Just The Girl

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Coming to the end of this book feels like reaching the final chapter of a long, winding journey—one that was full of unexpected twists, turns, bumpers along the road, and moments where I thought I wouldn't make it through. It's been an adventure, one that, in many ways, reflects the course of my own life. I wrote this book during a time when I was convinced that life wasn't going to get any better, that it was always going to be this stagnant, repetitive cycle of disappointment.

But in the midst of those feelings, I made a decision. Instead of letting those negative thoughts consume me, I channeled them into words. I transformed my emotions into sentences, my pain into stories, my fear into imagination. Writing became my escape, my therapy, and eventually, my salvation. I found that writing was better than running away. It gave me a way to process the mess inside my head and, in turn, create something that I hope resonates with each of you.

There are so many people I need to thank, people who stood by me during the highs and lows of this roller coaster ride.

To Idon, who always seemed to be at the right place at the right time, thank you for being such an anchor in my life. You were my pillar of peace when everything felt like it was crumbling around me. You were the safety pin that held me together when I felt like falling apart. Your presence, your loyalty, your unwavering support, even when you knew I was wrong, meant more to me than words can express. Thank you for sticking by me, for being my friend when I wasn't even sure I deserved one.

To Fiona, your sharp wit and clever humor have always been like a balm to my soul. You made me laugh when I didn't think it was possible. In those moments when sadness threatened to swallow me whole, your laughter pulled me back. You filled the empty spaces in my heart with light and joy, and you reminded me that there's always something worth smiling about. You gave me refuge when my own home felt unsafe, and for that, I'll be forever grateful.

To Mark, even though you're always traveling, always off on some new adventure, I want you to know how much I appreciate you. You have a way of making people feel seen, even when you're far away. Your love and support have carried me through some of my darkest days, and I'm so thankful for the way you've taken care of me, even from a distance. Your friendship has been a gift, one that I cherish deeply.

To Shantal, you are the strongest, bravest person I know. You've faced challenges that would have broken others, but you've come out the other side shining even brighter. You've been my inspiration to keep going when I wanted to give up, the light that guided me when I was lost in darkness. Your strength and resilience have shown me what it means to fight for something, to keep pushing forward even when everything feels impossible. You've been a beacon in my life, and I will always be grateful for your presence.

To Athena, my soul sister, my partner in crime, my fellow warrior. No one makes me laugh the way you do. Your humor, your fierce loyalty, your quick-witted comebacks—they're all part of why I love you so much. You've been by my side, fighting my battles with me, ready to go to war with my demons without hesitation. You've been my protector, my confidante, my twin in spirit. You've graced this earth with your beauty, your strength, and your unmatched sass. You are a soldier in the truest sense, and I am lucky to call you my friend.

To King, you're a bit of stretch when it comes to leveling my humor, but it's still funny. I still find you funny. Thanks for all those spontaneous take outs we do as a friend group. And as our resident driver, thank you for your service, Sarge. I appreciate you.

To Cee, you're a real bad ass. I admire you. The strength you hold. The fierce you always carry in your eyes. The depths of your soul that you proudly parade, swelling with pride. You are my inspiration, mighty soldier. Thank you for being in my life.

To my parents—Mom and Dad—I owe you more than words can say. Thank you for loving me unconditionally, especially on the days when I didn't deserve it. Your love has been my constant, my foundation, my source of strength. Even when I pushed you away, even when I made mistakes, you were there, loving me harder, standing by me through it all. I don't know where I'd be without you. I love you both, forever and always.

Now, to the boy who inspired me to write this book—you know who you are. I no longer wish for your downfall. I'm past that. But I will say this: go fuck yourself. You put me through hell, but in the end, I came out stronger, and for that, I thank you. Without you, I wouldn't have found the fire inside me to write this story.

Finally, to my readers—where do I even begin? Your kindness, generosity, and support mean the world to me. Thank you for taking the time to dive into these characters, to love them, to hate them, to cry with them. Thank you for letting them into your hearts as much as they've lived in mine. I know the ending might not have been what everyone wanted, but I hope it left a mark on you the way it did on me. Writing this story was my way of processing the mess of emotions inside me, and I hope it helped you in some way too. To each and every one of you—thank you. You've made this journey worth it.

And as for Jace and Steffi? Well, they can still rot in hell.