"Strange seeing you up and about in these parts," Violet greeted her old friend. "I could say the same," he replied. She looked around her, suddenly aware of her gloomy surroundings. "I don't know how I got here," she said with a huff.
"Yeah, sure you don't. I've seen you here before, you know."
"I'm certain I have no idea what you're talking about, Mr. Kingsly, sir," the girl said with a rage burning in her veins. "Sure, princess. Whatever helps you sleep at night."
"I'm not lying!" She argued, her voice raising to a scream.
"Cool it, kid. I believe you," he lied with a wink.
"Whatever! I'm going home!"
"Not so fast."
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]]