Shelley was a little spacey, but all in all, she seemed a decent person. I understand the rivalry thing or the feeling of resentment, but some step parents can be real mean and nasty to their kids. If it wasn't for Shelley, the dad would have never come around. Shelly really stood up for Vada. Towards, the end, Vada started coming around, but she should have been more thankful.
"Duh. You're the idiot. Not me."
Vada did like Shelley, she just didn't like Shelley being with her Dad. Vada was jealous because she was struggling for Harry's attention and he never had time for her, yet he was able to make time for Shelley. Vada understandably felt jilted and her dad couldn't see that, so Shelley was the only one to whom Vada could show her bitterness. It was really Harry's fault for being too oblivious to see that his daughter was a child who needed his love and understanding. He thought she should see herself as a mini adult who could handle anything on her own.
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Agreed with both responses. Veda even says while lamenting to Thomas J. that his dad proposed to Shelly, "He likes her more than me".
shareVada wanted her dads attention, Shelly was stealing it from her perspective.
shareSome kids just don't like the idea of anyone replacing their real biological parent. I'm sure she'd react the same way if her dad had passed and her mom was getting remarried.
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