Speak(161-198)

Summary
Melinda ends up telling Rachael about Andy. She didn't believe her and got mad at her because she thought she was jealous of her. Rachael does eventually confront Andy about it and discovers the truth. Andy gets mad and attacks Melinda for ruining his reputation. She steps up and fights back instead of letting that experience traumatize her even further. At the end of the book it becomes clear that she has started the healing process because she decides to tell her art teacher about what happened to her over the year.

Quote
"IT happened.There is no avoiding it, no forgetting. No running away, or flying, or burying or hiding"(Anderson 198).

Reaction
this quote shows that Melinda has moved on and has accepted that what happened to her wasn't her fault. The symbolism in the story that Melinda started to change and accept what happened to her during the spring. It symbolizes the birth of a newer Melinda, one who can move on from the past and gain control of her life again.