Strangers on a Plane

Bailey, anxious and tightly wound, endures her first solo flight seated next to a boy she dubs "Mr. Nothing" for his sarcastic shirt and even sharper tongue. Their banter is prickly, with Bailey's irritation matched only by her reluctant fascination with his looks and confidence. Despite their mutual annoyance, a strange intimacy forms as they share small details—her drink order, his smirk, the music in their headphones. When the plane lands, Bailey is relieved to escape, but a brief, sincere exchange lingers: he thanks her for trying to be kind, hinting at hidden vulnerabilities beneath his bravado. Their encounter, though fleeting, leaves both unsettled and unexpectedly seen, setting the stage for a summer neither will forget.

Unlikely First Impressions

Charlie, the boy from the plane, reflects on his own behavior, recognizing he was a jerk but also oddly drawn to Bailey's earnestness. He's fresh off a family upheaval, feeling displaced and raw, and her attempt to reassure him—"I'm sure no one hates you"—sticks with him. At baggage claim, he watches her, noticing her nervous habits and the way she blots her lip gloss, wondering about her life beyond the flight. When his cousin Wes arrives, their easy camaraderie contrasts with Charlie's earlier discomfort, but Bailey's presence lingers in his mind. The first impression is complicated: annoyance, curiosity, and a spark of something more.

Baggage Claim Realizations

As Bailey and Charlie part ways at the airport, both are left with a sense of unfinished business. Charlie's internal monologue reveals a longing for connection, even as he tries to brush off his interest in Bailey. Meanwhile, Bailey is preoccupied with her own anxieties about the summer ahead in Nebraska, but the encounter with Charlie—his teasing, his unexpected gratitude—keeps replaying in her mind. The airport becomes a liminal space, a threshold between old routines and new possibilities, where both characters sense that something important has shifted, even if they can't yet name it.

Cousins Reunited

Charlie is picked up by his cousin Wes, whose easygoing nature and shared history provide comfort amid the chaos of family divorce and relocation. Their banter is filled with inside jokes and gentle ribbing, a reminder of the stability that family can offer even when everything else feels uncertain. As they head home, the conversation turns to the girl from the plane—Bailey—whom Wes teases Charlie about, sensing his cousin's interest. The reunion is both a return to childhood dynamics and a step toward new beginnings, as the boys prepare to navigate a summer that promises change.

Backyard Rivalries

Wes's attention shifts to Liz, his next-door neighbor and longtime frenemy, who is reading under her favorite tree. Their relationship is defined by playful antagonism—throwing footballs over fences, trading barbs about hair and hobbies—but beneath the surface lies a deep familiarity and unspoken affection. When Charlie joins the backyard games, the dynamic shifts, introducing a new element of competition and curiosity. The backyard becomes a stage for old rivalries and new crushes, as boundaries—literal and emotional—are tested and redrawn.

The Girl Next Door

Liz observes the antics of Wes and Charlie from her vantage point under the cottonwood tree, bemused by their immaturity but also intrigued by Charlie's easy charm. Her history with Wes is complicated: years of bickering, shared secrets, and moments of unexpected tenderness. When Charlie is introduced, Liz is caught off guard by her own reaction—nervous, self-conscious, and suddenly aware of the possibilities that summer might hold. The familiar landscape of her backyard feels charged with new energy, as old patterns are disrupted by fresh faces and feelings.

Fences and Flirtations

The literal fence between Wes and Liz's yards serves as both obstacle and invitation, with footballs and teasing words flying back and forth. Wes uses the pretense of retrieving lost sports equipment to initiate conversations with Liz, their banter masking deeper feelings neither is ready to admit. The fence is also a metaphor for the emotional walls they've built, protecting themselves from vulnerability even as they long for connection. As the summer unfolds, these boundaries are tested, and the possibility of something more begins to emerge.

Awkward Introductions

When Charlie is introduced to Liz, the chemistry is immediate but complicated by Wes's protective, teasing presence. Liz is flustered by Charlie's attention, while Wes masks his own feelings with sarcasm and bravado. The triangle is set: old loyalties, new attractions, and the potential for jealousy and misunderstanding. The awkwardness of first meetings is heightened by the weight of unspoken histories and the fear of disrupting fragile friendships. Each character is forced to confront their own desires and insecurities, setting the stage for emotional growth.

Old Tensions, New Crushes

As Liz and Charlie grow closer, Wes struggles with feelings he can't quite articulate—resentment, protectiveness, and perhaps something more. Liz, meanwhile, is torn between her longstanding rivalry with Wes and her budding interest in Charlie, unsure of what she truly wants. The summer becomes a crucible for these emotions, as old tensions resurface and new crushes complicate established relationships. The characters are forced to navigate the messy terrain of adolescence, where friendship, attraction, and loyalty are constantly in flux.

