Gus (Bright Side, #2)

by Kim Holden

Bright Side wasn't only my best friend; she was like my other half…the other half of my brain, the other half of my conscience, the other half of my sense of humor, the other half of my creativity, the other half of my heart. How do you go back to doing what you did before, when half of you is gone forever?

Kissing has never, ever, been like this for me. I can literally see fireworks behind my eyelids.

She smiles and it's friendly. It makes me want to stay in this room forever.

When someone initiates kindness anonymously, you know it comes from the most pure, kindhearted part of them because they'll probably never be singled out and thanked.

Addicts don't choose tragedy. Tragedy chooses them. And addiction is the result.

The thought of someone forcing himself on another person without consent is sickening.

There's no situation where rape is the victim's fault. It's not possible. Ever.

I'm always to blame for people treating me badly; it's how I've lived my life. People I love don't know how to love me back. They hurt me. That's how they love.

"That's the secret. You find what you love and you go for it.

Life ain't about coasting. It's about pushin' the damn gas pedal all the way to the floor. Same goes for fun and love, no coasting. Pedal to the floor."

My family doesn't have to define me.

Maybe it's about opening up your definition of family to include friends, too. Because friends are the family you choose.

"I mean, I think people find each other when they're ready for them. When they need each other the most. And it's in that time of need that the strongest relationships are formed."