The narrator, Esmeralda, lives in a small town in Northern Spain with her eccentric and superstitious mother. Esmeralda's life is marked by her white hair patch, a trait she shares with her mother, which leads to bullying and social isolation. However, things change when she befriends Arya, a popular and beautiful girl who accepts Esmeralda for who she is.
As their friendship deepens, Esmeralda learns that Arya is a foster kid who has been lying about her living situation. Despite this, Esmeralda accepts Arya and the two grow closer. Meanwhile, Esmeralda's mother continues to be a source of embarrassment and frustration for her, especially when she interrupts Esmeralda's school performance with a bizarre ritual.
However, Esmeralda's mother also shows her kind and caring side, especially when she defends Esmeralda and Arya against accusations of theft. In the end, Esmeralda comes to appreciate her mother's uniqueness and apologizes for being harsh towards her. The story concludes with Esmeralda, Arya, and her mother forming a strong bond, and Esmeralda finally finding acceptance and belonging.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The narrator, Esmeralda, lives in a small town in Northern Spain.
2. Esmeralda was born with a patch of white hair on her head.
3. Her mom had a similar white patch of hair when she was born.
4. Esmeralda's dad left when she was five years old due to her mom's superstitions and her white hair.
5. The townspeople called Esmeralda and her mom witches.
6. Esmeralda's mom is very superstitious and believes in the healing power of nature.
7. She uses charms and tarot card readings to protect Esmeralda.
8. In seventh grade, Esmeralda had a crush on a guy named Caleb.
9. Caleb made fun of Esmeralda's white hair and her mom's superstitions.
10. Esmeralda attacked Caleb and they both ended up in detention.
11. Esmeralda's mom gave Caleb a warning, saying they curse people who know their secret.
12. Caleb got chickenpox the next day, and everyone thought Esmeralda had cursed him.
13. Esmeralda became an outcast at school.
14. In high school, Esmeralda became friends with a girl named Arya.
15. Arya stood up for Esmeralda when Caleb bullied her.
16. Esmeralda's mom did a palm reading for Arya and told her she would be successful despite her hardships.
17. Arya lived in a mansion, but Esmeralda's mom revealed that she actually sold candles to Arya's mom.
18. Arya stole money from the class monitor's bag, but put it back before getting caught.
19. Caleb accused Esmeralda and Arya of stealing the money, but Esmeralda's mom defended them.
20. Arya confessed to stealing the money and was suspended from school for a week.
21. Esmeralda apologized to her mom for being mean to her and appreciated her support.
22. Arya revealed that she is a foster kid and has been lying about living in a mansion.
23. Esmeralda's mom helped Arya by getting her a dress and convincing the principal to let her participate in the talent show.
24. Arya and Esmeralda performed together at the talent show.
25. Caleb tried to cause trouble, but Esmeralda's mom stood up to him.