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]]

the air smells like the promise of tomorrow and nothing has ever smelled more terrifying

DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN THIS STORY IN ANYWAY POSSIBLE. ALL CREDITS GO TO LVCKYPHAN ON ARCHIVEOFOUROWN.

"She placed her cane in front of her and gazed at it, reminiscing the time her brother gifted this to her. It was hand carved, swirls decorating the entire length of the cane, stopping at a depiction of a bear. The bear's face appeared kind and innocent, its eyes wide and its mouth mocking something similar to a smile. She always had such a fascination with bears, they were powerful and free. They were the predator. They were strong. They were what she wanted to be." Hitomi Aihara, was not your average ninja. In fact, she didn't train to be a ninja in the first place. She was raised in a working village that slaved away for the mother village, however, that changed quickly. Villagers burned down factories and homes for fund money for their own purposes. She soon found herself in Village Hidden in the Leaves. There, she was inspired. She wanted to be strong too. Strong like all the ninjas doing missions with ease. Strong like...Him. She too would be a ninja. She too would be strong. She can and will be. She must.

The passionate story of Tessa and Hardin continues as family secrets, deep betrayals, and career opportunities threaten to tear them apart.

This is the sequel (continuation) of After. Hardin and Tessa's relationship will be tested in ways she never expected, but he knew of all along.

Tessa Young is an 18 year old college student with a simple life, excellent grades, and a sweet boyfriend. She always has things planned out ahead of time, until she meets a rude boy named Hardin, with too many tattoos and piercings who shatters her plans.