Overview

In a flashback to Hallie’s 17th birthday, Hallie and Rio sneak time together after a family dinner, nearly escalating their physical relationship before being interrupted by Hallie’s brother, Luke. Later, on Hallie’s roof, Hallie voices fears about impending change as Rio prepares to leave for college, and Rio reassures her with promises of a shared future. The chapter centers on secrecy, first love, and the looming separation that threatens their stability.

Full Summary

The chapter opens with teenage Hallie and Rio alone in Hallie’s bedroom after a joint birthday dinner with both families. They make out and consider having sex for the first time, but Rio hesitates, burdened by guilt over hiding their relationship from Hallie’s brother, Luke. When Luke knocks on the locked door to check on Hallie, Rio panics, throws on his clothes, and climbs out the window. Hallie covers for their secrecy when she speaks to Luke, who expresses sadness about leaving for college soon and suggests they spend time together the next day.

After Luke leaves, Hallie retrieves her annual mix CD and climbs out to the roof to meet Rio, who has set up a blanket to stargaze. Hallie is struck by the perfection of the night but is haunted by Luke’s reminder that this is their last birthday together before college changes everything. She worries aloud about the future and whether Rio will forget her once he is away at a Division I hockey program.

Rio comforts Hallie, saying he fears the distance and missing her, but not their relationship. He insists that Hallie is central in his heart and mind, and he describes a future where they remain together, promising, “It’s you and me.” Hallie accepts his reassurance, though her insecurity lingers.

They listen to or prepare to listen to the new mix CD Hallie made, which is filled with songs tied to memories with Rio from the past year. Rio studies the handwritten “17” and “H” on the disc and playfully covers the extra tail on Hallie’s drawn heart, a recurring private joke. Hallie fixates on the small details, trying to memorize the moment because she knows they will not be on the roof together next year.

Rio closes by explaining why he is not afraid: he believes they have a lifetime of future birthdays and mix CDs ahead, reinforcing his commitment and hope despite the impending separation. The scene ends with this promise set against Hallie’s quiet apprehension about change and distance.

Who Appears

• Hallie Hart — narrator; turns 17; worries about the future as Rio prepares to leave; maintains secrecy from her brother; gives Rio her annual mix CD.
• Rio DeLuca — Hallie’s secret boyfriend; hesitates to have sex due to guilt over hiding the relationship from Luke; reassures Hallie about their future and promises commitment.
• Luke Hart — Hallie’s brother; unknowingly interrupts Hallie and Rio; expresses that he will miss Hallie when he leaves for college; wants to spend time with her.
• The DeLucas — Rio’s family; mentioned as attending the joint birthday dinner.
• Hallie’s parents and brother — present at the dinner; family context for the secret relationship.