*last update 5/16/26* "You'd be surprised what people can endure when it's all they've ever known." Beck's voice was quiet, distant. I focused my eyes on a lone ember dying just outside the fire. "Tragic shit happens around us every day, to adults and to children. The fact that we try to brush it all under the rug - to pretend it doesn't happen... That's the bigger tragedy. To let those affected suffer in silence, instead of reaching out a hand - lending an ear," I whispered, and our little group grew quiet for a bit. "What if those affected are just trying to get through to tomorrow?" Beck said thoughtfully. I eyed him as I waited for him to continue. His brown waves fell in his amber eyes. "Maybe they don't want to talk about it. Maybe they're tired of thinking about it and just want to forget and move on to the next thing in life." His voice was casual as he shrugged, but his faraway eyes gave me the impression that he was speaking from experience. "I think," I paused, and he met my eyes. "Compartmentalizing works for a bit. Though, in the long run, it's only going to leave them in a much worse place mentally. It'll eat you alive, letting it fester so long. Even if the abused and damaged think they're getting through by shoving it down, saving it for the 'later' that never comes... They're really just turning themselves into a ticking time bomb." "Does that work for you?" He asked, and my eyes flickered back up to his. "Talking about it?" "What makes you think I've experienced such tragedy in my 17 years?" I responded quietly, the energy between us charged. "Maybe I was just curious." I offered. Beck stared back at me in disbelief, smoke pouring out of his mouth and curving up into a cloud around his eyes. How did he have me read so well, so quickly? Stolen, a Dark Romance that touches on attachment styles and trauma bonds. Reader's discretion advised.

Conner Rogers: Hot, athletic, and popular, with an ego the size of the Empire State Building. Selena Rider: Clumsy, uncoordinated-and-most-definitely-not-athletic, and sarcastic, with an unfortunate affinity for making self destructive life decisions. Against all odds, Selena and Conner have remained best friends longer than either can even recall, joined at the hip and constantly searching for adventure. Or trouble. Or both. Until puberty kicks in, and BAM!, they go from being best friends for life, to best friends with benefits. No one else knows, for now anyways, and keeping it that way will prove more of a challenge than expected. The two will have to deal with the fact, that the things they want, are sometimes the things that they never expected to want. There's a test of devotion and friendship approaching them, and no one is certain that they will make it out with their hearts in one piece. After all, best friends are forever. Right? UNDER MASSIVE CONSTRUCTION! So if things aren't making any sense, it's because I've been going back and editing everything XD

Jennifer Shecklar is the new girl at Birtie High School in Windsor, North Carolina. On her first day she meets Jake Hanes. He immediately is attracted to her mysteriousness. But Jake doesn't know half the things he needs to in order to 'get to know her better.' Like: Why she moved to NC. Why she keeps to herself. Why she likes spending her spare time in a cemetery. and Why she never talks about her past. Will that very past come back to haunt her? Will it repeat itself? Or will it drive a wedge between her and her new pal, Jake? ~Caution~: This writing may not be suitable for anyone under the age of 15. Contains strong language, sexual content, and scenes that may not be suitable for the weak-stomached.