Chapter 9

The play is a huge success, and everyone congratulates the players. Jamie thanks Landon for his part in the play and drives home with her father. Landon is saddened because he is unable to walk her home.

Landon believes that this is an important event for Jamie, which could help her behave more normally in school. However, when school re-opens, Jamie is back to her old self and so are her classmates’ attitudes toward her. She continues to have lunch alone while reading her Bible.

One day, she approaches Landon for some help. She reminds him that he had said he would do anything to make up for his rude behaviour during rehearsals. She wants him to collect the sixty cans and jars she has placed around town to collect change. Jamie intends to use it to buy Christmas presents for the orphans with the money she collects. Landon agrees to help.

On counting the money in the jars, Landon realises the sum is just a little over $50. Aware that this um is not enough to buy presents, he adds around $200 to the jars and then brings them to Jamie. Jamie is overjoyed at seeing the donation and wants Landon to join her in distributing gifts to the orphans.

On Christmas Eve, when Landon sees Jamie amidst the kids, reading to them, he realises how beautiful she looks. Landon describes the evening as the best Christmas Eve he’s ever experienced. Later, when Landon and Jamie exchange gifts, he gives her a new sweater, and she gives him her Bible. Landon is deeply touched by her gift. It is at this point in the novel that Landon realises he has fallen in love with Jamie.

In this chapter, Landon finally realises that he has fallen in love with Jamie. Her charity and selflessness make her attractive and beautiful. Landon has begun to care for others around him, more aware of their needs, which is reflected in his very generous donation for the orphans. Landon is no longer unsure of his love for Jamie or reluctant to help her. He even treasures the Bible that Jamie gives him even though he’s made fun of it in the past.