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Clarissa Smalls

Clarissa Smalls was a Pasadena High School student born on September 1, 1980. In spring 1998, she disclosed Pattie Matsuda’s pregnancy after Jeremy Wallace had told her in confidence, contributing to a rumor cascade that damaged several relationships. Clarissa later reconciled with Jeremy during his recovery from a mental-health and eating-disorder crisis and became a consistent source of support as he adjusted to acquired disabilities.

Early Life and Family

Clarissa grew up in Pasadena with her parents, Linda and Bob Smalls, and her older brother, Michael Smalls. Linda worked as a pediatric nurse, and Bob worked as an accountant. The family was financially stable but budget-conscious, particularly while Michael attended Stanford University.

Education and Social Life

Clarissa was a junior at Pasadena High School in spring 1998 and entered her senior year that fall as a member of the class of 1999. She moved within the school’s popular social circles and was known for sharing gossip.

The Pregnancy Rumor

Main article: Jeremy Wallace and Clarissa Smalls

After approximately two dates with Jeremy in spring 1998, Clarissa learned from him that Pattie was pregnant. Jeremy asked her to keep the information private, but Clarissa told her friend Sarah. As the information passed between students, it expanded into false claims about Pattie and Evan Hayes.

Pattie later confronted Clarissa and punched her, breaking her nose. Clarissa’s disclosure that Jeremy had been her source further damaged his friendship with Evan, and Jeremy ended his relationship with Clarissa.

Reconciliation with Jeremy Wallace

When Jeremy was hospitalized in June 1998 after cardiac arrest caused by severe malnutrition and dehydration, Clarissa visited even though he had ended their relationship. She continued visiting during his recovery, and they reconciled in July.

Clarissa supported Jeremy as he adjusted to epilepsy, fatigue, migraines, seizure auras, and public ableism. She ended her friendship with Sarah, defended Jeremy when classmates described him as damaged or assumed that Clarissa stayed with him for money, and remained present during medical episodes without treating him as incapable.

In late July 1998, Clarissa and Jeremy told each other that they loved one another. Their relationship continued through the fall, including a Backstreet Boys concert that Clarissa attended with Pattie on October 24 after Jeremy could not attend because of a medical crisis. Clarissa and Jeremy eventually married; the wedding date and later chronology have not been established.

Family and Core Relationships

Michael Smalls

Michael was Clarissa’s older brother and attended Stanford University. He remained protective of her while also recognizing the harm caused by her role in the pregnancy rumor.

Romantic and Significant Relationships

Jeremy Wallace

Main article: Jeremy Wallace and Clarissa Smalls

Clarissa and Jeremy’s relationship began casually in spring 1998, broke down after her breach of confidence, and resumed during his recovery that summer. Their later relationship was grounded in consistent presence, direct communication, and Clarissa’s willingness to challenge ableist treatment of him.

Memorable Quotes

“This isn’t you buying me. This is you loving me. There’s a difference.” (Source: Jeremy Wallace and Clarissa Smalls; spoken after Jeremy gave her a bracelet chosen around details she had shared with him.)

“She’s dancing.” (Source: Patricia Matsuda and Lila Hayes; spoken after feeling Lila kick during the October 24, 1998 Backstreet Boys concert.)

Characters Supporting Characters Living Characters Smalls Family