Life as a teenager is already a challenge. Life as a mute only adds to the chaos, but for Aubrielle Matthews, it’s just a regular day. Balancing being a gold medal gymnast, a social pariah, and backlash for her mutism is nothing new.

If that wasn't already enough, throw in Riverback Heights alum Lynx Peak.

Lynx is the golden boy who returns with some unfinished business. Despite his popularity, he faces demons from his past. On the outside, he’s handsome and rich with a carefree aura, but that’s just on the outside. Much darker and haunted things lie beneath. Lynx knew his return wouldn’t be a warm welcome, but he was shocked by all the changes in the town that never changes.

Can Brie and Lynx find the strength to overcome the poison that is Riverback Heights?

Will Lynx be able to right the wrongs of his past?

Can Brie find the voice the town stole from her? 

The Balancing Act was created by AZW, an eGlobal Creative Publishing signed author.

The Balancing Act

The front door of the house slammed open, and the deer returned. She was more like Rudolph the reindeer than an average deer, her cheeks brightened. I was more than certain whoever had opened the door for her would be what she deemed an embarrassment.


I opened the driver’s door and Brie followed, getting out of the backseat. Her head hung low, unable to look at whoever was in the doorway.


“Hello, I just wanted to make sure Brie got home safely. I hope that’s all right,” I said in hopes of making Brie less of whatever she was.


In the car, she was brazen, more than she had been since I met her. She talked to me, touched me and I didn’t want her to shrink back into her shell. I wasn’t done getting to know her yet. I needed to know why she called to me, or rather why I was called to her. What about her had me so intrigued and wound tight.


“Thank you. I don’t know why we pay a phone bill for something she refuses to use,” the woman said, coming into view.


Chapter 9: Good Deed