Hearts Unbroken

Louise tries to talk with Joey again after the musical, but Joey tells her he is busy. Irritated, Louise tells herself that she has tried repeatedly to apologize and that it’s not her fault that Joey is so stubborn and “unreasonable.” Then, she realizes that her attitude is the problem; “Holy crap, I was the Cam Ryan of the situation!” (239). Next, Hannah approaches Louise to ask her to meet with Cam so that he can get closure for the way their relationship ended. Louise agrees. Emily takes Louise home from the musical on her brother’s motorcycle. Emily confides that she and Rebecca are involved in a romantic relationship, and Louise congratulates her. Emily advises Louise, based on her experience with her three brothers, “Most guys think that the only negative emotion they’re allowed to feel is anger” (242) in trying to understand Joey’s reaction. She tells Louise making mistakes is common to everyone.

Louise changes tactics and writes Joey a lengthy note of apology. She tries to clarify the misunderstanding: “Please give me a chance. I swear, what you took away from the conversation and what I was trying to get across—farthest thing” (244). She puts the note in his locker and waits to see him read it, but when Joey arrives and sees who wrote the note, he tears it up.