The main thing John likes about Lorraine is her do-anything attitude. She doesn't treat him like his parents do by disregarding his feelings, nor does she scoff at the things he says or does. Mainly, John can be himself with Lorraine, and that is appealing.

Zindel makes us aware of the evolution of the relationship by showing us how John and Lorraine relate to one another across the different situations they encounter. From their first meeting on the bus, to their final day with the Pigman, the reader watches them grow up together and sees them fall for each other.