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

She kissed me. I can’t believe she actually kissed me. It’s what I’ve been wanting to do for weeks now, but she took the initiative.


Someone cleared their throat, and we separated, her bright amber eyes shining on me like the sun's rays. Nothing could take this feeling away.


I looked to see where the interruption came from and gulped. I’m not a man who’s easily scared, but Brie’s father takes the cake each and every time. Every encounter I’ve had with the man has been barely pleasant. I know he doesn’t like me, but Brie’s mother is always the cushion that divides us and keeps me safe. I can’t blame him for not liking me. If I were him, I wouldn’t like me either, especially knowing who my father is.


My father’s a d*ck, even to me, my brother, and my mother. It’s in his DNA, a quality that has undoubtedly been passed down from a*shole to a*shole, and apparently, that is every male in my family lineage.


Chapter 37: Mine