Tannen Matthews knew that life didn't always go according to plan. After losing everything important to him, his best friend pushes him to start fresh by attending Aretha High School. With a massive lack of sleep and an attitude, school doesn't happen how he'd planned it would: he runs into this little, wild-haired brunette with a fiery temper. Battle lines are drawn between them in the hopes of keeping the peace that they so desperately crave, but Tannen can't help but feel a potentially fatal attraction towards her.
For Claudia Grey, never being looked at twice was all she knew. That was, until Tannen started attending her school. With his easy smile and piercing eyes that cut through her soul, Claudia is drawn to him against her judgement; and she's not sure why. Tannen seems to be everywhere she is and to know more about her than her closest friends. Not being able to bare being touched, and unable to trust anyone, Claudia must gather her strength to face her ultimate fears.
The riddles of Tannen's dark past come to light when he befriends the mysterious brunette, and armed with nothing but hope, Tannen fights a desperate battle to retain all he's worked for; and Claudia learns that she has the choice as to whether her love can shatter or save a soul.
Faced with heart-wrenching teats of betrayal, loyalty and trust - all for a love that will change their lives - are Claudia and Tannen strong enough to face the consequences of their actions?
Written by: Claudia @Claudia Isabeau, and Tannen @Tannen.
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]]