Stella Rose lives a life of secrets and half truths. But she's  never had to lie to Zach Mitchell before. He's her best friend. When they start to explore a romantic relationship, everything comes crashing down around them. Betrayals take place, secrets spill, and hearts get stomped on. Now, a few years later, and about to graduate high school, will we see the wounds heal? Will Stella and Zach get a second chance?


[WARNING: Contains triggers for eating disorders, emotional and physical abuse, suicidal thoughts, harmful language]

**This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental. **

Is This Our Second Chance

Once we were both out of tears, we agree to try and start the heeling process, for both our sakes. We had a mutual understanding that it would take time and that trust had to be rebuilt, on both sides. 


After sitting peacefully in each other's company for a bit, I drive us to my house for the weekend. My parents were out of town on a business trip. 


"Absolutely not, that would shatter my manly pride into a million pieces." I shoot her a sparkling smile. "Unless you're scared to try my cooking?" 


"Of course, I'm not scared. But I could help with something, instead of just sitting here." 


I can tell she's a bit lost at the idea of just sitting still. I'm a bit lost as well. I never thought she would ever sit on that barstool again. 


Chapter 8