Love, Stargirl

Stargirl wants to leave a donut for Charlie at the cemetery, but worries, uncharacteristically, she would be disturbing him. She finally puts a donut in a white bag next to the grave overnight. When she checks the next day, the bag has been kicked or thrown farther away. She feels like a “meddling, nosy, interfering, inconsiderate, intruding busybody” (51). She tries again, and the bag is thrown farther away. She considers giving up.

Stargirl and Dootsie attend the Dogwood Festival, which includes a parade featuring the high school senior Dogwood Queen and her Court, bands, rides, and vendors. Dootsie snatches free candy but gives it away when Stargirl chastises her. The Dumpster boy steals a caramel apple. Alvina brutally beats up a blonde boy. When they are pulled apart, Stargirl notices a sparkly pink fingernail on Alvina’s little finger. Stargirl thinks Alvina is “a pip.” Dootsie declares she hates Alvina and Stargirl’s boyfriend for dumping her. Stargirl warns that hatred will push love out of Dootsie’s heart. Dootsie and Alvina have a silent contest of wills at Margie’s: Alvina puts a fist before Dootsie’s face, and Dootsie puts her teeth lightly over Alvina’s fist. The girls stare, then separate.