Once she realized who she was then she was able to open up and begin to love until she got hurt. Even then she found other means to express herself such as the photographs or the drums until she founf love again. As for Cherokee, her struggle was fitting in. She had to realize she was different by having three dads. Her capability to love was easier but she lost herself in trying to help others.
Adolescence is never an easy time.
It is findig yourself, finding out who others are, having new experiences and loves and this is exactly what witch baby and cherokee did. Although, Block portrayed the two kids lives differently than I grew up, I was still able to reflect back and remember those rough times. I think Witch baby and Cherokee were both searching to find themselves and about other people. They needed this time of soul searching in order to become the people they are today.