Plot Overview:
Valerie is an artistic teenager who has always found solace in her painting. However, her world begins to expand when her best friend, Walker, introduces her to skateboarding and rollerblading. As she navigates this new passion, she finds herself caught in a web of emotions and conflicts.
Valerie's life becomes more complicated when Ethan, a quiet and mysterious new student, starts to take an interest in her. He's drawn to her unique perspective on art and life but harbors a deep resentment toward Walker, whom he sees as a rival for Valerie's affection. Meanwhile, Valerie is unaware of Walker's romantic feelings for her, seeing him only as her loyal and supportive friend.
At school, Valerie faces another challenge in Tyler, a classmate who resents her. Tyler is pressured by his parents to be the best in everything, but Valerie's effortless intelligence and growing popularity frustrate him, leading to a bitter rivalry.
As Valerie's relationship with Walker deepens through their shared love of music and skating, she begins to feel conflicted as she also starts to see the world through Ethan's lens-literally and figuratively. This
Valerie's younger sister, Jen, adds another layer to her struggles. Jen idolizes Valerie but also questions her choices, pushing Valerie to rethink her priorities and actions. Their sibling bond becomes a crucial part of Valerie's journey toward self-discovery.
Prof. Bennette, an older artist who recognizes Valerie's talent, becomes her mentor. He encourages her to channel her emotions into her art, helping her navigate the complexities of friendship, love, and rivalry. Through his guidance, Valerie begins to understand the importance of balance-whether it's balancing on a skateboard, balancing her emotions, or balancing the competing demands of the people around her
As Claire aims to leave her oppressive stepfamily behind, she befriends Zion. Will he be her ticket to freedom or a distraction in achieving her dreams?
*****
Claire Olsen has had a crush on Zion Petrakis since the first time she laid eyes on him, but he never noticed, instead only having eyes on the school's it girl, Maddie Jennings. Knowing she couldn't compete with Maddie, Claire hid her feelings for Zion, satisfied with admiring him from afar. However, when a series of events led Claire closer to Zion, her feelings for him grew from infatuation to love. And despite fighting hard to keep her feelings contained by distancing herself from Zion, he was determined to show her that he's earned a spot in her life.
[[word count: 100,000-150,000 words]]