A Good Neighborhood

Valerie tells her boyfriend, Chris, that she filed a lawsuit against Brad and his contractor while she is visiting him in Virginia. Chris is upset that Valerie didn’t talk to him because he doesn’t like that she had to do it alone. They are both having a hard time with the long-distance relationship, but they are both hesitant to give up their jobs and homes. Chris suggests they flip a coin to solve the issue. Valerie considers her suggestion, thinking that with Xavier leaving and her tree dying, she could use a change.

Valerie then tells Chris about Xavier’s feelings for Juniper. She explains that Juniper isn’t allowed to date and that, if she were, Brad likely would not approve of Xavier. Valerie likes Juniper, but she is concerned about the consequences that might result from racism in society. She is offended by the purity pledge Juniper was manipulated into taking, which she sees as disempowering, sexist, and ineffective. The day before, Valerie and Juniper had talked after Juniper and Pepper lost their ball in Valerie’s yard. Juniper mentioned that she wants to study ecology and similar sciences, and Valerie encouraged her to pursue her dreams. Although the encounter was positive, it did not change Valerie’s mind about Xavier’s staying away from Juniper.

Valerie is stressed by the lawsuit, and it is impacting her mood. She feels strongly that she needs to support the cause. Valerie had gotten a full-ride scholarship to Michigan State University, and she was excited to move and leave behind Uncle Ray, the neighbor who used to flash her and assault her. She enjoyed school, and she wanted to make a difference in the world, so she spent her time off volunteering to help better the environment. She received multiple job offers after achieving her PhD, and she chose to accept a position teaching ecology in North Carolina. She met Tom, who was a political activist and a professor. They married, despite their families’ lack of acceptance.