The narrator, Estela, shares her story of moving from New York to Mexico to live with her mother's new family, including her mother's ex-boyfriend Carlos and his son Matthew. Estela struggles to adjust to her new environment and feels like an outsider, especially since she doesn't speak Spanish. She also has a complicated relationship with Matthew, who is initially mean to her but eventually becomes her friend. Estela gets into a relationship with a boy named Leo, but it ends badly when she discovers he has a history of kissing many girls. Matthew warns her about Leo and eventually saves her from him. However, their friendship is put to the test when Estela's diary is discovered, revealing her initial negative thoughts about her new family. The family is hurt, and Matthew is especially upset. Estela tries to make amends, and eventually, she saves Matthew from being beaten up by Leo. The family forgives Estela, and she finally feels like she belongs. She also learns that Matthew is adopted, but this doesn't change her feelings towards him. In the end, Estela is grateful to her mother for bringing her to Mexico and is happy to have found a new family.
Here are the key facts from the text:
1. Estela was born in New York to a Mexican mother.
2. Estela's mother never learned to speak English fluently.
3. Estela's father would often make jokes at her mother's expense.
4. Estela's parents got divorced when she was in seventh grade.
5. Estela chose to live with her mother.
6. Estela's mother took her to Mexico to live with her ex-boyfriend, Carlos.
7. Carlos has a son named Mateo, who is around Estela's age.
8. Estela started at a new school in Mexico, where she met Mateo (also known as Matthew).
9. Matthew was popular at school and had a reputation for flirting with teachers.
10. Estela initially disliked Matthew but eventually became friends with him.
11. Estela started dating a boy named Leo, who turned out to be a cheat.
12. Matthew warned Estela about Leo and later exposed him for his infidelity.
13. Estela's family prepared a quinceañera party for her 15th birthday.
14. Estela's father appeared at the party and caused a scene.
15. Estela's diary was read by her family, revealing her initial negative feelings towards them.
16. Matthew was revealed to be adopted, which he had not previously known.
17. Estela tried to make amends with Matthew, but he was hurt and angry.
18. Estela saved Matthew from being beaten by Leo and his friends.
19. Carlos forgave Estela and thanked her for saving Matthew.
20. Estela apologized to her family and acknowledged that she had grown to love them.