Catherine, a girl from a small town in Norway, was born with dark hair and dark eyes, unlike the rest of her pale-skinned and light-haired family. Her parents were cruel and ashamed of her appearance, making her feel like an outcast. When Catherine was 11, a kind American woman named Betty adopted her and took her to the USA.
In her new school, Catherine initially struggled to fit in, but eventually found friends who appreciated her unique features. However, she soon discovered that her new friends, led by a girl named Estela, were shallow and materialistic. When Estela's family lost their fortune, Catherine tried to befriend her, but Estela's behavior became increasingly cruel.
One day, Catherine saw Estela's parents yelling at her and treating her poorly. She felt sorry for Estela and realized that despite their differences, they shared a common experience of being mistreated by their parents.
However, when Estela found out that Catherine had seen her family's behavior, she became furious and sought revenge. Estela destroyed Catherine's science project, but was caught and expelled from school.
Catherine forgave Estela and tried to make amends, but Estela's behavior remained toxic. Eventually, Estela's parents sent her to a boarding school in Europe, and Catherine never saw her again.
Years later, Catherine became a social worker at an adoption agency, helping children find loving homes. She reflected on her experiences and realized that despite the challenges she faced, she had found a loving family with her adoptive mother Betty.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The narrator, Catherine, was born in a small town in Norway.
2. Catherine's parents were ashamed of her dark hair, dark eyes, and permanent tan.
3. Catherine was a loner and didn't have any siblings because her father was afraid of having more "ugly" children.
4. Catherine's parents took a family photo for Christmas cards when she was 6 years old.
5. Catherine drew devil horns on her parents' heads in the photo.
6. An American woman, Betty, approached Catherine when she was 11 years old and told her she was beautiful.
7. Betty adopted Catherine and took her to the USA.
8. Catherine's parents accepted money from Betty to give up their daughter.
9. Catherine learned English in less than three months with the help of a special tutor.
10. Catherine started eighth grade in the USA and was initially bullied for her appearance.
11. Catherine was befriended by a girl named Estela, but later discovered that Estela was cruel to others.
12. Catherine stood up for a boy named Lia, who was being bullied by Estela.
13. Estela's parents were mean to her and belittled her in front of her friends.
14. Catherine saw Estela's parents yelling at her through a window.
15. Lia revealed Catherine's secret about Estela's home life in front of the class.
16. Estela sought revenge by destroying Catherine's science project.
17. Catherine didn't reveal Estela's name, but security cameras caught her in the act.
18. Estela was expelled from school for two weeks.
19. Catherine forgave Estela and offered her a truce, but Estela refused.
20. Estela's parents sent her to a boarding school in Europe.
21. Catherine and Estela became friends again years later.
22. Catherine works as a social worker in an adoption agency.
23. Catherine's adoptive mother, Betty, had also adopted other children.
24. Catherine's biological parents were not supportive of her.
25. Catherine's adoptive mother, Betty, was supportive and loving.