Summer Dey: Dare to be Different

By Abby Lynn Pielet

If you enjoy the clean, sweet teen novels of Judy Blume, Beverly Lewis, Jennifer E Smith, Deborah Dunlevy and Sarah Fizgerald you'll like Abby Lynn Pielet's Summer Dey: Dare to be Different.

SUMMER DEY's life is turned upside down when her family moves across country and she is forced to make new friends in a new town. Not an easy task for a fifteen year-old girl with very special gifts that make her…different.  Worried that the other kids in her new town won't accept her for who she is, especially the super cute guy she meets, Summer decides to do her best to blend in while also hiding her special talents. The only problem is that her gifts are impossible to keep hidden and continue to pop up at the worst possible moments. If that isn't bad enough, Summer also has to contend with her nine year-old brother Indy who takes great pleasure in driving his big sister crazy.

When one of Summer's new friends throws her a "Welcome to the Neighborhood" party, a treasured music box turns up missing. Will Summer hide her gifts so her new friends won't think she's a freak?  Or will she "Dare to Be Different" and use those special gifts to get the stolen music box back and also to capture the thief?

"This is a great book. I used to feel bad because I wasn't like everyone else. This book showed me that it is okay to be different and to just be yourself. It is amazing; once I decided that, I made new friends who accepted my difference. I am now so much happier. I recommend this book to everyone! I'm gonna' have my parents read it because I know they would enjoy it too." – L. F. posted on Goodreads.

"My name is Ian Freeman and I am a thirteen year-old boy. I really enjoyed reading SUMMER DEY: DARE TO BE DIFFERENT and I think kids and adults of all ages would enjoy reading it too. This book is very unique and has inspiration in every chapter. It teaches you to be you and that it doesn't matter what people think."

"SUMMER DEY: DARE TO BE DIFFERENT is an amazing book. It tells/shows kids that they don't have to be someone different to fit in. Just be yourself and people will respect you." – S. H. posted on Goodreads.

"This is a special book about a special girl with unique talents. This pre-teen book will appeal to all ages from kids as young as eight or ten, to teen-agers and also their parents." –M. C.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: ABBY LYNN PIELET lives in southern California with her husband, three children, two dogs and two cats. She has been writing since she graduated from Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri with a degree in writing. After spending her post-college years in the entertainment industry doing everything from acting, writing, producing, and feature film special effects, she has now returned to her original love of writing novels. 

SUMMER DEY: DARE TO BE DIFFERENT is currently available as an e-book from major online retailers and is also available in print.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Abby Lynn Pielet
• Release date: Oct 27, 2014
• ISBN: 9781502209764

Book preview

Chapter One

New Home

––––––––

The mid-morning sun peeked through the pastel floral sheet covering the bedroom window.  The soft glow shimmered against the bare white walls. The light started to shift back and forth a little as shadows from the leaves and branches of the large oak tree next to the house danced in the breeze. The movement registered in Summer Dey's mind as she scrunched her eyes closed to keep the world out just a little longer.  Inhaling deeply, she arched her back and stretched her arms above her head.  A slight smile appeared on her lips as she remembered the smell of the ocean breeze and the feel of the wet sand on her feet from her dream. Her brown eyes slowly opened and darted around the room.

Summer sat up the moment she recognized where she was.  This is not my room! she said loudly to no one in particular.

Granted, the lavender comforter covering her in her full-size bed was hers, along with the oak nightstand, desk, and dresser...but this wasn't the room she had slept in since she was a baby.  Summer glanced at the sheet that her mother had tacked with push pins over the window until they could hang her curtains.  It looked like something her grandmother would pick; definitely not cool enough for a fifteen year-old girl.  Summer glanced for a moment at the stack of large cardboard boxes that contained all of her possessions and sighed unhappily.

Summer pressed her lips together as she brushed a few strands of dark brown hair away from her right cheek and exhaled.  She had been dreaming again....dreaming that she had never left California and the friends she loved, where she had spent her entire life.

Suddenly her cell phone sitting on the night stand beeped.  Excited, Summer quickly reached over, grabbed the phone and immediately checked the text message she had just received.  Seeing it was from her older sister, she sighed with disappointment.

Summer read the text.  How’s new home?  Miss you!!!  OXOXOX.  She glared at the phone.  Oh...just wonderful.  Thanks for asking," she grumbled out loud to herself, then stuck her tongue out at the phone before she put it back on her nightstand.

Summer fell backwards, her head bouncing slightly into her pillow.  She lay there for a moment staring at the ceiling.

