The pain of being alone is all she had ever known. Bizarrely though, as she attended a normal high school, surrounded by many people and lived in what appeared as the perfect family. Perfect, except her. Their one family flaw, one scratch on an otherwise perfect surface; besides her, the family was inspiring; they were the family everyone aspired to have, besides her.
One day feeling more alone than ever, she takes a walk in the forest. Sunlight filters through the emerald leaves of the giant trees, dancing across her flawless skin, as she wished she weren’t alone. For once, her wish was granted… somewhat.
That day, in that forest, she makes an amazing discovery that’ll change everything and give her an escape from a world which hates her and she hates in return.
But, add a prophecy, new fragile friendships made too quickly and easily broken and new family, could make her more broken than ever.
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]]