I can’t believe it’s already been a year since I released Welcome to Your Life. In that short amount of time it’s had a cover change, and is still one of my favorite books I’ve written. There will also be an audiobook coming soon! I’ll share more details on that as soon as I can.Since it’s the one year #Bookiversary, I wanted to share the original unedited prologue I’d written for this book. About half way into the first draft, I realized it was going in the wrong direction, and did a complete overhaul from the very beginning.In this version Reaf had already met Tonya before she met him in art class, but she didn’t realize it was him. Enjoy! And, if you want a scene from Reaf’s point of view, let me know in the comments!
Original Prologue
There’s nothing like sitting around a bonfire in the beginnings of summer. It’s already hot as Hades, and this whole shindig is ridiculous. I know it’s supposed to be our last big party since we graduated a few hours ago, but I’m pretty much over it. It’s the same people and same place. Doesn’t anyone get tired of seeing each other all the damn time? I’m in shorts and a tank top standing as far away from the monstrosity as I can, and I’m still sweating. Jake and his buddies didn’t plan this well at all. We should be at a pool somewhere, or hell, even the lake. Everyone thought it was a great idea since the star athlete suggested it. I told him otherwise, and he acted as if I never even opened my mouth. Jake is standing with a few of his friends and I’m heading toward him. I don’t feel like being here anymore. I’d much rather be at home curled up in bed and reading a book. “I’m ready to go,” I tell Jake when I reach him. He completely ignores, as usual when we are at these parties. Don’t get me wrong he’s a nice guy, but when he starts drinking he goes into asshole mode. I tap him on the arm, “I said I’m ready to go, Jake.” He whirls around on me. And I can already tell by that glazed look in his eyes that he’s going to be a jerk. “Well, I’m not. Go hang out with Cami, or something.” He glares at me, daring me to argue with him. “Cami is hooking up with some guy. It’s hot, and I’m tired of standing around.” I know I should keep my mouth closed but I don’t like being told what to do. “Too damn bad, Tonya. I’m not leaving, so chill the fuck out.” And this statement right here pisses me off more than anything. I don’t understand why he thinks he can treat me like shit when he starts drinking. Is it some kind of man code or something? I know some of the other guys don’t act like this, but the sad fact is, most of them do. I stare Jake down, and unleash. “Who the hell do you think you are? We’ve been dating for a long time, but that does not mean you can talk to me like I’m worthless. I’m leaving, and I don’t care if I have to walk all the way home.,” I shout. “As far as I’m concerned, we are done. I’m tired of this shit, and can’t take it anymore.” I notice everything has gone eerily quiet, and I glance around. Just fucking great. We’ve attracted a crowd. That was not my intention, but I can’t deal with this anymore. It’s the same thing every weekend, and I’m just tired of it. I love Jake, but not enough for this. Besides, we are going to different schools in the fall. I seriously doubt the long distance thing would work anyway. Better to end it now, even if it is in front of the whole senior class. I start walking to the driveway, and come to a halt when I hear him yelling behind me. “That’s okay bitch, keep walking. Now I don’t have to deal with your moody ass anymore.” He’s laughing as he says all this. I want to beat the hell out of him so bad. But I don’t really want to cause any more of a scene. I already know that I’ll be the talk of the town tomorrow, and I don’t want to give them anything else to add to their gossip. I flip Jake the finger and continue on my merry way. I should probably call my parents to come pick me up, but I’m a little buzzed and don’t want to get a lecture. Walking is probably the dumbest idea I’ve had today. Well… besides telling Jake off in front of everyone. That ranks right up there at the top. I’m slowly making my way down the road when a car pulls up beside me. “Do you need a lift?” A guy asks. “No thanks,” I say. “Are you sure?” I look in the car, and at the driver. He looks familiar. I’m pretty sure he went to our school, but I can’t place his name, or whom he hung out with. I know this is probably a really bad idea, but I nod, open the door, and slide into the passenger seat. This dude looks completely sober. I know that I’ve seen him around, and I don’t get any bad vibes off him, but I still keep my hand on the door handle just in case I need to jump out. Dramatic maybe, but I’ve seen those movies where girls getting in cars with strangers end up in a ditch somewhere. “Rough night?” He asks. “Yeah,” I reply. “I’m not really in the mood to talk, but can you drop me off at my house? I’d really appreciate it.” He nods and we continue on in silence after I give him my address. It doesn’t take long since we live in a pretty small town, and soon we are pulling into my parent’s driveway. I open the door, and hesitate. “Thanks for the ride.” “No problem. Glad I could make sure you got home safe.” He says. When I get out I turn around and mystery guy gives me a quick wave. I wish I had asked him his name. Now I feel like a total bitch. But I’m also relieved to finally be home. I let myself in, slip off my shoes, and collapse on the couch. After that big showdown I don’t even have the energy to go to my bed. I check my phone, but there aren’t any messages. I text Cami letting her know that I’m home and that I’ll text her in the morning. I’m sure she’ll have questions after she finds out that I dumped Jake in front of everyone at the party. I set my phone on the coffee table, grab the blanket that’s thrown over the couch, and try my best to fall asleep.