My True Love

Seventeen-year-old Jessalina Fay Colins had never truly known stability. She spent much of her childhood moving between shelters with her mother, learning how to survive quietly and independently. When her mother married a military man, the moving didn't stop-it only changed. From state to state, school to school, Jessalina became used to being "the new girl," never staying long enough to build lasting friendships.

Everything slowed down when they finally settled in North Carolina.

Starting her sophomore year at a new high school alone was overwhelming. Naturally shy and reserved, Jessalina kept to herself, speaking only when necessary. Luckily, her senior cousins Anita and Dawn went to the same school. They helped her adjust, inviting her to sit with them at lunch and introducing her to their friends. With their encouragement, she joined a few activities, including the AV Club, where she felt most comfortable behind a camera lens instead of in front of people.

That's where she began noticing Dante Salvati.

He was hard to miss-one of the tallest guys in school, a football player with a strong presence and a rough-around-the-edges personality. He was popular and confident, dating a girl Jessalina knew. At first, she assumed he was stuck-up and not her type at all. Jessalina was sporty and simple, not overly girly, and more focused on getting through school than falling in love.

Jessalina had always told herself she wouldn't get attached. She was used to leaving before anything could matter too much. Elyjhii, however, wasn't someone who gave up easily. He wanted love, loyalty, and something lasting.

As drama, jealousy, and personal struggles begin to test them, Jessalina must decide whether protecting her heart is worth losing a chance at something real.

She wants independence and peace.He wants forever.

But sometimes, the scariest thing isn't leaving-it's choosing to stay.