I don’t want to be here! she said angrily between clenched teeth.  This isn't my home!  It's just not fair!

Summer turned over, her black extra large t-shirt twisted around her upper body making it very uncomfortable to lie on.  She grunted as she shifted and pulled down at the material until it covered her colorful print girl’s boxer sleeping shorts.

A deep-seated anger burned in the pit of her stomach.  It felt like a volcano getting ready to explode and spit out tons of hot lava.  Summer's right hand automatically curled into a tight fist and pounded into the soft mattress of her bed over and over again.  When no relief came from the action, she curled her knees up to her chin and began to sniffle.  A tear slid down her cheek.  She quickly wiped it away with the back of her hand.

When a knock came at her door, Summer closed her eyes and ignored the sound, hoping whoever it was would think she was still asleep and go away.  She heard the door softly click open and made a face.  She knew it was her brother, who poked his head into her room.  The demon child that had upset her happy life nine years ago when her mother disgusted her by having another child without consulting her.  She didn’t want a little brother or sister then and she sure didn’t now.  She could feel the evil that radiated from his brown eyes as he quickly looked at her for a moment before he moved back and quietly shut the door.  Glad he had left, Summer let out the breath she didn’t know she had been holding.

But Summer realized it was wishful thinking when the knock came again...only louder.

Once again, Summer ignored the sound, praying, Please leave.  Please leave, she silently whispered to herself.

After a short pause, Summer’s bedroom door flew open with a bang.  Her brother bounded into the room, striking a pose with his legs spread wide.  He had one hand up in the air, the other out to his side with a plastic gun as he called out, Citizen Summer, Super Indy is here to tell you your mom wants you to get up.

Summer groaned inwardly, she didn’t have to open her eyes to know her brother was dressed in his favorite character t-shirt, a pair of black skate shorts, super hero cape and a pair of neon green swim goggles.  She kept her eyes closed and listened to the old wooden floorboards creak as her brother quickly moved to the side of her bed.

He roughly shook her shoulder.  Citizen Summer, did you not hear me, your mom says...

Summer’s eyes remained closed as she interrupted her brother, I heard you the first time, Indy.

"It’s Super Indy, Citizen Summer," he said with a huff as he poked her shoulder with his index finger.

Quit it, Summer snapped as she quickly turned over and pulled her comforter over her head.

You leave me no choice but to levitate you with my ray gun.  Indy stood back and struck a pose as he aimed his ray gun at his sister with both hands.  Do-do-do-do-do-do-do.  Calibrating levitation for 125 pounds.

Summer suddenly sat up, her covers dropped to her waist.  "I am not 125 pounds, you little jerk!" she yelled at her younger brother.

Indy calmly, but firmly told Summer, This is your last warning, Citizen Summer.  Get out of bed and get out now.  Indy’s finger tightened on the trigger as he waited for some response from his sister.

Summer looked closely at the gun her younger brother was holding.  Realizing what it actually was that Indy was pointing at her, her eyes grew very large.  Indy, don’t you dare shoot me with that thing!

Incorrect response.  Indy pulled the trigger and sent a stream of ice-cold water at Summer.  It soaked her hair, face and upper body.  Knowing what was about to happen, Indy turned and rapidly ran out the bedroom door.

Summer screamed from the shock of the ice-cold water.  She leapt out of her bed and started to chase Indy down the hallway.  I’m going to kill you, Will!  Summer screamed as she spotted Indy at the top of the stairs.

Indy ran down the stairs as he yelled back, Don’t call me Will. I hate that name!

In Indy’s nearby bedroom stretched out on the bed, Columbus, the family’s large black mutt with a big white mark on his chest, enjoyed a nap.  The moment the yelling started in the hall, his eyes popped open.  As his head jerked up, the red and blue light bar that Indy had tied to his head with a shoestring so he would be a police car rocked back and forth.  It continued the movement as the dog jumped to his feet with a happy look on his face and leapt off the bed before he rushed out of the room.

Columbus raced into the upstairs hallway, just in time to see Summer as she started to head down the stairs.  His bark added to the suddenly increased noise level in the house that was very quiet less than a minute ago.  The black with white mongrel bayed like a siren as he joined the chase.

In the kitchen, Cara Dey stood by the counter in a medium purple gauze skirt and matching blouse.  She looked like a 1960’s flower child as she dried a fork with a dishtowel.  What’s all the commotion, Indy?  Did you get your sister up? she called.

