In 8th grade, being kissed was a priority for Alex. For Nat, it was the last thing he wanted.
In 9th grade, being together forever was Alex and Nat's goal.
In 10th grade, Alex's plan was to escape reality. Nat's was to become more social, which was a charm for the guys he bumped into.
In 11th grade, Alex's future was questioned, and so was Nat's sexuality.
In 12th grade, 'together forever' seemed like forever was over.
But that was the beginning.
Throughout their biggest moments, beginning with high school, the story of Natlex will be told.
Hearts will be broken, wrists will be slit, and tears will fall. But in the end, love does come with a price.
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]]