*Hello this is an author's note I just wanted to make a couple of important points

This is my first ever book that am publishing out. It's not going to be perfect, but am trying to expand my knowledge and learn more on writing.

There's probably going to be some grammar mistakes which i try very hard to avoid so please feel free to point them out if you see them, i will make sure to fix it.

All opinions and constructive criticism are welcome. These are what helps me and am pretty sure other authors as well on how we can make our story much better and enjoyable in the future. But of course any hate comments towards me and anyone one else who's trying to express their opinions and view points will be deleted/reported, please be kind to each other even if you guys disagree with each other.

I wanted to point out that the characters in this book react to everything according to their personality and their experiences. How a character reacts to something in a book would usually differ to how a reader would react unless you can relate or have a similar personality to them. If a character makes a dumb choice, it happens for a reason and suits them. So please don't hate on them simply because they do things differently than you, remember that there are billions of people with different personalities and experiences in the world, not everyone is going to be like you. But again i can understand if you disagree with a character in the book, it's totally understandable. 

If anyone is willing to make a cover and do translations for the book for free, then i would kindly appreciate that just tell me in the comments, or message me on the app.

Please don't write spoilers in the comments this is for my rereaders, i know many hate spoilers.

This is a disclaimer that this book contains very dark subjects like d*ath, depr*ssion, and su*cide so if you don't feel comfortable you have every right to drop this book. I will try to put a disclaimer on the chapters that cover these subject. But this is a disclaimer in case i don't. So viewer discretion is advised.

Everyone is welcome, this is a free space for everyone so please don't be afraid to share your opinions and thoughts on the book. I am also willing to have other discussions since i would love to know you guys better.

Book description: Gabe has always felt out of touch from everyone else. Being in his own little world that no one will accept him due to the permanent memories attached to his skin, Gabe has shut himself self out from the world. He feeds into a dark void which seems to have no escape until a light appears, Elizabeth. She is here to remind him that yes he has scars but, all there is is love.

"I'm making people that happy. How cool is that? That's my job."

-Ellen Marlow

8:45 pm, the clock felt like it had been ticking for eternity. With every second the second hand of the clock strike felt like hours until it would hit the next one. Elizabeth deeply sighed and took a sip of her beverage. She had been in the bar for two hours waiting for her ride to drop her home. It had been a long trip from Boston and all Elizabeth wanted to do when she landed was lay in bed and sleep like there's no tomorrow. But instead she found herself stuck in the bar desperately watching the time pass by. She had been informed to wait here as her ride would pick her up immediately after she landed. She even sent many messages, and called 50 times, but was only responded to with nothing. A little frustrated and tired, Elizabeth paid the bartender and picked her purse and started her way out, planning on getting a taxi instead. As she made her way while she fumbled through her purse for her wallet, she was stopped by a hard thud.

She had bumped into someone.

"I-i'm so sorry" she said without looking up at the person and knelt quickly to pick up her purse and the items that had fallen out from it from the ground. "There you are" she stated as she spotted her wallet, but as she reached to grab it she saw a hand that had picked it up. Elizabeth was a little startled and looked up to see who the hand had belonged to. As her eyes met with the person, her breath hitched for a moment. It was a man, he had a sharp jawline but was also soft from a face to face angle. He had grey eyes that glowed well in the bar light. And jet black hair that was ruffled and set on his forehead. But what caught her attention was his skin, specifically on his face. He had huge blackish purple patches, one that had completely covered his chin all the way to his ears. And had a scar that ran across his right eye. But Elizabeth also noticed the sorrowful look in his eyes. The man handed Elizabeth her wallet, in which she replied with a warm smile and stood to her feet. "I'm really really sorry" Elizabeth said again with an awkward laugh. The man only looked at her in silence, nodded and started on his way.

"Umm, am sorry excuse me" she stated, stopping the man on his track. He turned around to look at Elizabeth who still held a smile. "Is it okay if I buy you a drink?" she stated. The man raised his eyebrows slightly at her question. Elizabeth noticed this and smiled "It's just I was so careless and I wasn't looking where I was going. But if you don't mind, I'd like to repay you back with a drink." The man stared again, this time directly into Elizabeth's eyes. He remained there for a few more seconds before he sighed and nodded. Elizabeth smiled and they both made their way to the counter.

