Lesson No. 12: You may one day experience the “mean girl” syndrome and even if it breaks your heart, do not let it break your spirit.
My childhood was rich with love but certainly not with money. My parents worked very hard to make sure their two daughters had plenty to eat, the best of medical care, education, clothing, and shelter. Because we did not own a home, we moved frequently from one rented house to another in Caribou — all the crème de la crème of properties. On occasion, I would become acquainted with a vacationing relative of one of our numerous neighbors.
I was 12 when I met Tonya. She was tall and blonde and tanned. Though she was 13, she had the finesse and the mannerisms of one much older. Tonya told me that I desperately needed to lose weight if I wanted to be successful. Boys did not ask overweight girls on dates and they most certainly did not marry them. I was undaunted by her remarks. After all, she knew best.
Within hours of her arrival, she had designed the Beauty Club and everyone, including me, became a proud member. We rapidly elected her our Queen because everything about her was perfect, from her orange flip-flops to her coordinated short sets and matching barrettes. I asked my Mom if short sets like Tonya’s were available in the Chubby Size Line at Sears and we drove over to the Sears store in Presque Isle that very night, only to drive back disappointed. No such ensembles were available in size 14 1/2.
The Beauty Club met on Tonya’s last day in Caribou. She was dressed in a turquoise sundress unlike anything I have ever seen. Those orange flip-flops perfectly matched the coral beading on the hem of the dress and she wore peach colored clip-on earrings; stunning against the even tan of her skin. I sat there on her aunt’s porch, vowing to be just like her one day.
Our Queen had one last bit of business to take care of before adjournment; she asked me if I knew how much I weighed. I explained that I was not sure of the exact number but I promised her I was working on losing weight; after all, I wanted to be gorgeous, just like her. She explained to me that she and the others in our Beauty Club had held a secret meeting and it was unanimously decided that if I did not lose lots of weight by the time she returned next summer, I could no longer be a club member. She flipped that silken blonde hair and told me that just walking down Glen Street with me was an embarrassment.
I am not sure how long I sat there on that porch, staring down at her perfectly manicured, flip-flopped feet. Though I do not remember walking home that day, I do recall the warmth, love and encouragement in my mother’s voice as she held a broken daughter in her arms. The Beauty Club was never resurrected and even though Sears eventually launched a line of Chubby Size sparkly short sets, my desire to be “just like Tonya” became nothing more than a bittersweet whisper in the wind.
Editor’s note: Belinda Wilcox Ouellette has lived in the Caribou area for all of her 56 years. She presently lives in Connor TWP. with her husband Dale and their Goldendoodle Barney. They are currently working on building a home in Caribou. You may contact Belinda online at: dbwouellette@maine.rr.com.
