The narrator, Annabelle, recounts her life story, growing up with parents who were computer specialists and moving from Maryland to a cabin in the woods. The family is in witness protection after her parents testified against mobsters. Annabelle struggles to form lasting relationships due to constant moving. She befriends a girl named Leela, who has a troubled home life and a brother named Kyle. Leela confides in Annabelle about her family problems, but also spreads rumors and causes trouble. Annabelle and Kyle develop feelings for each other, but Leela's behavior causes tension. Eventually, Leela is caught stealing and expelled from school, and her family dynamics are revealed. The mobsters are arrested, and Annabelle's family is finally safe. Annabelle and Kyle start dating, and he gives her a silver bangle with their names carved on it before she leaves for college abroad.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The narrator, Annabelle, is from Maryland.
2. Her parents were computer specialists who worked from home.
3. Annabelle's parents were kind and friendly, and everyone in the neighborhood liked them.
4. Annabelle took after her mom's looks, but inherited her dad's curly hair.
5. In first grade, some mean girls teased Annabelle about her curly hair.
6. Annabelle became popular after a clever comeback to the teasing.
7. Annabelle's life in Maryland was good until her parents suddenly moved in the fourth grade.
8. Annabelle's parents told her to pack only her most important things, and they moved to a cabin deep in the woods.
9. Annabelle was confused and angry about the sudden move and not being able to say goodbye to her friends.
10. Annabelle's parents told her that the move was related to their work, but didn't explain further.
11. Annabelle made new friends in her new school, but her parents warned her not to get too close to anyone.
12. Annabelle's life continued until an incident in seventh grade when a man followed her and her mom in a grocery store.
13. Annabelle's mom took her hand and ran out of the store, and they escaped the man.
14. That night, Annabelle's parents told her that they had to move again.
15. Annabelle demanded to know the truth about their constantly moving.
16. Her parents finally told her that they were in witness protection and had testified against mobsters.
17. Annabelle met a girl named Leela in 10th grade, who became her friend.
18. Leela had a brother named Kyle, who Annabelle found attractive.
19. Annabelle's parents warned her to stay away from Kyle and Leela.
20. Leela told Annabelle that she thought Kyle had stolen some items from the cheerleaders' locker room.
21. Annabelle confronted Leela about the stolen items, and Leela confessed to taking them.
22. Leela promised to return the items and confess to the principal.
23. Annabelle's parents were furious that she had told Leela about their witness protection status.
24. Leela betrayed Annabelle's trust and revealed her secret to the class.
25. The police arrived at Annabelle's house and told them that the mobsters who had been after them had been arrested and sentenced to life in prison.
26. Annabelle and her parents were overjoyed and no longer had to run.
27. Annabelle confronted Leela about the stolen items, and Leela was expelled from school.
28. Leela was sent to live with her mom after being expelled.
29. Kyle asked Annabelle out, and they dated throughout high school.
30. Before Annabelle left to study abroad, Kyle gave her a silver bangle with their names carved on it.