INK AND AFFECTION

★ Chapter 1 ★

The sun had barely begun its ascent into the morning sky, casting a warm golden glow over the town. Inside a cozy car, the radio played softly, filling the space with the melodic voice of Taylor Swift. The lyrics of "Invisible String" filled the air, intertwining with the gentle hum of the engine and creating a tapestry of serenity around Gabriella as she listened, her hazel eyes half-closed.

"Time, mystical time, cutting me open, then healing me fine," Taylor's voice sang through the speakers, resonating with the subtle changes happening in Gabriella's world.

The car's interior seemed to tighten around Gabriella like a vise, its confines echoing the suffocating pressure she felt within herself. Mr. Parker's eyes flickered to his daughter, his brow furrowed with concern. "Gab, I've noticed you've been... distant lately. Are you sure everything's alright?"

Gabriella's lips curved upwards in a practiced smile, a mask she wore to shield her father from the storm brewing inside her. "I'm fine, Dad. Just tired, you know, the usual school stress."

Her father's gaze, a mix of worry and understanding, bore into her as if searching for the truth behind her words. "You don't have to pretend with me, Gabs. I can sense when something's bothering you. We've always been honest with each other."

"I know, Dad, and I appreciate that." Gabriella's voice wavered slightly, betraying the facade of confidence she wore. "It's just... teenage stuff, you know? Friend drama, school pressure. I don't want to burden you with my problems."

Mr. Parker sighed, his grip tightening on the steering wheel as if he could physically hold his daughter's troubles at bay. "Gab, you could never be a burden to me. I'm here to help, to support you in any way I can. But I can't do that if you keep shutting me out."

A lump formed in Gabriella's throat, and she forced herself to look away, her gaze fixed on the passing scenery outside the car window. "I know, Dad, and I'm sorry. I just... everything is okay, I promise"

Her father's expression softened, his eyes reflecting a blend of frustration and compassion. "I just hate seeing you like this, pretending to be happy when I can tell something's eating at you."

Gabriella's hands tightened around her backpack strap, the familiar weight offering a small comfort.  She turned to her dad, with a big smile ."I'm okay, it's just school stress. It's our last year. You don't need to worry,"

Mr. Parker reached over, his hand resting gently on Gabriella's shoulder. "Worrying comes with being a parent, Gab. I'd rather worry and know what you're going through than see you suffer in silence."

Gabriella forced another smile, this one even more fragile than before. "I know, Dad. And I promise, nothing is wrong. If something happes, I know that you'll be there for me"

Her father's hand gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze before returning to the steering wheel. "I love you, Gab. No matter what you're facing, you're never alone. Remember that."

As the car continued its journey, Gabriella clung to her father's words like a lifeline, even as she battled the storm within her. In the fragile smile she wore, her father saw the facade she maintained, unaware of the turmoil hidden beneath the surface.

As they pulled up to the High School, Gabriella reluctantly turned off the radio, the last notes of the song fading away like a distant echo. "Thanks, Dad," she said, giving him a quick hug before stepping out of the car.

"Have a great day, Gabs." 

The school corridors buzzed with energy as students chatted and hurried to their classes. Gabriella made her way through the crowd, her backpack slung over one shoulder. Spotting her best friend, Lena, in the corridor, she waved and quickened her pace to catch up.