Her eldest sister had always said to her younger sisters that they were not to have a relationship with her friends, besides friendship of course. She and her sisters obeyed, well besides her twin. She knew that she shouldn't go for older people anyways. It could lead to things without a thought of the consequences. She had always been the girl to hide behind the two biggest guys in town hoping to not be approached by a stranger. As time progressed she grew onto the thought of going to town to hang out with her friends. She was one of the youngest, but she fit right in with the crowd. She knew to stay away from older guys, that is until she was introduced to her sisters best friend. He seemed to get caught by her appearance, and personality. He thought she was cute, but when he got to know her he wanted to label her. How he wanted to do that you ask? Never leave her side unless it was for school, or where she couldn't bring him along on a trip or something, take her to school, and pick her up, take her on dates, kiss her in front of his friends, and even give her necklace with his name on it. He knew she would love all of that, but what he didn't know is if they shared the feelings. As he thought about it, he remember about her sisters rules. Maybe she'll let this slip, for once.
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]]