Cassie Weston had always been everyone's rock. Whenever something bad in the community happened, Cassie was there, doing her best to cheer everyone up. Everyone in the area, of course, tried their best, too, but Cassie's efforts, her encouraging words, and her perfect hugs, could do more than anyone else's. This time, however, the accident hits her close to home, and she finds herself breaking down, needing someone to be there for her. Her parents, her teachers, her neighbors, and even her best friend Mia comfort her to the best of their abilities, but only one person can help. Cassie has no choice but to keep on waiting for superman.
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]]