THE BEST OF US
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INTRODUCTION
Hello and thank you for choosing to read The Best of Us. This is a story I have been wanting to tell for a long time but I have felt unable to attempt it until now.
I hope that you will be able to feel as connected to these characters as I do and that you find something of personal value or importance in their stories.
Hopefully, you enjoy reading this book. If you do, any votes or comments are endlessly appreciated. Any constructive criticism is encouraged as I'm always looking to improve my writing and grow in my identity as a writer. If you spot any errors that I've missed, don't be afraid to point them out! If you have any questions, never hesitate to ask! All I ask of you is that you are polite and respectful. Thank you very much.
Finally, thank you again for supporting my work. It means more than I can tell you.
My love, Alex.
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SUMMARY
Seventeen year old Tucker Bailey's life is spiraling out of control.
Sharing a home with an unstable father and a hollow shell of an older brother, Tucker struggles to find himself in a house filled with ghosts of the past.
As he battles himself, his intensifying and confusing feelings for his lifelong best friend, Bradley, and his increasing lack of purpose and direction, Tucker decides he wants to take his life back.
But the road ahead is a long one and if Tucker takes a wrong turn along the way then he doesn't just risk losing himself; he risks losing everything.
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CHAPTER INFO
As of publication, I cannot be certain of the exact number of chapters that this story will have as sometimes the execution differs from the plan (things get left out, word count gets too high, etc.). I believe the chapters will fall somewhere between thirty five to forty five with estimated word counts between 2000-5000 words.
I must admit that I am somewhat intimidated by this story but it is a challenge that I'm willing to take on. Let us hope that I am successful!
Usually, I stick to a schedule with my updates. I almost always post the date of the next update at the end of chapters so that you can see when they will be published!
However, updates may occasionally be late, mostly due to different personal reasons! Of course, I will and always do try my best to get updates up on time, and have been successful most— but not all— of the time.
Still, I will always give my most accurate estimate as to when I will be able to publish new chapters! All I ask is for your occasional patience; sometimes I need it! I hope you understand. Thank you.
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EPIGRAPH(S)
❛You're in a car with a beautiful boy, and you're trying not to tell him that you love him, and you're trying to choke down the feeling, and you're trembling, but he reaches over and touches you, like a prayer for which no words exist, and you feel your heart taking root in your body, like you've discovered something you don't even have a name for.❜
— You Are Jeff, Richard Siken
❛ a billion stars go spinning through the night,
blazing high above your head.
But in you is the presence that
will be, when all the stars are dead."
— Buddha in glory, Rainer Maria Rilke
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DATES
published: 31. August. 2022.
first chapter: 20. september. 2022.
completed: — ???
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THEMES
identity
sexuality
abuse
neglect
friendship
youth
coming of age
depression
mental health
mental illness
love
bisexuality
queerness
family
May also be explicit language, references to violence / abuse / suicide / sex, among other potentially sensitive themes. Trigger warnings will be included.
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COPYRIGHT
I hope this doesn't come across as arrogant, but do not copy this work!
I have had experiences in the past where people have copied my work or posted adaptions without my consent or knowledge. Therefore, if any of this is stolen then I will report the reposted story and block the account!
I also do not accept adaptations, translations or anything else. If you ever see this posted somewhere else then please inform me so that I can take the necessary action! Thank you <3
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OTHER WORKS (all bxb)
i. Sun Kissed (2021) — Two boys, an ice cream store and a summer to fall in love.
ii. Cause for Concern (2021) — Professional disaster Max Oran learns to adapt to his new life after his dad kicks him out to his mom's and he's forced to transfer schools, finding himself a new group of misfits in the process.
iii. Pride & Joy (2021) — Nate Pembroke makes Denver Hughes an offer he can't refuse as they both attempt to cope with their own private losses.
iv. Third Time's A Charm (2022) — Exes twice over, Brooks Dawson and Archie Holland decide to take a third and final shot at love, risking their hearts and their friendships in the process.
v. Love Thy Neighbor (2022) — Blake Collins moves in next door and Luca Mendoza's life turns upside down.
RECOMMENDATIONS
If you're looking for work similar to The Best of Us, I would recommend Cause for Concern and Third Time's A Charm as they have the most similar tones and explore the most similar subject matters. Pride & Joy also explores similar subject matter though I feel that the tone is slightly different.
If you're looking for work that's different, Sun Kissed and Love Thy Neighbor are lighthearted quick reads centered around sweet romances and falling in love. They do not explore any topics that are too heavy or intense and are perfectly suited for people in a reading slump who need something fun and easy to check out!
THANK YOU!
YOU ARE READING
The Best of Us
Teen Fiction[BXB] Seventeen year old Tucker Bailey is spiraling. Sharing a home with his cold father and a hollow shell of an older brother, Tucker struggles to find himself in a house filled with ghosts of the past. As he battles grief, his intensifying and...
