SYNOPSIS
How do you cope when the people you care for hurt you the
most? When the way you feel on the outside, smothers you on the inside. And
when you are left to face your demons alone, will you learn that only you have
the power to overcome them?
Charlie has never had it easy. Between the constant moving and
the incessant fat comments and jokes from her father, her self-worth is
nonexistent. Her reflection in the mirror shows her nothing but a plain Jane.
Music is the only thing that keeps her sanity in check.
Charlie catches the eye of the town star quarterback,
Maverick. With her curves, her brunette hair, and the voice of an angel, Maverick
has never met anyone like her. Everything that is different about Charlie just
makes Maverick like her more. Unfortunately, Charlie doesn’t see it
herself.
Proving it to her may deem harder than he thinks, especially
when tragedy strikes and tears them apart.
Now standing on her own two feet she may finally learn exactly
who she is, what’s she’s capable of and how very un plain Jane she really
is.
EXCERPT
My eyes are glued shut, making it even more difficult for me to wake up. I feel like I need a crow bar just to pry them open. My thoughts instantly drift to the conversation with my parents last night, the reason for the tears that caused my nasty crusted eyes.
Mixed feelings fall to the pit of my stomach and I’m second-guessing myself already. Everything I felt so confident about last night, now seems uncertain.
I drag myself out of bed before anyone can scream and holler at me. I don’t need that first thing in the morning. Last night was more than enough.
I pick out my clothes, just like I always do, mindful of my weight. Carefully, I apply my makeup, taking a critical look at myself in the mirror. I’m as satisfied as I can be, looking the way I do.
I quietly walk in to the kitchen to grab a bite to eat and hope to avoid all confrontation. Unfortunately, I spot my dad sitting at the bar in his trademark spot, coffee in hand, with the newspaper. My mom is standing at the stove in her bathrobe. I see her stiffen when she hears me, but she doesn’t turn.
The minute I walk in, he lifts his head up from that damn paper and smirks at me, before dropping his head back down to continue his reading. I don’t speak, I’ve already said enough.
I grab my breakfast of choice, a bagel. I decide to grab and go; no toaster, no cream cheese. I can’t stand being in his house a minute longer than I have to be. As if he can sense my weakness, my dad decides to speak. I don’t turn around. I just stand there, waiting to hear his cut. Because I know, that’s all it ever is. I expect it. One more dig.
“Charlie, try not to embarrass yourself with this boy today.”
I don’t respond. I just turn and walk to the front door so I can escape. I need air, I feel like I’m suffocating. The moment I’m outside, I crouch down, put my head between my legs, with my hands on my knees, and take a deep breath. I slowly stand up and start to walk over to Lexie.
AUTHOR BIO
Heather is a devoted mother of three gorgeous boys. She balances spending as much time with them as possible with writing, updating her Into the Night Reviews book blog and her day job. Her love of animals sees her home in Canton, GA bursting with numerous dogs and ferrets.
Heather campaigns passionately for anti-bullying initiatives and has a strong conviction to reduce peoples suffering at the hands of bullies.
A talented singer, who once dreamed of pursuing a career in that field, she has put that goal aside in exchange for her writing. A self proclaimed geek, whatever spare time she has is spent curled on the couch reading and listening to music.
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