2ND DRAFT OF BOOK
(Warning: they're VERY different)
It's been three years since sophomore Gemma Caddel's sister died in a car accident. Jade's death left an impossible hole in their family, and an impossible hole in Gemma's life. The worst part is, Gemma remembers every single little moment of the night Jade died. And it haunts her every night. As the anniversary of Jade's death looms, Gemma's home life becomes tenuous. Her brother won't stop acting out, her sister's being bullied at school, and Gemma's dangerously close to cracking. Finally, against her parents wishes, she turns back to Jade's journals, searching for answers.
For three years, Rina's been searching for answers. Three years ago, her best friend was killed in a car accident. And the worst part is, Rina doesn't remember anything. She knows she was with Jade when she died. But that's all she knows. For three years, Rina's been searching for what happened. She knows it was a car accident, but no one will tell her anything else. For three years, there's been a Jade-sized hole in her life. And Rina's done pretending she's okay. She's going to find out what happened. And nothing's going to stop her.
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]]