Oliva Davidson's offbeat style sets her apart from the other students at Sweet Valley High. And until now, her mother has always encouraged Olivia in her artistic pursuits. But ever since Olivia started spending time with James Yates, another intense artist, Mrs. Davidson has been pushing Olivia to change her ways and begin thinking about college and earning a living.
Then, Olivia's career-oriented cousin Emily comes to town, and it's more than Olivia can take. Emily's got her whole life planned and organized in color-coded files; meanwhile, Olivia doesn't even have the money to buy a paintbrush! she's ready to give up her art and James forever. Then Mrs. Davidson reveals a strtling secret about her own past that forces Olivia to make what could be the most difficult and important decision of her whole life.
James pointed to Olivia's clothes. "At first I thought you were the lady who tried to sell me life insurance last week."
"So I'm wearing nice clothes," Olivia said huffily. "What's the nig deal?"
"No big deal. O just thought it was some kind of joke, that's all."
"I'm not trying to make a joke," she informed him. "If you want to know the truth, the way I used to dress was a joke."
"The way you used to dress was the truth, Olivia."
"Oh, come on. The whole artistc lookwas just an act. I don't need that anymore."
"Why? Are you going to tell me youv'e joined the world of trade and commerce? That you don't need art anymore?"
"Well, now that you mention it, I guess I have," Olivia said.
James stared at her silently for a moment. Finally he spoke. "I can't believe you just said that. Are you the same person who agreed that painting is something you have to do, something's that's part of who you are?"
"That was before," Olivia said irratably as she began to apce. She could feel James's eyes on her, and she prickled with indignation and confusion. He was making her say things she didn't really mean! He was making her sound cold and materialistic. He was making her defend posistions she suddenly wasn't really sure she wanted to defend!