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

We suddenly hear some voices outside the door, and Carly anxiously peels herself off of me to compose herself. 


I lean forward a bit and drop my voice. "I don't understand." 


She shakes her head and grabs her coat. "I promise I'll be back but I have to go. There's things I have to take care of." She pauses at the door. "Im sorry." 


As Carly leaves, the doctor comes in behind a nurse. Together they poke, prod, and question me over the next thirty minutes. The doctor tells me that I have a sprained wrist, a couple of bruised ribs, and a concussion. Other than that, he says the cuts and bruising will fade in the upcoming days. 


I suppress a shiver. I glance over at Zach, who had slipped into the room a few minutes ago, and see the exhaustion and fatigue he's battling written all over his face. 


"When do you think I can go home?" I cautiously ask the doctor. I've never liked hospitals or doctors for that matter. 


I watch everyone exchange looks with one another. 


Chapter 18