Misunderstandings and Mischief

The playful antagonism between Wes and Liz takes on new intensity as misunderstandings multiply—overheard conversations, misinterpreted gestures, and the ever-present threat of embarrassment. Charlie's presence adds fuel to the fire, as both boys vie for Liz's attention in their own ways. The mischief is both a defense mechanism and a means of connection, allowing the characters to express feelings they can't yet name. Through laughter and frustration, they inch closer to honesty, even as they risk hurting each other.

Summer of Second Chances

As the summer progresses, the characters are given chances to confront their past mistakes and make amends. Bailey, adjusting to life in Nebraska, finds herself drawn into the orbit of Wes, Liz, and Charlie, each of whom is grappling with their own regrets and hopes. The theme of second chances runs throughout, as old wounds are reopened and healed, and the possibility of starting over becomes real. The characters learn that forgiveness—of themselves and each other—is essential for moving forward.

Secrets and Softening Hearts

Beneath the banter and bravado, each character harbors secrets and insecurities: Wes's fear of not being enough, Liz's longing for acceptance, Charlie's struggle with family upheaval, and Bailey's anxiety about fitting in. As trust builds, these vulnerabilities are shared, leading to moments of genuine connection and understanding. The process is messy and sometimes painful, but it allows the characters to see each other—and themselves—more clearly. Hearts begin to soften, and the possibility of love, in all its forms, becomes tangible.

Crossing Emotional Boundaries

The relationships between the characters evolve, as lines between friendship and romance blur. Wes and Liz, in particular, are forced to confront the depth of their feelings for each other, moving beyond playful antagonism to real intimacy. Charlie and Bailey, too, find themselves drawn together by shared experiences and mutual respect. The process of crossing emotional boundaries is fraught with risk, but it is also the key to growth and fulfillment. The characters learn that vulnerability is not weakness, but strength.

Honest Conversations

After a series of misunderstandings and near-misses, the characters finally have the honest conversations they've been avoiding. Apologies are made, feelings are confessed, and the air is cleared. These moments of truth are both cathartic and transformative, allowing the characters to move past old hurts and embrace new possibilities. The power of communication is underscored, as the characters realize that honesty—though difficult—is the foundation of any meaningful relationship.

Facing the Past

The characters are forced to confront the lingering effects of past experiences—family divorce, broken friendships, and personal failures. Through reflection and dialogue, they begin to understand how these events have shaped their identities and relationships. The process is not easy, but it is necessary for healing and growth. By facing the past, the characters are able to let go of old resentments and embrace the future with hope and courage.

Growth and Letting Go

As the summer draws to a close, the characters have each undergone significant growth. They have learned to accept themselves and each other, flaws and all, and to let go of the need for control or perfection. The process of letting go—of old grudges, unrealistic expectations, and fear—allows them to move forward with confidence and optimism. The theme of growth is central, as the characters realize that change, though difficult, is both possible and necessary.

Choosing What Matters

In the end, the characters must decide what truly matters to them: the safety of old routines or the risk of new beginnings. They choose to prioritize love, friendship, and authenticity, even when it means facing uncertainty or disappointment. The choices they make reflect their newfound maturity and self-awareness, as they commit to being better—both for themselves and for each other. The story's resolution is hopeful, emphasizing the importance of connection and the power of choice.

Better Than Before

The summer ends with the characters in a better place—stronger, wiser, and more open to the possibilities of life and love. The lessons they have learned about vulnerability, forgiveness, and growth will guide them as they move forward, both individually and together. The story closes on a note of optimism, suggesting that while the past cannot be changed, the future is full of promise. The characters are, in every sense, better than before.

Characters

Bailey

Bailey is the protagonist whose summer in Nebraska is marked by upheaval and self-discovery. Initially defined by her anxiety and need for control, she is thrust into uncomfortable situations—starting with her encounter with Charlie on the plane—that force her to confront her fears and insecurities. Bailey's kindness and empathy set her apart, even as she struggles to fit in and find her place. Her journey is one of gradual transformation, as she learns to let go of perfectionism and embrace vulnerability. Through her relationships with Charlie, Wes, and Liz, Bailey discovers the strength that comes from honesty and connection, ultimately emerging more confident and self-assured.

Charlie

Charlie is Bailey's counterpart, a boy grappling with the fallout of his parents' divorce and the loss of his old life. His sarcasm and bravado mask a deep sense of insecurity and longing for acceptance. Charlie's initial antagonism toward Bailey is a defense mechanism, but her genuine kindness begins to break through his walls. His relationship with his cousin Wes provides stability, but it is his growing connection with Bailey that catalyzes his emotional growth. Charlie's arc is one of learning to trust others—and himself—enough to risk being vulnerable, ultimately finding a sense of belonging and hope.

