Mari and Tommy
High school senior Mari—the oldest of six—is at her mother’s beck and call. She wants nothing more than to escape her life that mirrors that of a houseslave. When popular jock Jacob takes interest in Mari, a plan develops: become Jacob’s girlfriend, fall in love with him, and let him be the excuse she needs to leave town after graduation.
But when her best friend since forever Tommy kisses her, Mari’s plans hit a speedbump. She pushes him away hoping to keep him in the friendzone.
Tommy—hating everything about Jacob and his friends—tries to show Mari that she is capable of more than she realizes. While he attempts to reveal Jacob’s true motives, which are less than honorable, Tommy loses Mari as a friend.
Duties at home become overwhelming, Mari’s thirteen-year-old sister—who will only talk to Tommy—is sneaking out and getting into trouble, relationship pressure from Jacob increases, and a wave of mysterious roofies in girl’s drinks becomes increasingly present. Mari counts the days till she can get out of town and escape her role as second-mother, prudish girlfriend, and not-in-love-with-my-best-friend friend.
When a fateful night lands Mari in the hospital, she must decide what is true—in her heart and in her relationships.
© 2024 Murphy Ellis
“That kiss told me everything. It put a name to it. It was a pushpin in a map locating a place I am meant to go.”