Lilly has never thought of herself as attractive. Her hair a all frizz, she has chicken legs, she doesn’t dress the way everyone else does… but during her time at the sisters’ house she begins to become more aware of her “self.” The more aware she becomes of herself, the more open she becomes to the things and people around her. “It was foolish to think some things were beyond happening, even being attracted to Negroes. I’d honestly though such a things couldn’t happen, the way water could not run uphill or salt could not taste sweet. A law of nature. Maybe it was a simple matter of being attracted to what I couldn’t have. “ Lilly realizes not only her attraction to Zach, but the possibility of having an attraction to anyone. To have feelings for someone is to give them a window. They have an opportunity to be close to you. Prior to Lilly staying at the house, she avoided people. She didn’t go out of her way to make friends at school, she couldn’t have a close relationship with her dad, and her friendship with Rosalee was at best shaky. Her acknowledgement of her increasing fascination with Zach is also recognition that she is willing to let someone that close.
I like this observation!! Having a possible relationship with a boy allows Lily to learn how to let her guard down. She begins to realize her value and self-worth once Zach gives her a chance to be herself and appreciates her for who she is, not for who he thinks she should be. For the first time Lily does not have to prove herself to anyone. She is accepted at face value, and I'm not sure that she knows how to handle that
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