As they sat, Elizabeth had signaled the bartender, "Just water please" she said to him. The bartender nodded and faced the man. "Rum" the man said. "Alright then, i will be back with your drinks in just a few" the bartender stated and took his leave. "Elizabeth" she stated as she reached her hand out to the man for a handshake with a smile plastered on her face. The man hesitated a little before shaking Elizabeth's hand, "Gabe" he said to her. She smiled in response.

There remained a silence between them, it was a little awkward but at the same time calming. Elizabeth held a slight smile as she watched the man in front of her. She could've made her way home and layed on the comforting cushion, but something told her to stay here. She had a gut feeling, and Elizabeth always knew the importance of following whatever her guts says. "So, um where are you from?" Gabe slightly raised his eyebrows by the sudden question, the woman had asked to buy him a drink and was now suddenly interested in his origins. It was unusual especially since he just met her and at the same time Gabe wasn't really the type that engaged in many small talks. He sighed anyways and spoke "California" he stated expressionless. "Oh wow really, I have a friend from there actually. Which part of California?" "Fresno," Gabe replied. "Wow, my friend is from that part too. But anyways I recently just moved here from Boston and boy it was a long trip." She said, letting out a little exhausted laugh. Gabe slightly smiled in response, he wasn't sure why but he was enjoying how the conversation was going so far. "So what do you do?" she asked, filling the little silence that overtook them. "I own a small business," he stated. "Well that sounds cool. I haven't met many people who own small businesses, but from what i've heard it sounds  pretty fun" Gabe stared at the woman in front of her, he wondered about the many things that could've gone on throughout this night. Sitting silently alone in the bar and drinking all his pain away for hours. Pondering over what had remained of his life but the little interaction had kept him a little occupied for a while. And although he wouldn't admit it out loud he was glad. "And you?" he stated but with a little more interest in his tone. His gaze meeting the woman who sat in front of him. She let out an uncomfortable laugh "Well, I am actually just figuring things out, I just finished college and I guess I wanted to go out of the state. You know, just to start fresh." "Interesting," Gabe replied, almost a whisper but enough for Elizabeth to hear. They stayed in silence again, gazing into each other's eyes. It wasn't an awkward one, but one where they try to unravel each other's mystery by just utter silence.

"Here are your drinks" the bartender gently placed their drinks, cutting them both from their gaze. "Thank you," Elizabeth said to the bartender with an appreciating smile.

"Oh wow look at that" Elizabeth said looking at her phone. It had now turned 10:00 and the two had been conversing for an hour. They discussed common interests which only engaged Gabe deeper into the conversation. It was shocking how two complete strangers could communicate as if they've known each other for years. But with Elizabeth it felt natural and flowed easily. Plus she led the conversation asking questions and making sure to bring a new topic when silence took over in which Gabe appreciated. "Am sorry, I honestly didn't mean to keep you here this long." Gabe stared at the apologetic women in front of her, they had been staying for an hour but honestly it felt like a minute had only passed. "It's fine," he stated. "Alright then, I guess I will be heading out. It was very nice talking to you, Gabe." Elizabeth said as she held out her hand with a smile glued on her face, her little freckles making an appearance. His heart ached a little having this interaction end, but he was aware that they couldn't stay there long. It was too late and the bar would close after another hour. He sighed and held his hand out shaking Elizabeth's. "Likewise, Elizabeth" She wasn't sure why but the way Gabe had said her name sounded so natural. She's had many people say her name but with Gabe it was definitely different. His deep voice that was raspy but gentle at the same time suited the way he said it.

With one more glance and a smile Elizabeth made her way out the bar, satisfied with how her night ended. Soon after, Gabe made his way out. As he stood outside he felt the gentle night breeze brush against his face. He looked up at the dark sky that was littered with stars that shimmered brightly, reflecting over every corner of the street. Gabe felt a wave of relief gush over his body as this night would have ended very differently, but the interaction with the women had changed his plans completely.

He sighed and started on his way, as today he will be walking home with a feeling of satisfaction... for the first time.

