Chapter Sixteen
Summary
- Maddie contemplates the implications of a third date, including societal expectations regarding sex.
- She searches online for advice about sex and readiness, revealing her inexperience and anxiety.
- Ben texts Maddie that he will meet her at the cinema, as he is running late from work.
- Maddie considers whether a relationship should precede sexual intimacy and contemplates the fancy setting of the Electric Cinema.
- Arriving at the cinema, Maddie settles into the luxurious environment. Her thoughts are preoccupied with worries about sex and education she received from church, a friend, and media.
- During the movie with Ben, Maddie internally debates whether she should have sex with him.
- After the movie, Ben invites Maddie for a nightcap, which triggers Maddie’s thoughts about potentially having sex.
- At Ben's place, Maddie feels nervous about the possibility of having sex. Ben's manner is comforting, but her anxiety persists.
- Maddie loses her virginity to Ben but finds the experience painful and disappointing.
- Post-sex, Maddie worries about potential pregnancy, regretting not using a condom, and questions her self-worth.
- Maddie searches for information on pregnancy risks while on birth control and is reassured by the effectiveness of the pill.
- The following morning, Maddie deals with the aftermath of her decision and Ben's casual attitude toward the absence of a condom.
- Ben discusses an upcoming work event and offers Maddie a chance to attend as his plus-one, which she accepts.
- Ben gifts Maddie with an assortment of macarons from London, suggesting a level of thoughtfulness.
- Despite misgivings and lingering emotional turbulence, Maddie eats a macaron at Ben's prompting in an attempt to maintain normalcy.