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

It's a little after dinner time, and I find myself back in the hotel hallway, hugging myself and listening in on Kayla and my dad talking. 


"I don't understand why he can't just come here." he says. 


Because I want privacy. I scoff to myself. 


I need to be somewhere where I can think. 


When Kayla emerged from the room with a jacket for me, I knew she got me cleared to leave. 


"Thanks Kayla." I smile at her as I shove my arms into the jacket. 


"Don't thank me, I had to promise that I'd bring you back here tonight, before midnight." She sends a smirk my way. 


The door creaks open revealing Carly leaning against the doorframe. She has her head rested against the paneling, using one finger to open the door a little wider. She takes me in, and gives me a pitying smile before turning to my dad. 


"Dad, nothings going to happen to her. She'll be safe. Kayla and I vouch for him." 


Chapter 20