She ends up sharing an apartment with a woman named Lou Ann and her son, Dwayne Ray. Together Taylor, Turtle, Mattie, two refugees, Lou Ann and Dwayne Ray learn about friendship and belonging. Their lessons are learned through many experiences, including confrontations with Lou Ann's ex-husband, Angel, Dr. Pelinowsky, and others they meet along the way. Formerly known as Missy, Taylor chooses a new name as part of her new beginning process. She does not know where she is going and what she is going to do when she gets there, all she knows is that she wants out of Kentucky.
Turtle begins as the child no one wants.
She is abandoned by her natural American Indian mother for her own safety. In her old home, she was beaten and abused. Taylor names her Turtle because of her strong grip onto everything and anything that she can get her hands on. Her real name is noticed when, in the month of April, Taylor and Lou Ann are discussing their curiosity about Turtle's past. The only thing that Lou Ann got out of her marraige with Angel was her son, Dwayne Ray, and she loved him with all her heart.