Ella is falling apart trying to live a "perfect" high school life. Then she meets Ren, who can see past her scars. Suddenly perfection isn't her only option. ***** Ella Volkov is a gifted music student, but she's depressed and starting to crack under the pressure of high school. Her overbearing father won't even let her choose what instrument she plays. Then she finds herself alone at a party with Ren, her best friend's crush. She'd always thought he was rude, but after that night he's all Ella can think about. Now she's trapped. If Ella dates Ren, it will ruin her friendship with Jenny. But if she stays true to Jenny, she's losing the one person who can see past her scars. It's up to Ella to decide if she will forge her own path, or stay in the "perfect" box designed for her... Content and/or Trigger Warning: depression, anxiety, self-harm, violence, sexual assault. [[word count: 50,000-100,000 words]]

WATTPAD ORIGINAL EDITION Adrift after a failed suicide attempt, golden boy Everest can't find anything worth living for - until he meets Beverly, a loner determined to prove him wrong. ***** For a boy who seemed to have it all - wealth, good looks, popularity, a wide circle of friends - Everest Finley becomes the ultimate social outcast after failing to take his own life. Dejected and alone, he starts his last year of high school by acting out, determined to ruin his golden boy reputation after his best friend and girlfriend both turn on him. But to his surprise, resident loner Beverly Davis reaches out and tries to befriend him. Ever the optimistic, her empathy and persistence eventually convinces him to spend time with her, and the two slowly bond over their complicated family lives and a love of singing. But even as their budding friendship begins to hint at something more, Everest continues to struggle with depression and unhappiness. Can a simple pact between the two truly encourage him to find something worth living for? Content and/or Trigger Warning: this story contains mentions and descriptions of depression and self harm. -SKY

"You know, you're lucky someone is even giving you the light of day considering your acting history, cat food girl." He snickered, shoving his hands deeper into his leather jacket. I felt the anger rise within me. Who did he think he was? "I'm Sam, and I would really appreciate it if you stayed as far away from me as possible. And if I remember correctly, you ran into to me, jerkface." I snapped. He glared at me with a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Well Susie, I honestly could care less about what you would apreciate. And considering that I have a guaranteed role, I suggest you start enjoying my company." He winked at me, and I considered lunging at him. "It's Sam." I bit back. He sighed and put his arm around me, pulling me closer to him. I tried to rip his arm off of my shoulder, but he was too strong. "You're going to be seeing a whole lot more of me." WARNING: This story depicts violence and alcohol use.