Lily and Dunkin

At the start of the novel, Lily feels like she is the only person in all of Florida “dealing with what [she] is” (1). While she practices being Lily, she feels a mixture of excitement about finally getting to be who she really is and terror at how people might react. Lily benefits from a great deal of support from her mother, sister, and best friend, Dare. However, there are times Lily doesn’t feel ready to take the steps Dare pushes her to take, and she struggles with her father’s disapproval. Lily suffers loneliness, as Dare is her only friend, so when she meets Dunkin and finds him intriguing, she longs to become friends with him.

Lily’s compassionate side is on full display with Dunkin. Despite his repeated betrayals, Lily continues to give him the benefit of the doubt, sending him a note when he feels embarrassed about his name on the first day and giving him the thumbs-up of encouragement when he scores on his own basket.

Lily’s revelation of her secret to Dunkin, Dunkin’s breakdown, and Vasquez’s ultimate cruelty in the school locker room all contribute to Lily’s decision to be her true self in front of everyone.