Always and Forever, Lara Jean

While the rest of their friends are travelling to the beach together, Peter and Lara Jean go separately in his two-seater car. He is in a good mood and has brought donuts meant only for Lara Jean because he has been in “fitness mode” since his difficult training weekend. Kitty asks if Peter knows about Korea yet. Lara Jean is forced to explain what she means as they pack, telling him it was a birthday present from her father. Lara Jean acknowledges to herself that she never would have hesitated if Peter wasn’t in the picture; she wants to go, but she doesn’t want to be away from him for a month. Peter is troubled. His happy mood fades as he remembers their Fourth of July plans, and he declares, “The summer’s going to suck” (444). Peter’s father calls on the drive, but he ignores it.

At the beach, Lara Jean shares a room with Chris on the top level of the house, which makes her feel like she’s in a lighthouse. Each of the girls has taken up a different role—for example, Pammy is the “den mom” and Lara Jean is the cook.