The narrative is about a girl named Alison who is not considered beautiful and has low self-esteem. She has a crush on Sam Reeves, a popular guy in her school, but he doesn't seem to notice her. Alison's father has a new girlfriend, Avril, who is much younger and often criticizes Alison's appearance.
On a Friday night, Alison and her friends go to an ice skating rink. There, Tony Franklin, a guy who has a reputation with girls, starts talking to Alison. Despite her initial shock, she starts to loosen up and feels honored that someone is interested in her. Tony asks Alison to join him and some of the guys for a burger, which comes as a surprise to Alison.
However, Tony's interest is not in Alison but in her friend Shona. This makes Alison feel betrayed and angry. She throws a Diet Coke at Tony's face and storms off, feeling humiliated. Shona, a good friend, comes to join Alison in the changing rooms.
Alison's father and Avril decide to get rid of all the things from Alison's mother's past, including her photos, as a fresh start. Alison is upset and angry about this decision, and she feels betrayed by her father and Avril.
A few days later, Alison bumps into Tony again at a local disco. Despite her initial reluctance, Tony manages to convince her to join him. They end up getting into a drunken embrace, and Tony kisses Alison. Alison feels a strange mix of emotions, including a slight tingle of pleasure.
The next day, Sam Reeves walks Alison home from college. They end up talking, and Sam confesses that he still loves Anna, his long-term girlfriend. He leaves Alison alone again, just like before.
On the last day of the college year, there's a big end-of-term party. Alison is Sam's partner for a dance. However, Sam is distracted and seems to be looking for Tony. Alison feels a strange mix of emotions and decides to leave the party early.
Towards the end of the night, Tony finds Alison and they end up dancing together. Tony kisses Alison, and this time, Alison knows it's for real. The story ends with Alison asking if love has come to her in an unexpected form.
1. The narrator's name is Alison.
2. Alison is described as not being one of the "beautiful people" and is often compared to her best friend Shana, who is tall, blonde, and beautiful.
3. Alison and her friends regularly go to an ice skating rink on Friday nights.
4. Alison's father has a new girlfriend, Avril, who is much younger than him.
5. Avril often criticizes Alison's appearance, causing her to feel worse about herself.
6. Alison has a crush on Sam Reeves, who is a popular boy at school.
7. On a particular night, Alison is approached by Tony Franklin, who is known for his charm and attractiveness to girls.
8. Alison is asked out on a date by Tony, but she feels betrayed when he asks her friend Shona instead.
9. Alison throws a Diet Coke at Tony, feeling humiliated.
10. Alison's father, Avril, and her mother have recently passed away.
11. Alison's father has a new girlfriend, Avril, who is much younger than him.
12. Alison's father and Avril have a new house, and all of Alison's mother's photos and ornaments have been removed.
13. Alison is upset about the removal of her mother's things from her home.
14. Alison's father and Avril announce their engagement, which Alison finds upsetting.
15. Alison decides to leave her home and store her mother's things under her bed.
16. Alison walks away from her home and encounters Tony, who tries to talk to her.
17. Alison and Tony end up at a park, where they share a kiss.
18. Alison feels a strange tingle of pleasure during the kiss, which she later realizes was due to Tony being drunk.
19. Alison and Sam Reeves attend a college party together, where Sam asks her to be his dance partner.
20. Alison and Sam share a kiss at the party, but she feels a strange tingle of pleasure, which she later realizes was due to Tony being drunk.
21. Alison and Tony end up dancing together at the party, where Tony kisses her again.
22. Alison feels a strange tingle of pleasure during the kiss, which she later realizes was due to Tony being drunk.