"I'm a yes person. I'm too concerned with trying to make too many people happy"

-Jorja Fox

The sun had risen, and the sun shone brightly. Gabe groaned a little as the sun hit his eyes. He was a morning person but the sun wasn't the most friendliest sight to his sensitive eyes. Gabe got up from bed and started with his morning routines. He then made black coffee which gave him a little more energy to start the day. After this he got into his car and made his way to work. 

Gabe arrived at a building that was many story buildings tall, and had glass that was clear from it just being cleaned. The entrance way of the company had a logo that stated "Gabe Enterprise." Gabe was the owner of a very important software company, he started it at the age of 19 which although most would say is a pretty young age to start a software company, he always had interests in owning a software company one day ever since he was little. For Gabe, it was the sooner the better. Gabe admit that it was definitely a very hard job and it's still hard till this day, but he took great pride and passion in it which is why the difficulty of the job didn't stop him. And although he was younger than most people who are in the industry, it never made Gabe feel discourage or insecure but a little proud that he was able to accomplish such at a young age.

"Good Morning sir" a security officer greeted as he opened the car door for Gabe to exit. Gabe nodded to him and continued his way to the entrance as the other security opened the glass door for him. The other employees who worked at the company immediately set their gazes at Gabe , greeting him with "Good morning sir" and "Good day sir". Gabe continued his way until he reached his office. He sat down on his chair and started on what was on his schedule of work to complete. 

8:30, Gabe looked at the time. He had completed a handful of work today, he was a little tired and thought about going to the bar. Maybe he'd run into Elizabeth again, the thought had crossed his mind. And he wasn't sure why he was already thinking of the woman although they only met once. But the interaction had meant something to Gabe, something he couldn't quite grasp. And as well as the little ache he had in his heart for the thought of not meeting the woman again. But either way Gabe was exhausted so he decided against going to the bar, and made his way home. 

He opened the door to his house and went to his room where he changed out of his work attire. He was about to make his way to the living when his phone rang. "Broskey!" the voice yelled, hurting Gabe's ear a little. "Drake," he stated back to his friend. "So how is everything going?" Drake said with a joyful tone. "Good" Gabe sighed. "Good good, so Gabe I have a little favor to ask?" Gabe was always wary of when Drake had asked for favors. And although at times Gabe didn't mind since he saw Drake as a brother more than a friend, he was always willing to do it even if sometimes unfortunately the favors were a little bizarre. "What is it now, Drake?" Gabe started with a little annoyance in his tone.

"Okay okay so well, there is this girl. And you know she is a pretty close friend of mine, and she just moved in from Boston and doesn't have a place to stay." There was a little silence as Gabe thought of what this had to do with him. Drake continued 

"So basically I am asking if you could maybe possibly let her stay at your place. Just for a while." Gabe was a little surprised at what Drake was asking him for. Gabe wasn't much to interact with people and always liked being kept to himself, and his home was where he could finally be at rest from the outside world. But having someone to live with him wasn't exactly something he favored. "Now I know what you're thinking. But Gabe, she just moved here from Boston and she doesn't know anyone besides me. I would let her stay at mine but I will be out on a business trip for a while. And am not exactly comfortable leaving her by herself in a place that she hardly knows anything about."

A silence overcame them from both ends, although Drake was aware of Gabe not favoring company in his house. Drake really didn't want his friend to be left alone in a place that is foreign to her. And although Gabe was a little too kept to himself he was sure that he would help his close friend a little to know more about the place. "Gabe please, I mean when have I ever asked for favors?" "Every time" Gabe simply replied back. "Okay okay but please Gabe," Gabe listened to his pleading friend. He wasn't exactly comfortable with having someone over at his place even if it's just for a while. He sighed "Okay." "Wow really thank you broskey i love you so much" Drake said in a joyful tone. Gabe slightly smiled at Drake's enthusiasm "Yeah" he replied.

"Okay now don't freak out but I was a little too sure of what your answer will be and well- " Drake was cut off by a knock. 

"Gab-" Gabe hung up and made his way to the door. As he opened it his eyes widened at who was at the door. 

"Gabe?" said Elizabeth who also had a surprised expression. "Elizabeth," Gabe whispered. "Wow it's been a little long" Elizabeth stated with an awkward laugh. Gabe looked at Elizabeth 'Yeah...in a while.'