Rufescent

Rufescent, adj.: tinged with red or rufous.

Dean Cyveck's mental state can be described in this word, and no other. Strangers see a small, shy, stubborn tomboy. Dean sees differently- nothing but abuse and plots. Plots of murder. Plots to murder her abusive brother.

When they move to a new town, Dean's plans get thrown out of whack, and she must reform them while trying to make friends, defeat stereotypes, get over Louie Duerlo, her ex, and figure out Jacqueline Khan.

Many things can be rufescent. If everything goes well, Kendall Cyveck's body will be one of them.

(First attempt at a romance/teen fiction, and yes I did cheat my way out of straight-up romance by throwing a murder plot in there. Oops.)