Why does Molly wear a nose ring?

Molly likes to appear tough..... the nose ring is a part of her "goth" look. Over the course of the novel, Molly's appearance changes as a result of her inner transformation. The more relaxed she becomes in her own life..... the more she allows the real Molly to shine through. Ridding herself of the nose ring is a part of her outward tranformation...... reflecting the changes she feels inside.