Who she used to be

April thought starting middle school would mean starting over.

New school. New friends. A new version of herself.

For the first time in a long time, she feels like she belongs. She gets introduced to a group of girls who quickly become the center of her world, and before she knows it, April is laughing, making memories, and pretending that everything is finally okay.

But April has always been good at pretending.

Behind the jokes and smiles are things she refuses to talk about. Old mistakes. Old memories. A past she thought she had left behind. As the time goes on, the cracks in her carefully built life slowly begin to show.

Friendships change. Secrets surface. People she trusts aren't always who she thinks they are.

⚠️ Content warnings: This story contains references to eating disorders, self harm, substance abuse, and other sensitive themes. Please read with care.

This story is inspired by real experiences. Names have been changed for privacy reasons, as well as some events, places and details.