Ride or Die

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A revision of Chapter 1. Do enjoy. I think I'll keep the old chapters up a little longer for now.

Thanky'all for your patience. For some context: my very best friend and I (who I was working on this with) broke up... funny huh? Since toxic friendship is a major theme in this book? Haha...

Well, I appreciate you guys' support, and I'm dedicated to finishing this alone, no matter how long it takes.

Much love <3

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Distress: A state of being in which an omega is stressed/angered to the extent of having their scent affect others around them which can occasionally result in collapse.

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At a glance, Elmer seemed like an ordinary teenager, averse to drawing unnecessary attention. He wasn't part of any popular clique, nor was he a target for bullies. Instead, he floated in the sea of faces, a quiet observer of the teenage drama that unfolded around him.

In the classroom, Elmer sat at a desk near the back, strategically positioned to avoid the spotlight. He was diligent, his focus unwavering as he took notes and completed assignments. Academically, he excelled, a fact that went unnoticed by most of his peers. Elmer didn't seek recognition; he was content with the solace that anonymity provided.

Elmer preferred things to be this way from the time he was young. During the three years he played soccer, he only ever scored a winning goal twice. He never went out of his way to volunteer for a solo in the school concerts growing up and didn't pursue the spotlight otherwise. One might mistake this for a lack of motivation or even for contentment with mediocrity, but the truth is that Elmer is just one of those people who is happy to be a team player.

Elmer was one to find fulfillment in the simplicity of contributing without the need for grand gestures or individual accolades. This approach to life seamlessly extended into his role at his mom's sweets shop, "Confection Connection." While some might have sought the spotlight or aimed for personal glory, Elmer thrived in the background, his satisfaction derived from the collective success of the small family-owned business.

Confection Connection was a charming little vendor of delectable delights, a place that radiated warmth and sweetness, much like the treats it offered. Elmer's mom, Melania, was the heart and soul of the establishment, and he took immense pride in being an integral part of her support system.

In the shop, Elmer's responsibilities varied from day to day. He was the behind-the-scenes maestro, orchestrating the seamless flow of operations. Whether it was assisting customers at the counter, restocking shelves with freshly baked goods, or ensuring the shop's aesthetic charm was maintained, Elmer embraced each task with quiet enthusiasm.

His dedication to the shop was more than just a chore; it was an extension of his commitment to his family. Every sale completed--every customer served--contributed to the livelihood of his mom and the success of their shared venture. Elmer's role wasn't confined to a job; it was a collaborative effort to create a haven where customers could indulge in the simple joy of sweet treats.

One of Elmer's standout qualities was his ability to connect with people. Despite his reserved nature, he possessed an innate charm that made customers feel at home. His genuine smile and soft-spoken demeanor created an inviting atmosphere, transforming casual visitors into loyal patrons. In this way, Elmer was the unsung hero behind the scenes, fostering a sense of community within the walls of the local confectionary.

The routine of the sweets shop became a comforting melody in Elmer's life, the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked goods, and the rhythmic hum of everyday life. He reveled in the sense of community that flourished around him, quietly appreciating the bonds formed over a shared love for confectionery delights and the harmonious flow of familiar faces in and out of the shop on the daily. One of those faces, however, had been causing him trouble lately.