Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda: Chapter 17 Summary & Analysis

Simon feels as though he absolutely has to meet Blue in person. He tries to tell himself that Blue lives in his computer, but Simon feels actually a bit in love with him. At rehearsal, Simon stares at Cal, hoping for a clue. Cal pulls out a book that disappointingly turns out to be Fahrenheit 451. Simon wonders what a person looks like when their walls are coming down. Simon isn't the only one having trouble focusing; everyone is worked up over something posted on creeksecrets. Ms. Albright lets rehearsal out early because of this.

Simon grabs his dog Bieber and walks to Nick's house. He runs into Leah just pulling into Nick's driveway, and Leah and Simon head into the basement. Nick and Leah embark on a discussion of Doctor Who while Simon lies on the floor, lost in thought about Blue. Simon thinks he has no idea how to tell Nick and Leah he's gay, as he fears they won't recognize him afterwards. Martin texts about going to Waffle House again, which Simon ignores, and he thinks he hates feeling distant from Nick and Leah—even if they never talk about crushes anyway.

Simon spends the first Saturday of Christmas break at school for an all-day rehearsal. He feels far away as he eats donuts and drinks coffee with the cast, all in pajamas. He mulls over the fact that he didn't take any of his chances to tell Nick and Leah that he's gay this past week, and tries to not think about how flirtatious Blue is. Martin walks onstage in a nightgown and curlers, and Ms. Albright calls the group to order. She explains the plan for the day and then gives everyone a few minutes before they start.

Simon goes and sits down next to Cal, who is drawing in his binder. Cal comments on the Labradors on Simon's pajamas, which Simon tells the reader are clearly golden retrievers. However, Simon forgives this and asks Cal about his drawing. It's of a superhero, which makes Simon's heart clench given Blue's affinity for superheroes. Simon looks up to see Abby looking at him knowingly, so he gives her the stink eye.

Ms. Albright sends a group to the music room with Cal to practice some of the songs. The students goof off and Taylor throws away a mysterious set list of classic rock songs, which Simon thinks fits right in with Taylor's personality. Cal plays the piano accompaniments of the songs, which they run through once, and then there's an hour before they need to return to the auditorium. They sing Disney songs and then have races pushing each other in rolling chairs down the hallway. Cal pushes Simon in one race and after, instead of giving Simon a high five, he laces his fingers through Simon's for a moment.

Abby and Taylor have a go on the chairs, and when they're done, Abby collapses into Simon. They sit on the floor, arms around each other, and watch the freshmen race. When the group finally heads back to the auditorium, Simon notices that both Cal and Martin have been watching him. Martin angrily pulls Simon aside and accuses Simon of trying to humiliate him. Martin doesn't agree that what he's doing is blackmail, but insists the whole thing is over—Abby rejected Martin right before she snuggled with Simon. Martin storms out, leaving Simon confused.