Having a friend made everything else suck less.

I look at my homely sketch. It doesn't need anything. Even through the river in my eyes I can see that. It isn't perfect and that makes it just right.

I am beginning to measure myself in strength, not pounds. Sometimes in smiles.

I pushed my ragged mouth against the mirror. A thousand crushed bleeding lips pushed back at me.

You must walk alone to find your soul.

I won the wintergirl trip over the border into dangerland.

I would never be popular. I didn't want to be; I liked being shy. I'd never be the smartest or the hottest or the happiest. By eighth grade you start to figure out your limits.