It's the first day of summer, Acacia May Brynne is moving out of her abusive fathers house in with her aunt in Florida. Nervous about her age and entering a new school at Senior year, Acacia tends to unintentionally hermit herself away. Completely out of left field, Acacia ends up playfully forced into her first real relationship with a friend, who tries desperately to understand her quirky ways and to help her through her mental illnesses.
"You should get out of the house babe," her Aunt Elena said.
"I know," Acacia agrees, "I just don't know where to start".
"Try going to beach, many people are there. Just do your best, you can come home whenever."
Acacia smiled, hugged her aunt and set out for the seaside.
It didn't take long for her to feel uncomfortable. Timidly, she sat down as far away from everyone as possible but close enough to get a nice ocean spray as she lounged in the hot Florida climate. She dosed off, finally feeling comfortable.
BAM. Her break of relaxation was cut short to a volleyball to the face. Her neck snapped back as her body toppled over to one side.
"Oh, fuck" a distant voice said.
"Dude, what the hell is wrong with you?" Another voice one spat
"Shut up dude, you think I wanted to do that?" The boy responded as he ran to Acacia.
"Hey babe, are you ok? I'm really sor- OH shit, you're bleeding"
"Yea, yea I am." Acacia responded holding her nose, halfway covering her face. She went to turn to the boy and immediately dropped her face in embarrassment.
"DUDE, HELP HER! STOP STARING" one of his friends called out. But before anyone could do anything, Acacia got up and walked away.
"Babe, I'm so sorry, let me help" the young man called as he tried walking with her.
"Just leave me alone, please" Acacia retorted with tears in her eyes.
Raya is different from the typical 17-year-old with lots of friends and a social life. She's been dealing with schizophrenia since she was young, feeling like an outsider, especially in high school where she only has two friends and a close host family. Despite the support, she still wants more.
When her boyfriend cheats on her, it feels like her world falls apart, leaving her empty. But things change when she meets Zyran. There's something familiar about him, and she knows she'll fall for him. Yet, their love faces challenges because Zyran is a broken teen with no family, and Raya deals with a likely chronic illness.
Zyran changes Raya's life, but not always in a good way.
Will their love for each other survive the difficult challenges of life?
***
"I admit, I'm afraid to love you." I whispered, tracing my finger along the contours of his sharp features.
Zyran's green eyes pierced into mine. "Why?" he asks with a soft tone, laced with pain and confusion.
Taking a deep breath, I confessed, "Because once I start, I won't be able to stop."
Before he could respond, I kissed him passionately, relishing the soft sensation. He pulled me into a tight embrace, and in that moment, I realised we were bound together.
I had made my choice
I would never let him go