your 20s can be difficult, what happens when you mix love into the picture?
"It Surrounds Us " is a captivating contemporary novel that follows the journey of Estelle, a young woman seeking a fresh start in the idyllic coastal town of Seaside. As Estelle settles into her new apartment and begins to explore her surroundings, she encounters a diverse cast of characters who will shape her perspective and challenge her notions of friendship, love, and self-discovery.
Chapter by chapter, Estelle navigates the complexities of forging new relationships, from her neighbor, the enigmatic and brooding Sawyer, who harbors his own demons. Alongside her friends Lily, Katelynn and Wren, Estelle finds herself immersed in the town's social scene, attending parties, exploring local boutiques, and venturing out to beach bonfires.
As Estelle delves deeper into the community, she learns that appearances can be deceiving and that everyone has their own unique story. The once-intimidating Sawyer reveals moments of vulnerability, and Estelle is drawn to unravel the layers of his guarded persona, despite the challenges it presents.
Throughout the narrative, Estelle grapples with her own insecurities and past experiences, coming to terms with the importance of authenticity and embracing her true self. She confronts her introverted nature, pushing beyond her comfort zone to make genuine connections and navigate the nuances of human relationships.
Amidst the ups and downs of her personal journey, Estelle discovers the healing power of friendship, the transformative nature of forgiveness, and the enduring strength of self-acceptance. "It Surrounds Us" is a heartfelt exploration of love, resilience, and the courage to embrace life's unexpected twists and turns.
On steamy, hot summer days, the parched soil cracks like ice into jagged lines resembling lightning blowing up the midnight sky. Summer craves to be quenched and begs to feel the invigorating shower that only rain can douse. It takes what it can get from rain without considering the possibility of destruction.
Rain is a necessary evil. It's prayed for yet cursed and hated. It brings forth destruction and life simultaneously. Rain is a refreshing sprinkle and an overwhelming flood. It's elusive, and it alone decides when and where to release its precipitation with no regard to the impact of its power.
***
Summer breezed into McGrath's Pub like a breath of fresh air. Despite her miserable day and the tepid rain dampening the streets of Harrisburg, she lit up the bar with her bright smile the moment she entered.
Rain is looking for a warm body to take to his bed. He spots Summer and immediately approaches her. She has no clue about his plans for her, and he's determined to bring those plans to fruition.
Summer's heart and soul were destroyed by the torrential storm that is Rain Grant. Summer is determined not to let what happened to her happen to the "Next Girl."
***
"Next Girl"
I bet you probably met him at a bar
Let him walk you to your car
I bet he said he never fell this hard
Yeah, I remember that part
He knows how to say all the right things
Knows how to get you outta that dress
Knows how to make you think you're thе best thing
But I know what happens next, girl
Co-written and performed by Carly Pearce
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Cover by: @zmswift
1st Place 🥇 The Carnival Awards 2021 Chick-Lit
Featured in WattpadShortStory's Realistic Fiction Reading List
Qualified for Round 3 of the 2023 Amby Awards