Pink Cashmere Sweater

The pink cashmere sweater that Ava hides in her closet is a symbol of her desire to own her own identity. An out-of-the-closet lesbian whose parents threw a party for her when they found out she was gay, the novel plays with the idea that young adults can be "in the closet" about much more than sexuality.

Cigarettes

The cigarettes that Chloe always smokes are a symbol of her desire to rebel. She is always smoking them around Ava, even in her bedroom. Ava is too timid to ask her not to, and so she puts up with the smoke even though she dislikes it.

Pastels

Alexis and her popular friends are referred to as the Pastels. Ava thinks that the name is perfect for them because they lack depth vibrancy and originality, but they are pretty and they all match together. She wants...