Ella, a child genius from Texas, discovered her giftedness at a young age when she solved a Rubik's Cube in 19 seconds. Despite her high IQ and skipping grades, she struggled with social isolation and pressure from her neurologist mother to reach her potential. Ella joined a math club, befriended Nolan, and faced challenges balancing her intelligence with social acceptance. After a series of personal trials, including her parents' divorce and an identity crisis, Ella learned the importance of being true to herself. She reconnected with Nolan and embraced her intellect, finding happiness in authenticity rather than external validation.
1. The narrator, Shayla, was only 6 years old when she found out she was gifted.
2. Shayla's mom is a respected neurologist.
3. Shayla skipped two grades in school.
4. Shayla's mom gave her an infinity symbol bracelet to remind her of her potential.
5. Shayla joined a math team, led by Nolan, to participate in math tournaments across Texas.
6. Shayla's mom left her and her dad to take a researcher position in China.
7. Shayla's mom and dad got divorced.
8. Shayla changed her name to "Dear" and started dressing differently to fit in with her peers.
9. Shayla started dating a boy named Daryl, who was popular in school.
10. Shayla failed her exams on purpose to fit in with Daryl and his friends.
11. Daryl and his friends disliked nerds and didn't want to be associated with them.
12. Shayla's mom was disappointed in her for failing her exams and not living up to her potential.
13. Shayla ran into her former teacher, Mrs. Johnson, who gave her advice on being true to herself.
14. Shayla realized she had been trying to be someone she's not and decided to be herself again.
15. Shayla apologized to Nolan and asked to rejoin the math team, which he allowed.
16. Shayla broke up with Daryl and started spending time with Nolan again.