The narrator, Gabrielle, recalls her childhood and teenage years, where she was constantly body-shamed and belittled by her mother for being overweight. Her mother's harsh comments and diet restrictions led to low self-esteem and a distorted body image. Despite her father's love and support, Gabrielle struggled to find acceptance and love. However, when she went to college, she discovered a new sense of freedom and self-worth. She eventually met James, a boy she had a crush on in high school, and they started dating. With James' unconditional love and support, Gabrielle learned to love and accept herself, regardless of her weight. The story concludes with Gabrielle finding happiness and self-acceptance, finally understanding that she is beautiful, no matter what.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The narrator, Gabrielle, was born three weeks after her due date and weighed almost 12 pounds.
2. Gabrielle has an older twin sibling.
3. When Gabrielle was three, her mom gave her boiled carrots instead of pizza for dinner.
4. In the fifth grade, Gabrielle was teased by girls at the beach for being fat.
5. Gabrielle's mom put her on a diet, which consisted of special toast and cheese.
6. Gabrielle's dad was against the diet and thought she should eat healthy food instead.
7. Gabrielle didn't lose any weight on the diet.
8. Gabrielle's mom took her shopping for a dress for her sibling's 16th birthday party.
9. Gabrielle overheard a saleswoman and her mom discussing how she looked in a white dress.
10. Gabrielle was told she looked like a "small refrigerator" in the dress.
11. Gabrielle went to a party where she met a boy named James, who was two years older than her.
12. Gabrielle had a crush on James, but he had a girlfriend.
13. Gabrielle was kissed by a boy named Aaron, but she rejected him.
14. Aaron spread rumors that Gabrielle was "fat and desperate".
15. Gabrielle's self-esteem hit rock bottom after the incident with Aaron.
16. Gabrielle stopped eating and lost weight, which made her mom happy.
17. Gabrielle's dad was worried about her weight loss.
18. Gabrielle went to college and made new friends who didn't care about her looks.
19. Gabrielle started to feel more confident and comfortable in her own skin.
20. Gabrielle's mom still made comments about her weight, even in college.
21. Gabrielle stood up to her mom and told her that she was hurt by her comments.
22. Gabrielle's dad supported her and told her that he was proud of her.
23. Gabrielle met James again at a supermarket, and they went out for coffee.
24. Gabrielle and James started dating, and she finally felt loved and accepted for who she was.