Speak

The PTA starts a petition to change the team name again after hearing the cheerleaders chant something that involves the words “horny horny Hornets” (141). The school council starts a counterpetition pleading for stability and consistency, defending their identity as hornets. Melinda finds it all amusing.

The snow begins to thaw as spring rolls in. Melinda observes Rachel hanging out with Andy Evans. Easter is spent in near silence, and Melinda attends all her classes.

Over spring break, Melinda goes to the mall to escape the tension at home. She runs into Ivy, who breaks the silence by starting a conversation about the chaotic atmosphere at the face-painting stand. Melinda asks what Ivy is sketching and sits down next to her to see that Ivy is sketching the faces of kids who got painted. Melinda compliments the drawings, and Ivy praises Melinda’s turkey bone creation from months ago. She offers Ivy a Lifesaver candy, and Ivy asks about Melinda’s tree creation. She suggests Melinda just let go and draw it, and the two take turns drawing a tree together. Ivy gives Melinda a helpful tip: “Layer the leaves and make them slightly different sizes” (146).