Thin Ice (24 page)

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't looking for Tegan, Anderson
,
 and above all, Dylan, or who I imagine they are. That doesn't make me crazy does it? I know they’re not real, but when you're in a new place, you seek comfort in your thoughts. I hear Dylan giving me encouragement and Tegan freaking out that there's a fashion club while Anderson shakes his head at her. I laugh to myself, I must be crazy. I'm on a whole new level of imaginary friends.  

I continue walking and decide to stop and buy some tea from the on campus Starbucks. Now that I live on my own, I've filled the fridge with healthy foods, and I keep a cheat cabinet for one day a week. My first cheat meal: S'mores. I hope I can make them as good as Dylan would.

I just got directions to the local park and got a key to the gym in my apartment complex. It's time to start taking care of myself and this is a fresh start. I grab my tea and as I start to walk away, I get tapped on the shoulder.

“Excuse me.”

I look behind me and have to catch my breath. The girl standing in front of me has fiery red hair and heels to match. Her frame is similar to mine and she looks extremely nice and outgoing.

“I saw you online for the Digital Art and Design sign in. Looks like we're in the same program! I'm Kinsley.”

“Elli. Nice to meet you!” I go to shake her hand but she pulls me in for a hug, and I don’t refuse.

“Aren't you excited there's a Starbucks on campus? I'm pretty much going to live off this stuff.” She grabs her pretty drink off the counter and we start walking around the campus together, talking about little things, like where we’re from and the things we like.  But there's one question swimming around in my mind that I have to ask.

“Hey, are you a Harry Potter fan?”

She lifts up her wrist and I see "Always" tattooed in script. But what catches my eye is it’s covering what looks like scars from cutting. I look into her hesitant face as she waits for my reaction, and to her surprise I smile.

“We’re going to be very good friends, Kinsley.”

The
End
 Beginning.

Hold on tight,

This ride is a wild one,

Make no mistake,

The day will come when you can't cover up what you've done,

Now don't lose your fight, kid,

It only takes a little push to pull on through,

With so much left to do;

You'll be missing out, and we'll be missing you.

I heard that you've been

Having some trouble finding your place in the world.

I know how much that hurts,

And if you need a friend

Then please just say the word...

-Missing You by All Time Low

Music plays a huge part in this story. This is the playlist that inspired it all, and I’d like to thank these amazing artists who have helped me through so much.

Bigger Scars Make Better Stories by Search The City

The Runaways by Search The City

All I Want by A Day to Remember

Mr. Highway's Thinking About the End by A Day to Remember

I’m Made of Wax Larry, What Are You Made Of? by A Day to Remember

Why Worry by Set It Off

Wolf In Sheep’s Clothing by Set It Off

Missing You by All Time Low

Old Scars/ Future Hearts by All Time Low

Cinderblock Garden by All Time Low

Drown by Bring Me The Horizon

Can You Feel My Heart by Bring Me The Horizon

Little Toy Guns by Carrie Underwood

Exit Wounds by The Script

Broken Arrow by The Script

A Little Too Much by Shawn Mendes

These Times by SafetySuit

F***kin Perfect by P!nk

Masterpiece by Jessie J

Beside You by Mariana’s Trench

Crazy Girl by Eli Young Band

Sun Daze by Florida Georgia Line

Dirt by Florida Georgia Line

Get Your Shine On by Florida Georgia Line

Show You Off by Dan+Shay

Anything by Hedley

Kiss You Inside Out by Hedley

Dreams by Life of Dillon

Breathe In by Hit the Lights

F**ked Up Kids by Hit the Lights

Never Stop by SafetySuit

Time To Win by Down With Webster (Dom and Elli’s Song)

        Writing Elli’s story was extremely therapeutic. It gave me a sense of closure with my past, and I encourage anyone going through a hard time to write about it. Whether in a diary, in a book, or however you choose to record it. The best story is always your own, and sometimes when you are able to read, it will give you strength, confidence and knowledge. I’d like to thank anyone who picks up this book and gives Elli a chance. And I hope in some way, she helps you realize you must love yourself, no matter what.

        This is probably the easiest part of this book to write. Casey, my real life Tegan/Kinsley. Words can’t describe how thankful I am to you. You’ve stayed with me on this entire adventure and neither mine nor Elli’s world would be the same without you. Thank you for always yelling at me that you needed me to write more, when it was two o’clock in the morning and you couldn't wait to find out what happens next. It made me feel like this story was worth telling.

To my beautiful cousin Gia who jumped at the chance to read Elli and Dylan’s story and has done nothing but dream big for their future. I know you’d rather see Thin Ice as a movie, but maybe in time! You’re the best cuzzy babe! Love you!

        The CW, for ten amazing seasons of Supernatural, and Netflix for letting me binge watch them all. JK Rowling for giving me the most amazing world to escape in to.

        And finally my family. My brother Dom, for being Dom. Your skills and passion on the ice are inspirational. Always remember hard work pays off and you can accomplish anything. My sister and parabatai Amanda. Thanks for continuously reminding me I need to get out and live, and not just live inside my nook. Sorry your name really isn’t Julie, I take full responsibility.

Lastly my parents. Words can’t describe how much you’ve done for me. Thank you for continuously asking what my sequel was going to be about when I wasn’t even done with this one. You’ve made me a stronger person, and for that, I thank you.  

        Niki currently lives on Long Island where she is surrounded by her giant Sicilian family. She attended Full Sail University, getting her Bachelor's Degree of Computer Science in Computer Animation within two years. She works in all artistic forms, and Thin Ice is her debut novel. She plans to explore as much as possible, in both her career and in travel.
Adventure Awaits
.