The narrator, Gwen, recounts her high school days, where she was a popular and athletic student who turned to Taekwondo to defend herself against a mean girl named Mandy. Gwen eventually meets a guy named Cole, and they start dating. However, things take a turn when Gwen discovers that Mandy is Cole's sister. Mandy is mean and bitter, but Gwen soon learns that Mandy's behavior is a result of feeling neglected and unloved by her family. Gwen decides to help Mandy by keeping an eye on her and preventing her from causing trouble at school. Eventually, Mandy opens up about her feelings and apologizes for her behavior. Cole also apologizes for not being there for his sister and makes amends. In the end, Gwen and Cole's relationship becomes stronger, and Gwen is happy to have a partner who appreciates her strength and martial arts skills.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The narrator, Gwen, was the tallest kid in her all-girls school.
2. Gwen was popular in school, but also felt awkward due to her height.
3. Gwen had a competitor, Mandy, who was also popular but seemed to have a grudge against Gwen.
4. Gwen was good at various activities, including volleyball, art, and playing a tree in a school play.
5. Gwen's growth spurt ended when she was 14, while her peers continued to grow.
6. Gwen felt lonely and left out, but then discovered Taekwondo and became a skilled practitioner.
7. Gwen met a boy named Cole, who was the cutest guy she had ever met, and they started dating.
8. Cole had a fear of heights, but Gwen helped him overcome it.
9. Cole's sister, Mandy, was the school bully who had been tormenting Gwen for years.
10. Gwen and Mandy had a complicated history, with Mandy being left behind with their grandparents when Cole's family moved abroad.
11. Mandy became bitter and resentful, but Gwen tried to reach out to her and help her change her ways.
12. Gwen and Cole's relationship deepened, and Cole accepted Gwen for who she was, even when he found out about her strength and martial arts skills.
13. Mandy apologized to Gwen and started to work on herself, and Gwen forgave her.
14. Gwen and Cole's relationship continued to blossom, and they became a loving couple.