The story revolves around Ashley, who lives next to a wealthy and snobbish family, the parents of a boy named Jack. Ashley and Jack have a history of conflict, but things take a turn when Ashley discovers Jack at a soup kitchen, and he eventually reveals that his parents have broken up, his father has stolen his mother's money, and they are now living in a shelter. Ashley invites Jack and his mother to live with her family, and they form a bond. Jack and Ashley start to develop feelings for each other, but their relationship is put to the test when Jack starts lying about his wealth to his friends. Eventually, the truth comes out, and Jack's friends turn on him. In the end, Jack and Ashley confess their love for each other and share a romantic moment on the beach.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The narrator, Ashley, lives next to a family she considers to be the worst on Earth.
2. The family's son, Jack, is a bully who often targets Ashley.
3. Ashley's family is not wealthy, and their house is the smallest on the block.
4. Ashley's parents are eccentric, with her father sunbathing on the front lawn and her mother feeding stray cats and singing to birds.
5. Ashley joins the school newspaper in 6th grade and solves a mystery involving a missing cat.
6. In high school, Ashley has only one friend, her cousin Bethany, who is obsessed with being popular.
7. Jack is the richest and most popular kid in school, but Ashley suspects he may be hiding a secret.
8. Ashley discovers Jack at a soup kitchen, and he runs away without explaining himself.
9. Jack's parents are getting divorced, and his father has sold their house and fled the country with his mother's money.
10. Jack and his mother are now living in a shelter, and Ashley invites them to stay with her family.
11. Jack's mother apologizes for treating Ashley's family poorly in the past, and they forgive her.
12. Ashley tutors Jack to help him catch up on schoolwork, and they grow closer.
13. Jack develops feelings for Ashley, and they share a kiss.
14. Jack's mother gets a job, and they move out of Ashley's house.
15. Jack starts lying about being rich again, which annoys Ashley.
16. Ashley sees Jack's friends making fun of him for being poor, and she feels sorry for him.
17. Jack's secret is exposed at the Winter Dance, and his friends turn on him.
18. Jack apologizes for lying and explains that he was trying to fit in.
19. Ashley forgives Jack, and they leave the party together.
20. Ashley and Jack share a romantic kiss on the beach.