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

I don’t think there’s anything quite like losing a friend, especially one that you’ve had over the past four years.


When the town turned their backs on me, Vic never did, and all she expected was for me to do the same. She wanted the same loyalty that she had given me, but she felt like the feelings weren’t mutual. If only she listened to me. If she had just given me a chance to explain, she would see that I wasn’t as unloyal as she thought. I may have been selfish and wanted Lynx, but I also wanted to have him with her consent. I didn’t want one without the other.


I sat on the blue gymnastics mat and huffed. Normally, practice would bring me solace, but as the music blared in the background, my mind could only drift to thoughts of Vic.


How could it have let things get so out of control between us? As my best friend, shouldn’t she trust me?


Chapter 32: The Moment