"Time is very slow for those who wait,
very fast for those who are scared,
very long for those who lament,
very short for those who celebrate,
but for those who love, time is eternal."
- William Shakespeare
I thought as he held me in for a long and passionate kiss. I read that quote so long ago and it still makes me melt. But that's how he makes me feel, like our love is eternal. I wouldn't trade that for the world. Not now, not ever. My hands made their way up his chest and around his neck and began to play with his hair. He wrapped his hands around my waist and tried to pull me closer to him than I already am. I could stay like this forever. I love him, I really do, he knows that, and I know that he loves me too.
*
Find how my old friend, Jake Waters, made me fall in love with him. How he swept me off my feet, stole my heart, and captured my innocence. This is full of clichés, and I would love for you to read all of it. Take in the love, passion, and heart. -Addison W.
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]]