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

This was the most bizarre school day I’ve ever had. If that wasn’t enough to cause concern, I had a competition tonight, and I felt off. Lynx showed up at my house to take me to school, Logan defended me in class, and Vic did not utter a single word to me. Nothing about today was right.


As promised, Lynx’s green Durango sat outside with him leaning against the hood, handsome as ever. His head is faced down into his phone, and I smile at the sight. I knew how busy he was with shifts at the hospital, so it meant a lot to me that he still came to pick me up.


I went to step outside when a hand gripped my arm. The grip wasn’t painful, but it was firm. I looked at the hand on my arm and then at its owner, Logan.


I swallowed the dread that crept its way up my throat along with the bile. Please don’t add fuel to the fire already erupting inside me.


“Brie, can I talk to you for a second?” he asked.


Chapter 35: Competition Day