Karina from Norway recounts how her mother, who she idolized as a child, neglected her and chose to leave her father to start a new life. Years later, Karina discovers that her mother has remarried and has a younger daughter, Freya, who is now her classmate and friend. When Karina visits Freya's mansion, she is shocked to learn that her mother is Freya's mother too. Karina's feelings of resentment and hurt come to the surface, especially when she perceives that her mother favors Freya over her.
Karina fakes a pregnancy to get her mother's attention, but when the truth is revealed, her mother is devastated and feels guilty for neglecting Karina. Karina's mother tries to make amends by offering to help raise Karina's non-existent child and inviting her to move in. However, Karina is not ready to forgive and forget, and instead suggests taking things slow.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The narrator, Karina, is from Norway.
2. Karina lived with her mom and dad as an only child.
3. Karina's mom left her and her dad when Karina was young.
4. Karina and her dad backpacked around Europe for two years after her mom left.
5. Karina returned to Norway at the age of 15 and transferred to a new school.
6. Karina became popular at her new school due to her worldly experiences.
7. Karina befriended a 12-year-old girl named Freya, who was three years younger than her.
8. Freya was a genius and in the same class as Karina.
9. Karina discovered that Freya was her half-sister, and their mom was married to a billionaire.
10. Karina's mom had kept her past a secret and didn't mention Karina to Freya.
11. Karina and her mom had a strained relationship, and Karina felt her mom didn't love her.
12. Karina and Freya were invited to their mom's mansion for dinner, where Karina confronted her mom about her past.
13. Karina's mom explained that she wanted a fresh start with her new family and didn't bring up her past.
14. Karina was furious and felt her mom had chosen Freya over her.
15. Karina stopped hanging out with Freya and made new friends.
16. Karina got pregnant, but later revealed that she had faked the pregnancy to get her mom's attention.
17. Karina's mom was hurt and needed time to process her feelings.
18. Karina's mom offered to take a leave of absence from her company to help raise Karina's non-existent child.
19. Karina felt guilty for hurting her mom and realized she wanted her mom to love her.
20. Karina's mom apologized for neglecting her and wanting to have a relationship with her.
21. Karina decided not to move in with her mom, but wanted to start over and take things slow.