This will go back and forth on memories to 'present-day.' The memories will be italics and the present day will be regular print. And yes, the main character does seem very off-character in the memories!

The Secret

Chapter 1-May of 1994

Chloe Davis would never be popular, and she was fine with that. She had aspirations of being a big-city reporter. The only problem with that was she had buck teeth, wiry hair and coke-bottle glasses. She was also fifty pounds overweight and didn't have the right clothes, parents, home or background.

She stayed to herself but it was hard. The cheerleaders ran with the jocks, and were typically 'mean girls,' the worse being Christine Graham. At one time, Christine and Chloe had been friends, but that ended in about fifth grade when they began to realize the differences between them. Her family had money, Chloe's didn't. Christine was model quality. Chloe was an 'ugly duckling.' Christine didn't struggle for popularity, grades or boys. Chloe did.

Christine's boyfriend was the cutest guy in the high school and Chloe had to admit that she had a crush, but nothing would ever happen. There were rumors that Mike and Christine were already engaged and as soon as they graduated, they were moving to Chicago. Chloe had been accepted to a small community college. She was sitting in history class, writing notes; when one of the counselor's aides came in for her. She was excused and walked to the counselor's office and immediately smiled at Mrs. Gibson.

"Ah, Chloe. Just who I needed to speak with. You know you and Christine Graham were at the top percent of your class? Separated by a tenth of a percentage point?" Mrs. Gibson asked.

"Yes, ma'am." Chloe answered.

"Well; the final grades are in and you are valedictorian. Congratulations. You will give a speech at graduation. I can help you?" Mrs. Gibson offered.

"I…will have to speak in front of people?" Chloe asked.

"Yes, that is the point." Mrs. Graham answered with a kind smile.

"I…don't want to. Can't you just give it to Christine? She's better and prettier. No one wants to hear what I have to say." Chloe asked.

"Chloe; I can't do that. You worked unbelievably hard to get this. You deserve to be recognized. It would be dishonest to give it to the wrong person." Mrs. Gibson said.

"Christine has worked hard too. I just…can't." Chloe said.

"Let me speak with the principal, but I am certain that you will be recognized as valedictorian and will give a speech. Now; are you ready for prom this weekend?" Mrs. Gibson asked.

"No, I wasn't planning on going." Chloe answered.

"You should. Its your senior prom and you didn't go last year." Mrs. Gibson remarked.

"I…don't have a dress and I…don't look like one of those other girls." Chloe told her.

"Well, let me see what I can do. My daughter is about your size and I think she has a few formals left from high school. And my other daughter is going with hair. I will let you know tomorrow, but I hate to see you miss it. I missed mine and I regret it now." Mrs. Gibson said.

"Yeah, but you didn't look like me." Chloe remarked as she stood up.

"Actually; I did. Come over Saturday at one and I'll show you a picture, but honey; you have a beautiful heart, and that is more important that physical beauty. Girls like Christine Graham will find that out when their physical beauty fades." Mrs. Gibson said.

"Yes, but boys like Mike Slattery don't see that." Chloe remarked.

"Mmm…you know, Mike is my nephew? My sister's son. He may act a little brisk but he has a good heart and someday; he will see through girls like Christine. Just be patient and remember he is not the only fish in the sea." Mrs. Gibson answered as she showed Christine to the door. All Christine could do was accept what she said and go on about her day. She knew better than arguing with authority figures.