The narrator, Esmeralda, lives in a small town in northern Spain with her superstitious and nature-loving mother. She's had a tough time fitting in, especially since her mother's eccentric behavior often attracts unwanted attention. Esmeralda had a crush on a boy named Caleb in seventh grade, but he rejected her and called her a "weirdo" due to her unusual appearance and her mother's strange behavior.
In high school, Esmeralda befriends a girl named Aria, who seems to accept her for who she is. Aria appears to be a popular and well-off student, but Esmeralda later discovers that Aria is actually a foster child who has been lying about her background.
When Aria is accused of stealing, Esmeralda's mother comes to her defense and convinces the principal to give Aria a second chance. Esmeralda is grateful for her mother's actions and realizes that she has been taking her for granted. She apologizes to her mother for being horrible to her and appreciates her unique qualities.
The story concludes with Esmeralda performing in the school talent show, where Aria and her mother show up to support her. The story touches on themes of acceptance, friendship, and the importance of embracing one's individuality.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The narrator, Esmeralda, lives in a small town in the north of Spain.
2. Esmeralda was born with a lock of white hair in the center of her head.
3. Her mother is superstitious and uses natural remedies to protect her from the "evil eye".
4. Esmeralda's father left her and her mother when Esmeralda was 5 years old.
5. The people in the town are mean to Esmeralda and her mother, calling them witches.
6. Esmeralda fell in love with a boy named Caleb in seventh grade.
7. Caleb made fun of Esmeralda's white hair and her mother's superstitious behavior.
8. Esmeralda got into a fight with Caleb and was sent to the principal's office.
9. Esmeralda's mother is a free spirit who often embarrasses her in public.
10. Esmeralda's mother used sage smoke to clean the house and ward off negative energy.
11. Esmeralda's mother gave her a garlic bracelet to wear for good luck.
12. Esmeralda started high school and tried to distance herself from her mother.
13. Esmeralda met a new friend named Aria, who is a goth and a fan of Esmeralda's mother.
14. Aria stood up for Esmeralda when Caleb made fun of her.
15. Esmeralda's mother gave Aria a palm reading and told her that she has a difficult life ahead of her.
16. Esmeralda's mother burst into the school auditorium during a recital, setting off the fire alarms and causing chaos.
17. Esmeralda was embarrassed by her mother's behavior and distanced herself from her.
18. Aria and Esmeralda were paired together for a school project, but Aria was accused of stealing money from the class fund.
19. Esmeralda's mother defended Aria and convinced the principal to give her a second chance.
20. Aria revealed that she is a foster child and has been lying to Esmeralda about her living situation.
21. Esmeralda apologized to her mother for being mean to her and appreciated her support.
22. Esmeralda's mother helped Aria by buying her a dress and convincing the school to let her participate in the talent show.