adolescence
-
Chapter 9: Ghost
“But your ghost, the ghost of you–it keeps me awake.” – Ghost, Ella Henderson, 2014. It was like being plunged into an ice bath. From mild California sunshine to a ruthless 35 degrees, Chicago in December did not play. The wind cut right through her jeans as she stepped out of the airport, and for Continue reading
-
Chapter 8.1: Halloween 2009
Halloween 2009 “I thought I was a fool for no one, but oh baby I’m a fool for you.” – Muse, Supermassive Black Hole, 2008. Halloween at Aspen Brook High always had a certain electricity to it. Coming off the heels of Homecoming, it was the next best excuse to dress up, go out, and Continue reading
-
Chapter 8: See You Again
“I wonder if you look both ways when you cross my mind” – See You Again, Tyler the Creator featuring Kali Uchis, 2017. The next morning rolled in like the clouds over the area. The December gloom, as they called it. It almost felt like home, if the air didn’t smell so sharply of sea Continue reading
-
Chapter 7: Heat Waves
“But now I gotta let you go. You’ll be better off with someone new.” – Heat Waves, Glass Animals, 2020. The weekend was winding down, and with it came a creeping anxiety. It was Sunday afternoon–T-minus 3 days until Izzie boarded a flight back home. Two weeks of holiday chaos and wedding madness packed into Continue reading
-
Chapter 7.1: Early September 2009 (Sophomore Year)
“I’m with the Party Rock Crew, all drinks are free.” – Shots, LMFAO, 2009. Third period was English Honors. Only for the nerds and the kids who had their nose in a book. Unfortunately for Izzie, she had to read all summer for this class. Truthfully, she wanted to re-read New Moon in preparation for Continue reading
-
Author’s Note:
If you’ve read this far, you’re officially a quarter of the way through the story, CUH-RAZY! Thank you so much to those who have provided me feedback of the story, whether it was technical, grammatical, laughter, tears, or all of the above. These next upcoming flashbacks within the chapters are officially diving into Izzie’s sophomore Continue reading
-
Chapter 6.1: Early June (2009)
“It was never my intention to brag, to steal it all away from you now.” – Misery Business, Paramore, 2007. This was it–that quiet hum in the air. The air of surviving freshman year of high school. Izzie sat outside on the grass, soaking in the warm spring breeze, eyes closed, arms stretched behind her. Continue reading
-
Chapter 6: Don’t Smile
“Don’t smile because it happened, baby, cry because it’s over.” – Sabrina Carpenter, Don’t Smile, 2024. “Okay,” Izzie exhaled as she eased into her chair, gesturing for both Maya and Jennie to take the seats in front of her desk. Jennie immediately reached for one of the fidgets on the table. Maya’s hand twitched–like she Continue reading
-
Chapter 5.1: February 2009
“It’s much better to face these kinds of things, with a sense of poise and rationality.” -Panic! At The Disco, I Write Sins Not Tragedies, 2005. Izzie sat in the dean’s office, legs swinging mindlessly as her heart thudded hard in her chest. She was known for being a goodie-two-shoes–except for that one fight back Continue reading
-
Chapter 5: Anti-Hero
“Did you hear my covert narcissism I disguise as altruism, like some kind of congressman?” -Taylor Swift, Anti-Hero, 2022. The school bell rang, and the hallways erupted with chatter as students rushed out, buzzing with excitement. By tomorrow, they’d be scrambling–nearly toppling over each other–to get ready for the dance. Some might even get pulled Continue reading
Me, You, & The Party Rock Crew 