West realizes his dad is really gone after the funeral. He picks up Maggie and they take another drive. Thinking about Jude, the past, and the future, he realizes that he wants to be more than friends with Maggie. When they stop the truck, he pulls her close; they kiss and have sex.

Maggie has sex with West even though she knows he’s “lost and hurting and seeking comfort” (222). She worries she’s just a distraction for him but doesn’t tell him to stop because West keeps saying how much he cares about her. Maggie assures West she won’t regret sleeping with him.

West feels different having sex with Maggie. Afterwards, he holds her, realizing he’s found what he’s been looking for.

West and Maggie don’t hide their relationship at school. When Brady sees Maggie talking to West, he confronts her. West stands in his way and defends Maggie but isn’t sure what he’ll do if others see Maggie talking, too.