There are many different motifs in this book. I chose three motifs that I believe were the most reoccurring throughout the story.
Perception:
Everyone throughout the story is perceived as someone they are not. Alex is thought to be a bad boy by many of the people in school, including Brittany. They never knew that he had been doing everything for his family. Brittany is perceived as this stuck up rich girl that seems to be perfect, but she really isn't. People tend to not get past perception and that's what makes the world so corrupt. Perception can be way off and most of the time it is. This book shows that people need to be open to getting to know someone like Brittany and Alex got to know each other.
Patience:
This book is really based off patience. Alex had to wait for Brittany to become available before he could swoop in and win her over. He had to be patience and wait for her to take the relationship to the next level. Brittany, I believe is the most patient character in this book. First off, she is patient with her demanding psychotic mother. She is also patient with her sister. It has to be hard to take care of someone when you are so young. Lastly, in the end when Alex leaves and goes to Mexico she is patient and waits for him to come around, and change himself.
Family:
Family is also a really important theme is this book. Both of the main characters are highly involved with their families. Alex is the father figure to his two young brothers. He is always trying to make sure they are the best that they can be. H doesn't want them to run into trouble with gangs. That's why he is in the gang himself. So his brothers do not have to be. Brittany is challenged every day with her family. Whether it is her mom criticizing her outfit, or her sister pulling her hair, it's always stressful for her. She takes care of her handicap sister, and when her mom tries to send her off to a special needs home, Brittany does everything she can to prevent that because she knows her sister would hate being away from her family.
Belle. "Blonde girl, brown guy". Photograph. 19 October 2011. My Book Boyfriend: Alejandro "Alex" Fuentes. Belle's Bookshelf. 28 October 2012
"Fuentes Brothers". Photograph. 15 January 2012. Chain Reaction (Perfect Chemistry) Amazon. 28 October 2012.
"Fuentes Brothers". Photograph. 15 January 2012. Chain Reaction (Perfect Chemistry) Amazon. 28 October 2012.