Jason King is perfect. Whether it's the British accent, his flawless fashion sense or having been able to pick up life again after having been through trauma as a result from his kidnapping, everyone agrees that this man is immaculate.
However, thin...
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I've tried writing this author's note for a while now, but for some reason, I just can't put into words how much of a ride writing this story has been. For the longest time, I've wanted to write a story on mental health, but always was scared to do it. And when I met Jason, I just couldn't not tell his story.
And you've just read it.
I want to thank you so much for doing that. I hope you've enjoyed getting to know Jason and have fallen in love with him the same way I have.
And if you felt like this story didn't have an appropriate ending, that's because it doesn't. I couldn't write a happy ending in good consciousness, knowing that mental health rarely has a happy ending. Even if Jason feels better know and is taking steps towards getting better, it will be a journey that will take years, have its ups and downs, and be far from easy.
Not writing a happy ending was my way of accurately trying to represent mental health, because often, it's not taken seriously. Are you depressed? "Smile, you'll feel better," they say. PTSD? "Well, you're safe now, so what are you afraid of?"
But it's not that easy, and I know that now, and I hope you do too.
Now, only one last thing before I go: be kind to someone today. Everyone has their own struggles, whether they show it or not, and a few kind words will make the difference the world needs.
I hope to see you again soon :)
Lots of love and hugs from your grateful author,
Jessy
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(Disclaimer: none of these are mine -- they're just stories that you might like if you enjoyed The Downside To Perfection!)
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° a true story in which a broken boy hides in the shadows until the light finds him °
You know what they say about Xavier?
The bruises on his body? Probably a result of his underground fighting. The scowl on his face? Definitely to warn people to stay away. His deteriorating grades? Obviously maintaining the bad boy façade. The silence he rarely breaks? Clearly so that he doesn't spill his secrets. He's cold. He's fucked up. He's an asshole. Or so they say.
They think they know Xavier. They sure as hell don't.
It takes one glimpse of Xavier's reality for Haley to realize nobody knows the person they all think they know. Nobody knows the frightened little boy hiding behind the cool façade, the silence brimming with unuttered screams, the grey eyes concealing all that pain.
Nobody knows Xavier. But maybe Haley can. And maybe she can save him.
