Chapters 19-20 Summary

In Chapter 19, Portland is the same, but Lena feels she has changed. When she gets home, Carol asks her to dress nicely and do her hair. Brian Scharff is coming over. Lena doesn't want to meet him, but she has no choice. She is supposed to meet Alex at noon, but she won't be able to. She can't even get him a message. Carol makes her stay inside and fold towels and linens while they wait for Brian to arrive.

Brian is thin and short, with asthma and allergies. Lena goes to get Brian and his mother some water, and she's glad to get out of the room. As she comes back, though, she overhears Brian saying she's not as pretty as her picture, and she makes an excuse to go outside. Brian follows her out. He admits he was rude...