepared for her confidence. Sam realizes she doesn't need to wait for college to reinvent herself. She extends an olive branch, and they dazedly agree to eat with her when she's free. Afterward, she excitedly tells Caroline everything about her night with AJ.
Chapter 29: Told You
Two weeks later, Sam and AJ's secret relationship flourishes. At Poet's Corner, Cameron reads a raw poem about his parents' divorce. Emily follows with a devastatingly beautiful poem titled "On My Way to You," written in the hospital room of her terminally ill mother. The room is moved to tears.
Sensing the need for levity, Sydney performs a witty poem about Auntie Anne's pretzels, making Emily laugh. AJ takes the stage, explaining he wants to play a song a "friend" recently reminded him of. He plays an instrumental version of "Bron-Yr-Aur," his eyes finding Sam's, giving her a secret smile. Afterward, AJ comforts Emily, and the group spontaneously forms a circle, hugging each other in a powerful display of communal support. This moment solidifies The Nature of Friendship as a source of genuine empathy, and Caroline mouths the words, "Told you."
Chapter 30: I Think We Should Tell People
While doing homework, AJ suggests they should tell people about their relationship. Sam's anxiety spikes as she imagines the judgment of the Crazy Eights. He reveals his ex-girlfriend, Devon, called him, and he wanted to be able to tell her he was in a new, serious relationship. The mention of Devon sends Sam's OCD into overdrive.
Instead of letting the thoughts spiral, Sam takes control. She directly asks AJ about his feelings for Devon. AJ is honest, reassuring her that his relationship with Sam is fundamentally "different." He explains that he never shared his music or Poet's Corner with Devon, highlighting the unique intimacy he shares with Sam. His words quiet her obsessive thoughts, and she agrees they should go public.
Key Events
- First Kiss: Sam and AJ share a vulnerable poem and their first kiss.
- Secret Pact: AJ suggests keeping their relationship a secret to ease Sam's anxiety.
- Confrontation: Sam stands up to the Crazy Eights, setting a boundary.
- Poet's Corner Support: The group rallies around Emily, showcasing their empathy.
- Going Public: Sam and AJ decide to stop hiding their relationship.
Character Development
- Samantha McAllister: Sam becomes more vulnerable, sharing her poetry and feelings. She gains confidence and sets boundaries, actively managing her OCD.
- AJ Olsen: AJ is sensitive, patient, and emotionally intelligent, creating a safe space for Sam.
- Crazy Eights: Their behavior solidifies their role as a source of toxic pressure.
- Poet's Corner: The group is shown as a true community, offering unconditional support.
Themes & Symbols
- Finding Your Voice and Self-Acceptance: Sam finds her voice by reciting her poem and standing up to her friends, prioritizing her own needs.
- The Nature of Friendship: The narrative contrasts the toxic friendship of the Crazy Eights with the authentic community of Poet's Corner.
- Secrets and Honesty: Sam and AJ's relationship begins with a secret but culminates in openness, signifying the strength of their bond.
- "Bron-Yr-Aur": The Led Zeppelin song symbolizes Sam and AJ's private, intimate connection.
Key Quotes
"I didn't go there looking for you. I went looking for me. But now, here you are, and somehow, in finding you, I think I've found myself."
This quote encapsulates Sam's journey of self-discovery and the unexpected role AJ plays in it. She initially seeks to find herself, but in finding love with AJ, she gains a deeper understanding of who she is.
"Personal"
Sam's simple declaration to the Crazy Eights is a powerful act of defiance and self-assertion. It marks a turning point where she prioritizes her own privacy and boundaries over the expectations of others, signaling her growing independence.
Significance
This section represents the climax of Sam's transformation, manifesting in her external life. Her relationship with AJ and her confrontation with the Crazy Eights result from her growing confidence. These chapters solidify the contrast between conformity and self-expression, setting the stage for the final act.
Analysis
Tamara Ireland Stone uses alternating settings to heighten the conflict in Sam's life, contrasting intimate spaces with the judgmental school hallway. This emphasizes what is at stake for Sam: genuine connection versus superficial acceptance. AJ's character serves as a foil to the Crazy Eights, reinforcing the theme that true acceptance comes from those who appreciate a person's authentic self. The resolution of Sam's obsessive spiral over Devon is significant, resolved by direct communication, presenting a healthy model for managing mental illness within a relationship.