The Cohen princess didn’t live in a fairytale like all other princesses. Just like it happened to your brother, your life got better when that kid from Chino stumbled into it. And just like it happened to everyone else, your life got messed up once he left.

Now, nobody could blame it on Ryan. You had been dealing with depression for as long as you could remember. There was no way a kid could have that much effect on you. No, in fact, he had an effect on everyone. When Ryan decided to go back to Chino with Theresa, Seth decided to run away too. That’s when the fights between your parents started. Summer and Marissa went back to their own friendship. And you, you went back to your room, closed curtains.

On top of your parents’ problems, there you were. They couldn’t explain how they let it happen. They just knew that by the time it happened, it was too late. You hadn’t done it in years, they thought you were past it for good. But they thought wrong. Once Ryan and Seth left, you didn’t speak. It wasn’t like you refused to open up to them. You didn’t speak, period. You didn’t speak to anyone, not even when they took you to meet Ryan, not even when Seth called.

However, summer was ending and school was right around the corner. Things still weren’t back to normal. The therapy and pills didn’t seem to be helping. You still didn’t speak. One of those days, Sandy went into your room, which lacked a door.

“I’m going to Portland to try to convince your brother to come back. I have an extra plane ticket, first class. What do you say, kiddo?”