Anne York, at the age of 25 had finally gotten to pursue her dreams. She had graduated from one of the best culinary schools in Seattle, and now was opening her very own cafe and bakery. Her love and inspiration for cooking came from her grandfather. She moved in with her Nana and Papa when she was five, after her parents were killed in a car crash. Joseph York, Anne's Papa, was a baker, so naturally she picked up on it. She spent hours and hours in the kitchen along side her grandfather as a child. When she was old enough, she applied to culinary school and started living her dreams. While attending culinary school, Anne meets Lacy, and they instantly become the best of friends. Once she is out of school, she decides to open up her very own cafe and bakery. With the help of her granparents, and close friends, she does it. She open's up Joe's, this cute little bakery in downtown Seattle. The day after the grandopening, Brooke, a 17 year old, comes in and applies for a job. After much consideration, Anne hires her. She couldn't expect her to be able to work much, due to the fact she's still in her senior of high school. However, she didn't expect to be so interested in her older brother, Bradley. Who happens to be engaged. And guess who's recommended to cater the wedding? Can Anne let go of this feeling she has for Bradley, or will it drive her to insanity?
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]]