A Good Neighborhood

Xavier has his last day of high school, and he thinks he will miss school. Xavier has no political interests, and he worries that this makes him weak. Tom was an activist, but Xavier wants to focus on his music. He questions what the point of activism is if people have to keep fighting for rights instead of getting to live a harmonious life. He feels as strongly for Juniper as he does his music, and he wonders if his father would approve of his choices.

During homeroom, Joseph tells Xavier there is a party at a student’s house and that they should go. Xavier agrees but says that he isn’t staying over because he works the following morning. He will owe $30,000 a year for school after his scholarship. Joseph says he should go to state school, which is less expensive, but the school does not offer any programs that he is interested in. Joseph asks Andrea, a fellow student and one of the girls Xavier has slept with, for support, and she agrees that it would be nice to have Xavier at the state school. Homeroom ends, and Joseph asks if Xavier’s hesitation is about Juniper, which Xavier denies.

Valerie tells Xavier that she is suing Brad Whitman and the builder that he hired. She says Brad does not know yet but that he will be served with the paperwork soon. Xavier is upset, and he argues with Valerie about the lawsuit. She reveals that the lawsuit is for $500,000, and she says the money can help pay Xavier’s tuition. Xavier snaps at the idea that Valerie is blaming him for the cost of his school.

Valerie is concerned about Xavier’s reaction, and she asks him why he is so upset. He says he does not want contention between the neighboring families. Later that night, he confesses that he has feelings for Juniper. Valerie is taken aback by the news, and she strongly advises against pursing Juniper. Valerie says Juniper is “very, very white” and that people in the area will be bothered by their relationship (113). She and Tom had experienced harassment and discrimination. Xavier thinks that things have changed over time, and Valerie admits she is probably being overprotective by telling him not to date any white girls. However, she does not waver in her assertion that Xavier should stay away from Juniper. She warns him that Brad will not accept the relationship. Xavier thinks it will not matter since he is leaving and since Valerie is suing Brad, which will ruin his chances of dating Juniper.

The narrators announce a “turning point” and reflect on Valerie’s and Brad’s perceptions. Valerie views Brad as a non-stereotypical villain, while Brad would point to Valerie as the issue. The narrators question who they would call the villain.