The narrator, Vivian, recounts her life story, starting from her wealthy upbringing and her friendship with Brenda, who later becomes her stepsister. However, their relationship turns sour when Vivian's father abandons the family, and they are left with debt. Vivian develops vitiligo, a skin condition, and becomes self-conscious about her appearance.
Brenda constantly bullies and mocks Vivian, while also trying to sabotage her relationships, including with a boy named Tanner. Vivian later meets Jacob, a new student, and they develop feelings for each other. However, Brenda also sets her sights on Jacob and threatens to reveal Vivian's condition unless she stays away from him.
Despite this, Jacob discovers Vivian's secret and accepts her for who she is. They start dating again, and Brenda's behavior becomes increasingly erratic. At the junior prom, Brenda tries to humiliate Vivian, but Jacob intervenes, and Vivian stands up to Brenda, revealing her true nature to their classmates.
In the end, Brenda is sent away to a boarding school, and Vivian and Jacob continue their relationship, eventually attending college together.
Here are the key facts from the text:
1. The narrator, Vivian, grew up in a wealthy family with rich parents.
2. Vivian's parents sent her to the best schools.
3. In middle school, Vivian met a girl named Brenda who became her friend.
4. Brenda was mean to a girl who was eating alone at recess and wouldn't let Vivian invite her to join them.
5. Vivian defied Brenda's rule and joined the girl at her table, swapping lunches with her.
6. This led to Brenda hating Vivian and trying to beat her in everything, including grades and friends.
7. Vivian's family lost all their money when her dad fled the country, leaving them with tons of debt.
8. Vivian's mom had to sell almost everything they owned, including their house.
9. Brenda found out about Vivian's family's financial situation and teased her about it.
10. Vivian's mom married Brenda's dad, making Brenda Vivian's stepsister.
11. Vivian developed a skin condition called vitiligo, which caused white patches on her skin.
12. Vivian started wearing makeup and full-sleeved clothes to cover up her skin condition.
13. Brenda teased Vivian about her clothes and skin condition.
14. Vivian got into a fight with Brenda and was sent to detention.
15. In detention, Vivian met a boy named Tanner who was charming and cute.
16. Vivian and Tanner became friends, but Vivian was afraid to let him see her skin condition.
17. Brenda discovered Vivian's secret and teased her about it, causing Tanner to run away.
18. Tanner started dating Brenda, which hurt Vivian.
19. Vivian met a new student named Jacob in her chemistry class.
20. Jacob was kind and helpful, and Vivian started to develop feelings for him.
21. Brenda tried to sabotage Vivian's relationship with Jacob by spreading rumors and causing trouble.
22. Vivian broke up with Jacob to avoid causing him trouble, but he later discovered the truth about Brenda's behavior.
23. Jacob confessed his love for Vivian and accepted her skin condition.
24. Vivian and Jacob started dating again and became happy together.
25. Before the junior prom, Jacob asked Vivian to be his date in front of everyone.
26. Brenda tried to ruin the moment by throwing water on Vivian and revealing her skin condition.
27. Vivian stood up to Brenda and defended herself, and the crowd cheered in support of Vivian.
28. Brenda was sent away to a boarding school for spoiled brats.
29. Vivian and Jacob continued dating until the last year of school and got into college together.