IF I BELIEVE

Isabelle "Izzy" Hailey Coleman is a bright and well spirited teenage girl who has this love and passion for art. All is good in her life until tragedy strikes. Too grief stricken and devastated, she gives up on her passion for her art and herself. She uses her self destructive behavior as a way of coping with everything. Months into her grieving process, Nicholas Kayden-her brothers best friend-comes back to town after months of being gone. He's surprised to find that Izzy isn't the same girl he remembered and she's not too happy about his sudden return.

Emotions, revelations and events come crashing to the surface in the wake of Nick's return while they both try to work through their feelings for one another. As Izzy struggles to find herself again, rebuild her relationship with her family and try to stay out of trouble, Nick's there along with some old friends to remind her that she matters. That her art matters and her life means something. She's alive for a reason and she needs to believe in it all again.
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A/N: ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

To my brother who passed away a year ago on July 3, 2017. He was my inspiration for my art, whether it was writing or drawing and he always will be. Gone too soon at the age of 24. He was an amazing brother, father, son and a selfless soul that I had the pleasure of being related to. My brother always referred to himself as a diamond in the rough and told me to "Enjoy life. Look beyond the obvious. See the diamonds in the rough. See the sun on the stormy days..." I'll always cherish his words and try to live by them every day I'm granted life.

To anyone who has grieved the loss of a loved one or is grieving now, you're not alone. There's help all around you. Keep the faith, keep the love. Stay blessed.

Forever and always my brother.
I'm indebted to you. Thank you for your constant support & your words of encouragement.
R.I.H. My Diamond in the Rough
-AJ-