Wes

Wes is the quintessential boy-next-door, whose relationship with Liz is defined by years of playful rivalry and unspoken affection. Outwardly confident and quick with a joke, Wes hides his own fears of inadequacy and rejection. His dynamic with Charlie is brotherly, providing both support and competition. With Liz, Wes is both antagonist and confidant, their banter masking deeper feelings. Over the course of the summer, Wes is forced to confront his true emotions, learning that real strength lies in honesty and vulnerability. His growth is marked by a willingness to let down his guard and pursue what he truly wants.

Liz

Liz is Wes's neighbor and longtime sparring partner, whose quick wit and fierce independence mask a longing for acceptance and love. Her relationship with Wes is complicated by years of bickering and mutual attraction, while her interactions with Charlie introduce new possibilities and insecurities. Liz's journey is one of self-acceptance, as she learns to trust her own feelings and open herself up to others. Her vulnerability, once hidden behind sarcasm, becomes a source of strength as she navigates the complexities of friendship and romance.

Bailey's Mother

Bailey's mother is a background presence, her own challenges—work, single parenthood—mirroring Bailey's struggles with change and uncertainty. Though not a central figure, her love and support provide a foundation for Bailey's growth, even as their relationship is tested by the pressures of the summer.

Uncle Larry

Uncle Larry represents the older generation's approach to family and masculinity—stoic, practical, sometimes intimidating. His interactions with Charlie and Wes highlight the generational divide, but also the enduring importance of family bonds.

Wes's Father

Wes's father is a figure of both comfort and frustration, his insistence on traditional activities (like throwing a football) serving as both a source of connection and a barrier to deeper communication. His presence underscores the challenges of navigating family expectations and forging one's own path.

Sarah

Sarah, Wes's sister, is a minor but important character, her presence serving as a reminder of the complexities of sibling relationships and the ways in which family dynamics shape individual growth.

Wes's Mother

Wes's mother provides a stabilizing influence in the household, her warmth and understanding helping to balance the more abrasive personalities around her.

Nicole

Though not a character in the traditional sense, Nicole—the artist whose album Bailey listens to on repeat—serves as a touchstone for Bailey's emotional state, her music providing comfort and continuity amid the chaos of change.

Plot Devices

Dual Perspectives and Shifting Narration

The novel employs a dual (and sometimes multiple) perspective structure, allowing readers to experience events through the eyes of Bailey, Charlie, Wes, and Liz. This narrative device provides insight into each character's internal struggles and motivations, highlighting the ways in which misunderstandings and assumptions shape relationships. The shifting narration also creates dramatic irony, as readers are privy to information that the characters themselves lack, heightening tension and anticipation. The use of alternating perspectives underscores the theme of empathy, reminding readers that everyone has their own battles and that true connection requires seeing beyond the surface.

Banter and Verbal Sparring

The novel's signature banter serves as a plot device that both reveals and conceals emotion. Characters use sarcasm and teasing to mask vulnerability, but their verbal sparring also becomes a means of forging intimacy and trust. The quick-witted dialogue propels the story forward, providing both humor and insight into the characters' psyches. This device reflects the complexities of adolescent communication, where words are often used to test boundaries and express affection indirectly.

Symbolic Boundaries

The recurring motif of fences—literal backyard barriers, emotional walls, and social boundaries—serves as a powerful symbol throughout the novel. Characters must navigate these obstacles, learning when to respect boundaries and when to cross them in pursuit of connection. The act of climbing over fences becomes a metaphor for risk-taking and vulnerability, while the eventual opening of gates signifies the possibility of genuine intimacy.

Foreshadowing and Callbacks

The novel uses foreshadowing and callbacks—such as the initial plane encounter, the mention of baby pillows, and the recurring football games—to create a sense of cohesion and thematic resonance. These devices remind readers that growth is a process, and that small moments can have lasting significance. The repetition of certain phrases and actions underscores the characters' development, as they move from defensiveness to openness, from isolation to connection.

Analysis

Lynn Painter's "Better Than Before" is a contemporary coming-of-age romance that deftly explores the messy, exhilarating process of growing up and learning to love—both oneself and others. Through its ensemble cast and alternating perspectives, the novel captures the emotional turbulence of adolescence: the longing for acceptance, the fear of vulnerability, and the thrill of new beginnings. Painter's sharp, witty dialogue and keen psychological insight elevate the story beyond typical teen romance, offering a nuanced portrayal of how humor and banter can both shield and reveal the heart. The recurring motifs of fences and boundaries—both literal and metaphorical—underscore the central theme: that true connection requires the courage to cross into the unknown, to risk rejection in pursuit of something real. Ultimately, "Better Than Before" is a hopeful, affirming narrative about second chances, the power of honest communication, and the transformative potential of love and friendship. It reminds readers that while the past shapes us, it does not define us—and that, with openness and courage, we can always become better than before.

Last updated: November 23, 2025