Along for the Ride

Auden finally finds her voice and encourages her dad to get back on the bike—to stop making excuses and prove his love to Heidi and Thisbe. When Auden tells him that he needs to try instead of just quitting, Robert is awakened to his need for transformation. The theme of second chances appears again as Auden says she doesn’t want him to miss his chance with Heidi and Thisbe when he could solve their issues if he just compromised. Because of Auden’s assertive, insightful speech, her father changes for the better. Like her, Robert chooses to get on the bike even after crashing.

Jason is also an example of second chances. Auden initially thinks they can have a redo of their failed prom date. Only later, when Jason stands her up again, does Auden grasp that they were never meant to be a couple. She and Jason didn’t need a second chance because they never should have had a first one. She doesn’t have strong feelings for Jason, unlike her attraction, care, and deep connection with Eli. Immediately after Jason apologizes that he can’t make it to the Beach Bash with her, Auden hurries to the bike shop to find Eli. Bolder and braver than earlier in the book, Auden takes the chance to ask Eli to be her date that night. Though he rejects her, she is still proud she asked, aware her heart wants only him.

When Victoria surprises Auden on the Beach Bash night, she shows a vulnerable part of herself that her daughter has never seen. Victoria admits that she feared Auden was changing too drastically over the summer; she worried that she didn’t have any room in her new life of girlfriends, social engagements, and a boyfriend—all topics they’ve never discussed in depth. Her mom apologizes for any hardships the divorce put Auden through, and for not opening up to her sooner about emotional topics. Auden can see through her mom’s “cold, hard” armor to her feelings, which allows Auden to be vulnerable too (365). She no longer feels anxiety or awkwardness speaking with Victoria about subjects beyond her studies, which brings a new level of intimacy to their relationship. The theme of silence versus speech is clear when they both reveal inner truths. Auden even shares that she wished they’d “talked more” about “everything” while she was growing up, and they agree to practice the “emotional talking thing” together (365). Auden has had plenty of practice with her new friends, so she swaps roles with Victoria as the mentor on this subject.

The closeness with her mother also reveals a change in both characters. Victoria has become more forthright, vulnerable, and open-minded to sensitive discussions. Auden has become more open, honest, and assertive in sharing her thoughts and feelings. They have also both learned to be less judgmental, as Heidi is much more capable and smarter than they thought. She isn’t worried about differentiating herself from her mother or father, since she wants to force her own path of independent ideas and decisions. Victoria respects her for this after Auden assures her that she will never lose her, even when they disagree.

When Auden shows off her bike skills in front of Eli, her changed identity is revealed. She is more resolute, spontaneous, honest, and courageous due to her quest, friendships, and meeting Eli. She dares jump her bike over the curb, which she never would have attempted at the novel’s start. Likewise, she wouldn’t have endured the embarrassing bike crashes or even asked Eli to be her date, but she’s braver now. Auden then candidly tells Eli she believes not just in second chances, but in as many chances as it takes to get something right. She admits to him that his thoughts about her were accurate; she did give up on things when she didn’t succeed. Her avoidance of any activities where she may fail was a mistake, and she doesn’t want to live her life that way any longer. Instead, Auden wants to continue to take chances, to work for things that matter, like their romance. These positive changes in Auden allow her and Eli to repair their relationship, to start anew with another chance at love.

The book comes full circle to the diner Auden used to visit when she couldn’t sleep. Now, the diner setting is where she meets Eli. Her original late-night spot turns into his quest area. This time, Auden fits the role of his mentor, leading him through the quest of returning to school. The balance and role shift between them solidify the true teamwork—the give and take—of a relationship, a lesson Robert and Victoria needed to learn as well. Auden and Eli literally meet each other halfway between their schools, and they metaphorically compromise to make their relationship work throughout the book, learning to balance Eli’s playfulness with Auden’s seriousness so they can enjoy the ride together.