All That You Are (All That You Are, #1)

by Elicia Roper

I’M CRADLING BOOKS upon books in my arms, along with a shopping cart I filled to the brim with even more books. Okay, so I might have a teensy-weensy problem. I wouldn’t go so far as to say I’m a book hoarder... but I do love books.

“I just feel like... I’m drowning. Gasping for air with no way out.

‘it’ll be okay.’ But sadly, it’s not okay, and honestly, I’m not sure that it ever will be.

Musicals. That, and I’ve watched high school musicals one, two, and three at least...”—I pause to count on my fingers—“30 times now.” Athena laughs at my confession. “30?” I nod, smiling proudly. Okay, so the first time, I was suckered into watching it for Isabella, but then it turned out that I didn’t hate it as much as expected.

I just assumed Collin was your real dad. I guess because you guys seem so close.”

It breaks my heart just thinking about it, so I can only imagine the unbearable pain they would feel, having to go on living without him.

When Dad died... it left a gaping hole in my chest that could never be filled. I will forever feel empty and lost without him. I don’t know how to live without him. I don’t want to; it’s too hard.

My dad was my whole universe,” she says, her voice wobbling. “When he left... it was like my world came crashing down, and it took years for me to barely manage to pick up the pieces.”

It’s a painful reminder that Dad’s not here anymore. And I hate it. I miss him so much. I wish Dad were here.

Then her face is back to serious. “It’s okay not to be okay... if you’re in pain, you are allowed to cry.” She wraps her arms around my neck. “Don’t hold it all inside. Promise me that you’ll tell me next time.”