For Jessalyn and her mom, moving to the small town of Avondale, California seemed like the perfect decision; they wanted the new scenery but what they really needed was a new start. Jessalyn Hartley had always been shy and one to keep to herself, but now, as she enters her final year of high school at Crestview High, she's more determined than ever to stay hidden in the shadows. However, all of that may change when she crosses paths with the supposed bad boy; Cason Michaels, and figures out that maybe she just had to meet the right person to break her out of her shell.

They met in December.

The next December, they were apart. [Sequel to December]

A few days before the 25th, Farah Dailey decided to take a risk and anonymously deliever a Christmas gift to her long-time crush, Jamie Bright. Things don't go quite as planned when a sudden snow blizzard strikes and Farah blunders her way into a sweet shop - coincidentally owned by Jamie's family. Hm, but perhaps being trapped with your crush inside a sweet shop isn't all bad? [ N a N o W r i M o - 2 O 1 2 ]

"Baby, I'm not moving on. I'll love you long after you're gone. For you, for you. You would never sleep alone. I'll love you long after you're gone. And long after you're gone, gone, gone." - Phillip Phillips

Everyone has thoughts. These ones are mine.

Sometimes all you really need is a place to call home. *** Claire is lost and scared and utterly alone. Her family is in shambles after the death of her older sister Ina, and she's left to pick up the broken pieces of herself as her life heads into a downwards spiral of loneliness. Her heart leads her to 5:48, a little cafe by 33rd street, where she finds her new home. With a broken heart and a speech disability, Jasper has his heart and mouth sewn shut by the winding threads of hurt and fear. Painting and serving coffee in cafe 5:48 are one of his last few saving graces, but the smile he's been painting on himself will soon fade away as everything he's ever held dear slips away from his grasp. Ezra is out-of-sync and oddly cold by the way life has treated his young self. Abandoned by his single mother at an early age, he has grown up thinking that he is a mistake. His constant shaking hands are a reflection of what he often thinks of himself, but the delightful pastries he bakes for 5:48's customers are a reflection of what others see of him. Drew is a quirky rarity. He is a dash of loud, a pinch of exuberant, and a cup of eccentric - just like the meals he serves in the cafe as the only chef there. Behind his playful grins and outlandish clothes, however, are his jutting ribs, hollowed cheeks, and too-thin arms. Sometimes he cannot stomach being in his own skin as much as he cannot stomach food. This family has gone a long way from finding each other, and they'll be going a long way together too as reality comes catching up to them, threatening the newfound happiness they've found with each other. Secrets are revealed, pasts become presents, and lives are changed. Slowly but surely, they find their way back home. *** NOTE AS OF 08/2026: This is the old version of the story from 2012, posted in FULL. Another story that will be considered a reprise of this old version is in the works, and will be posted under the name "Hiraya House."

{Watty Awards 2013 Winner} This is simply a story about a lonely girl who finds love. I was inspired to write this because I wanted to know that there are good things that happen to invisible girls like me. I wanted to write Hope for those who seem hopeless. • • • In March of 2013, Letters was #1 in the short story category. June 2013: Short Story #3 and Romance #40 February 2014: Winner of The Watty Awards 2013 for On The Rise Short Story

All you did was rip my heart out and slice it into a million pieces. I've learned my lesson and I thank you for that. I will never blindly fall again like I fell for you. Thank you and goodbye forever. Based on true events.

About a boy and a girl whose love for each other far exceeds their love for food.