The narrator, Ellie, has had anger issues since childhood, often resulting in violent outbursts. She befriended a girl named Lucy in first grade, but their friendship was complicated by Lucy's manipulative behavior. Lucy would often use Ellie's anger issues to her advantage, getting Ellie to fight on her behalf and making it seem like Ellie was the aggressor.
As they entered middle school, Lucy's behavior became more frequent and serious, causing Ellie to get into trouble. However, when a new girl named Isabella joined their class, Ellie began to see Lucy's true nature and eventually befriended Isabella instead.
Lucy became jealous and resentful, leading to a series of confrontations and incidents. Eventually, Lucy's mom discovered her daughter's manipulative behavior and apologized to Ellie, deciding to get Lucy help and potentially move away.
Ellie was relieved and grateful for Isabella's friendship, feeling like she could finally move forward and control her anger issues. The story ends on a positive note, with Ellie feeling hopeful and supported by her friend Isabella.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The narrator, Ellie, was born with anger issues.
2. At the age of 5, Ellie had an altercation with a bully in a park, which ended with her pushing the bully down a slide.
3. Ellie met her best friend, Lucy, in first grade.
4. Ellie's family had to move for her dad's job when she was in third grade, and she was initially reluctant to leave Lucy behind.
5. However, Ellie's parents eventually caved in to her demands and allowed her to stay.
6. Ellie and Lucy's friendship continued, but Lucy began to manipulate Ellie's anger issues to get what she wanted.
7. In middle school, Ellie got into serious trouble due to Lucy's manipulations.
8. A new girl, Isabella, joined Ellie's class, and Ellie began to warm up to her, which made Lucy jealous.
9. Lucy's behavior became increasingly erratic, and she even faked an injury to cause trouble for Isabella and her parents.
10. Ellie eventually snapped and attacked Lucy's mom, which led to her being grounded and almost getting sent to a rehab center.
11. However, Lucy's mom later discovered the truth about Lucy's manipulations and apologized to Ellie, deciding not to pursue the lawsuit or report Ellie to Child Services.
12. Lucy and her mom eventually left town to get Lucy the help she needed.