Quote 1
Sometimes my mouth relaxes around Heather, if we're alone. Every time I try to talk to my parents or a teacher, I sputter or freeze. What is wrong with me? (24.3)
Heather and Melinda's relationship is rocky, but this thought shows that Melinda is actually more comfortable with her than she admits in her snarkier moments. We can also see that some of Melinda's speech problems are involuntary, beyond her control.
Quote 2
He says a million things without saying a word. I make a note to study David Petrakis. I have never heard a more eloquent silence. (27.24)
Silence isn't all bad for Melinda. It's one of the things she's learning about her freshman year. She admires it a little <em>too</em> much at times, and David gives her lessons about that too. David knows when to use silence and when to speak up.
Quote 3
Maybe I'll be an artist when I grow up. (36.7)
People become artists for lots of different reasons. Art is a way to explore emotions and experience. Art shares ideas and opens conversations. Why do you think Melinda wants to be an artist?