Chapter 16

Isn't it lovely to see, how such inconspicuous feelings can even confuse our tough Ugly Girl? I sensed this already some chapters before, as she didn’t have the heart to speak to him in school. Usually, she isn’t frightened of anything and faces every sort of danger, but little Matt saying “hello” to her was just too intimidating.

But that isn’t the only change I noticed: Her whole way of recounting stories or explaining her feelings has become more lively and emotional. As she was in the art exhibition for example, the whole impression of her was positive, since she wasn’t annoyed by something, as she used to be all the time, she just enjoyed her inspiration coming back. To me, it was apparent, that something even more delightful had to follow, and I was right!
After feeling confirmed in herself by the extract she had read, her attention was drawn to the skaters. “My mouth went dry. My heart began to beat strangely.”(p.120, l.18). Isn’t it clear what has happened to her? I’m sure, she wouldn’t have even noticed “the real” Matt Donaghy on an ice rink, before the incident. I would even say that she was jealous of the girl, having fun with her “love”.
Her thoughts may have been: “Why can’t I be with him enjoying myself, holding hands and skating forever? I would just like to spend some time with the man, who accepts me as I am and doesn’t seem to care about the opinion of others anymore! He looks so cute in his skates and his red gloves...”
I almost had to laugh when she realised, that it wasn’t Matt skating with a girlfriend... Matt was much “nicer looking” (p.120, l.29). No doubt, that she has now understood her feelings, although she is still hesitating and trying to avoid them “This was not good” (p.121, l.2).
How will this go on? I can't tell...
But it's definitely a very interesting part of the story!