"Hey, Cammie, it's been a while are you okay?" is the first thing I hear when I walk into the room where Trisha holds therapy sessions. I can't believe that's the first thing she said to me, I know she's awkward but man, that is not a way to start a conversation. I look at her and smile.
"I'm Dandy, Kat" I sigh, while looking at the necklace hanging around her neck, it's the one I gave her on her first day here at therapy. I couldn't help but smile.
"Stop lying to me, I know you Cam. You know I'm here, I don't mean to ambush you but I've missed you, and I've been worried about you. I know you're not okay, but I just wish you'd let me in. I care about you, I really wish you'd understand that," she said quietly. I can tell she's sad, and I've probably hurt her. I wish I could accept that she cares- but that's the hard part about me, or loving me, or anything about me. I can't let anyone care.
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.
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