self love
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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
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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
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Chapter 4.1: Winter Break, 2008-2009.
“Christmas without you would just not be Christmas at all.” V of BTS, Snow Flower, 2020. It was an unseasonably warm day for late December. The sun was out, though the wind howled, and the air had a warmth to it–a mild 60 degrees. It was one of those days Chicagoans never took for granted, Continue reading
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Chapter 4: 134340 (Pluto)
“My cold heart is at -248 degrees. It stopped the day you erased me. (Damn)” -RM of BTS, 134340 (Pluto), 2017. Hey Izzie–or is it Isabella now? I wanted to start this off by saying, I hope you’re doing well. I know it’s been a very long time since we’ve last spoken and, honestly, I’m Continue reading
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Chapter 3.1: Wednesday After Homecoming
“They can change the locks, don’t let them change your mind” – We The Kings, Check Yes Juliet, 2007. It was now mid-October, days after the homecoming madness that overtook Aspen Brook High. Halloween was on the horizon, and with it, the start of the holiday season, and teachers introducing the concept of midterms and Continue reading
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Chapter 3: Twilight Zone
“Sometimes I just can’t believe you happened.” – Ariana Grande Izzie let out a shaky breath. She hadn’t realized that she had been holding her breath for so long. The feel of Stelly’s soft paw, pawing at her ankle brought her out of yet another flashback. “Yeah, you’re right, Stell,” she smiled and scooped up Continue reading
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Chapter 2.3: Monday after homecoming
“Ignorance is your new best friend.” Paramore, Ignorance, 2008. The hallways are bustling with students chatting, there’s the occasional slam of lockers, sneakers squeaking against the tile, laughter, and a random girl crying to her best friend about her homecoming date dumping her. It was high school and things were back to normal after homecoming Continue reading
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Chapter 2.2: Freshman Homecoming (2008)
“Isabella, come on, take the picture seriously,” Odalys sighed in exasperation at her daughter goofing off as she posed for her solo picture. “The look” was all Izzie needed from her mother to cut the shit and straighten her act for a picture-perfect smile. “Thank you, kid,” Odalys shook her head. “Any time, ma,” Izzie… Continue reading
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Chapter 2: Favorite Crime
“Izzie, I promise, with everything Martín has planned, the only time you and Simon will even interact is on the actual day, if that,” Hala’s voice was soothing and reassuring as always on the other end of the receiver. Meanwhile, Izzie was relentlessly hammering the boxing bag like she was in the ring, going toe-to-toe… Continue reading
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Chapter 1.1: Late September, Freshman Year (2008)
“All of the people start to rush. (Start to rush by)” – Lady Gaga, Just Dance, 2008. Math wasn’t Izzie’s strongest suit, and being in a brand new school where about 80% of the school’s freshman population had some knowledge of each other—had her even more perplexed and frankly, even more on edge when it Continue reading
Me, You, & The Party Rock Crew 