Every parent is in dream land when they welcome a new child, a fact that hasn't changed for Theo and Emily Carlson who just welcomed their 7th child. However choosing to have such a big family has meant their attention is divided leading some kids to feel forgotten, like their eldest child Taylor.
Who was once the apple of her parents eyes, Taylor has been reduced to the title of first child. She no longer goes out for Ice Cream after a sporting event with her father, or sits at the piano playing and writing songs with her mother. Her days are spent at school, working and locked away in her room, filling in as a babysitter when her parents go out on date night. Her parents are unaware that, the Summer before her Sophomore year, Taylor lost all her friends after an event left her suffering in silence, when no one believed her when she spoke up.
Taylor is now a Senior, with the pressure of college looming. Since the night that changed her life, her passions have dwindled into nothing, leaving her even more conflicted on what she wants to do in life. But when Jonas Brooks inserts himself into her life, he may be the anchor she's been seeking.
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]]