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]]

I was named after the little mermaid, thought to be strong and brave. A name worthy of a princess, my mum used to say. But I didn't trade my voice for the handsome prince; I just never had it. I've always been the shy youngest sister, too afraid to raise her voice and make herself heard. I don't have the tail and I don't have the personality. I can sing, but no one ever hears me. I guess I only I have the red hair although it's not even naturally red. So how can I be part of his world when I can't even tell him my name? I better never meet the handsome prince, it'd be doomed to fail. So no, I'm not like the little mermaid, I'm just little shy Ariel. -:-:-:- BOOK #2 in the Aware Princess Series flower: Daisy, it symbolises "Innocence, loyal love, simplicity."