"Mae, show me." He demanded. I knew this would come up someday. My scars are from years ago when I wasn't happy with myself, or happy with anything really. I'm better now but I still don't like showing them to people. Most people ignore them but I knew once Ash saw them that he was going to ask. "Mae." He says again. What if he doesn't like them? What if he thinks they're ugly? What if he hears the story of them and decides he doesn't want me anymore? What do I do then? ... I slowly took off my jacket and showed him my wrist. "Why would you ever do that darling?" Tears started forming in my eyes. "I'm sorry. It was years ago when I wasn't happy and it's a long story." "Darling, look at me." He told me, lifting my chin. "I'm not mad at you. How long has it been since you've done that?" "Five years." "That's amazing, Mae." "You don't hate them?" "I hate that you felt the need to do that, but no, I don't hate them." He kissed my forehead, calming me down.

college hockey player Wes Graham has tormented Adare Wells since they were in the first grade. pulling her hair, breaking her crayons, calling her names-- anything to get her attention. they spend all of high school together, never giving each other the time of day until they end up on first day of university. there's only one empty seat, and it's next to Adare. even though Adare hates Wes and he's an asshole to her, they both have some baggage that only each other seem to understand.