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

Brie is breathtaking and I can’t find anything to say to her. I keep staring at her like some psycho creep who can’t get his words together. I've never been this tongued in my life. I mean, maybe once when I was a kid, but I was a grown man now. Beauty shouldn’t stun me like it is now.


Her normally pin-straight hair was now a tornado of curls framing her doll-like face. The smell of her mango-scented shampoo and pineapple perfume nearly stopped me from breathing.


“Are you two going to go on your date already or should I set you both a plate at the dinner table?” the older woman said.


I gathered that I was right the last time I saw her, she was Brie’s mother. Besides her eyes and hair being several shades lighter than Brie’s they were identical. The man, Brie’s father, shared her hair color and eye color. It was clear to anyone with working eyes that Brie visually took after her mother.


“We should go,” I chuckled slightly.


Chapter 26: Vulnerability