“By eighth grade, she was one of the most popular girls in junior high, and it helped, having all those friends. When she was busy enough, she didn’t think about the woman who didn’t want her.”

Tully Hart’s abandonment by her mother haunts her. Throughout the novel, her response to the loneliness she feels is to lose herself in a crowd, especially when that crowd adores her.

“‘You looked lonely. Believe me, I know how that feels.’

‘You do? But you have a family.’

‘You’re so popular.’

‘Popular just means lots of people think they know you.’” 

In this exchange between young Kate and young Tully, readers are provided with a blueprint of their jealousies for the rest of the novel. Tully envies Kate her family and the security of their love, while Kate envies the appeal and charisma that Tully possesses.

“‘What matters, though, isn’t other people. That’s what I learned. Who your mom is and how she lives her life isn’t a reflection of you. You can make your own choices. And there’s nothing for you to be ashamed of. But you’ll have to dream big, Tully.’”

Mrs. Mularkey has a lasting effect on Tully. This conversation helps Tully realize her mother’s addiction and abandonment aren’t her fault and shouldn’t define her. Mrs. Mularkey also gives Tully hope and urges her to dream big. Later in the conversation, she references an anchorwoman as someone who has chased her dreams, and from that moment, Tully starts her relentless pursuit to be a star.