Young Writers Society

The Changing Stars

Braylie's life isn't perfect, but it seems to be just right for the people she experiences it with. If only something so right could last.

Whole Novel Description:

Braylie and her wild-child sister go through their school days, seemingly normally, until they meet a childhood best friend, turned hottie, that will change the course of their teenage lives. They set a date to meet with him and catch up, but when it comes to it, Kenny's partying is more important. Braylie goes by herself, along with her two little siblings. The relationship begins to bloom as Braylie finds herself wanting more of his story. Over the next few weeks, they grow even closer.

Just before the school 'Winter Ball', Rowan asks if Braylie will go with him. She is excited and shocked. Being as she is more than close to her father, she asks if he would drive her because of her nerves. As they set out, her father tells her of his love for her, ever since they had ended up alone. Braylie couldn't love him more.

A truck smashes into the SUV, sending it flying across the road. Braylie wakes up from the darkness to find herself on the side of the road. She stumbles across the highway only to find her father, barely breathing. All of her CPR training seems to go out the window as panic and grief take over her mind. The next thing she knows, she's in a hospital bed, her sister grasping her hands with sobbing breaths.

She barely gets to say goodbye before her father is gone.

As time continues on, Braylie is left with looming depression that causes her to block out her friends and family. She all but stops going to school, and working. The only thing keeping her above the surface is her younger siblings and the baby that would soon be born without a father. She knows that she has to step in to be the parent that the baby would never have.

Months after the new baby Ellie is born, Braylie realizes that she has to try harder. She pushes down her grief and works to get back to who she was. Even if it is near impossible. Just when she thinks that she can cover up her depression, a letter arrives that rocks the very core of the Burdon family. Braylie's biological mother has the guts to file for custody.

Her stepmother decides to fight the battle, but it is clear that no matter what, the court will place Braylie with the mother that left her so long ago. Rather than fight the entire battle, Braylie tells her step-mother that she wants to go to California with her birth mom, for a new life. Braylie thinks that this is the only way to save her family the grief and money that goes with custody battles. She leaves with her birth mom with no contact to her family. A clean break. She believes it must be easier for her family this way.

The shell of the human that she is is not understood by her birth mother, who did not suffer the same as she did. The only thing that she waits for are the letters that Rowan sends her daily, with updates. It seems as if her love for him grows each day, until he decides to visit her. He confesses his love for her, but she does not return the sentiment. She believes that whoever she loves, leaves her in one way or another. She can't let that happen to him.

Her birth mother tries to have a relationship with her, but soon realizes that Braylie blames her for everything. The death of her father, the custody battle, her childhood. But when Braylie's baby sister falls ill, Braylie runs back to her family, with no word to her birth-mother. After angered words, birth-mom realizes what she has to do. She proposes that she move to where Braylie's family lives, to split custody, as hard as it is for her.

Once they move, it seems as if Braylie's life picks up again. And then, a surprise graduation party for Kenny and Braylie. Braylie kisses Rowan, remembers her life, and realizes that for the first time in a year, she is truly happy.

Most Prominent Characters: Braylie Burdon (16-17) Main Character
Mackenzie (Kenny) Burdon (16-17) Supporting (Sibling)
Rowan Brown (16-17) Supporting (Friend/Love Interest)
Rose Zoe Burdon (6) Supporting (Sibling)
Cody Burdon (9) Supporting (Sibling)
Ellie Burdon (0-1) Supporting (Sibling)
Connor Burdon (45) Supporting (Deceased) (Father)
Hallie Burdon (43) Supporting (Mother)
Maddison (Maddie) Jones (46) (Birth-mother)


Notes:

Sorry if this is a lot! I'm trying to get it all out, if people are interested. It is different for me, as I always write fantasy, but I really felt this story. Thanks for reading,