A Good Neighborhood

Valerie tells her boyfriend, Chris, that she filed a lawsuit against Brad and his contractor while she is visiting him in Virginia. Chris is upset that Valerie didn’t talk to him because he doesn’t like that she had to do it alone. They are both having a hard time with the long-distance relationship, but they are both hesitant to give up their jobs and homes. Chris suggests they flip a coin to solve the issue. Valerie considers her suggestion, thinking that with Xavier leaving and her tree dying, she could use a change.

Valerie then tells Chris about Xavier’s feelings for Juniper. She explains that Juniper isn’t allowed to date and that, if she were, Brad likely would not approve of Xavier. Valerie likes Juniper, but she is concerned about the consequences that might result from racism in society. She is offended by the purity pledge Juniper was manipulated into taking, which she sees as disempowering, sexist, and ineffective. The day before, Valerie and Juniper had talked after Juniper and Pepper lost their ball in Valerie’s yard. Juniper mentioned that she wants to study ecology and similar sciences, and Valerie encouraged her to pursue her dreams. Although the encounter was positive, it did not change Valerie’s mind about Xavier’s staying away from Juniper.