Indy raced through the kitchen as fast as he could with Columbus at his heels.  The red and blue light bar now hung under the dog’s neck.  Yes, Mom, he stated as he bounded toward the backdoor with Columbus still right behind him.  As Indy reached the back door, he called back to Cara, I’m going to Cliff’s.  The screen door slammed behind him.

Summer skidded to a stop in the middle of the kitchen.  Water dripped on to the floor as she quickly looked around.  Where is that little turd?  I’m going to strangle him.

Her mother hid her smile as she placed the fork on a napkin that sat on the kitchen table next to a glass of fresh squeezed orange juice.  Too late, he’s gone.  Cara turned back to her daughter and handed her the dishtowel in her hand.  "Here, use this to dry off.

Summer angrily grabbed the towel and dried her face. She handed her mother back the towel before she started to shake the wet material of her t-shirt.  I’m going back to my room to change.

As Summer started to turn to leave, her mother stopped her.  No need, I just pulled a load out of the dryer.  Grab a shirt from there and leave your wet one on the washer.  Then, you can come and have some breakfast.

Summer sighed. Whatever.  She went into the laundry room.

Cara quickly made a scrambled egg and toast with homemade strawberry jam for her daughter.  She motioned for Summer, who now wore a red t-shirt, to go to the table and sit when she came back into the room.

I’m not hungry, Summer stated as she flopped onto the kitchen chair.

Cara set the plate of food before her daughter. Eat anyway; you know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

Knowing she wasn’t leaving the table without eating something, Summer picked up the toast and nibbles on the corner of it.

Cara sat down next to her daughter.  Honey, I think it's time we had a little talk.

Summer chewed and swallowed.  What’s the point? It won’t help. I don’t like it here and I don’t want to be here.

Cara set her folded hands on the table and looked at Summer with her hazel-green eyes as she spoke, You've been saying that for a week now.  I think it's time for you to quit moping in your bedroom and accept the fact that we’ve moved and we’re here to stay.

Not wanting to have this discussion right now, Summer looked down at her toast and started to play with it.

The backdoor opened.  Columbus entered the kitchen, panting. The red and blue light bar was gone.  He was quickly followed by Indy who marched in still wearing his super hero uniform.  Mom, can I go on the computer?  Cliff can’t play cuz he’s gotta’ do his chores.  Indy noticed Summer glaring at him as the dog went over to her and started to beg.  Summer’s brother stopped right next to his mother, inching as close to her as he could.

Cara gave her son a ‘I can’t believe you just asked me that’ look as Summer gave Columbus the remainder of her toast and started to stand.  Cara gave her daughter a ‘you stay right where you are’ look as she said, No. You already used your two hours this morning playing video games.

As Summer slowly sat back in her chair, she glared at her brother with a ‘you...are...dead’ look.

Indy saw his sister’s look and took a step backwards.  Oh yeah.  I...I guess I’ll go ride my bike then.  Indy started for the backdoor.

Cara looked toward her son.  Okay dear, just be careful.

Mom, this isn't Los Angeles. A car hasn't passed by our house in three hours, Indy called over his shoulder as he headed toward the backdoor.

We already know it's not Los Angeles, Indy.  That’s a well-known fact, Summer added with a huff.

Cara gave her daughter a sharp look.  Finish your breakfast, Summer.  She turned back to her son.  I know it's not very busy out there but I want you to be careful just the same, understand?

Indy stopped by the backdoor and leaned against the wall, shoving his hands into the front pockets of his shorts.  Yes, ma'am.

Yeah Indy, wouldn’t it be just horrible if a car came by and flattened you like a pancake.

Summer that is an awful thing to say! Cara glared at her daughter.  You apologize to your brother this instant.

Summer and her mother stared at each other for a moment before Summer turned and looked at her brother.  Sorry, Summer said grudgingly.

Cara sighed and crossed her arms over her chest as she glared at her daughter.  Now please say it like you mean it.

Summer looked down at her hands as she nicely said, Sorry, Indy.

That’s better, her mother replied before she turned to look at Indy.  Did you need something else? she asked him.

Indy thought carefully for a moment.  Oh, yeah, my helmet.

She looked at her son.  Then, what are you waiting for?

I thought I'd hang out here for a few minutes and watch you yell at Summer.

Get out of here, Will, Summer said between clenched teeth.

Indy took a step forward. Did you hear that Mom?  She called me Will.  You all know that I don't like being called that!

Well, how about I call you Bill, or better yet, Billy?  Would you like that better? Summer taunted her little brother.

Cara gave her daughter another sharp look.  That's quite enough out of you.

Ha ha, Summ...

Cara whirled around and pointed her index finger at her son, which spurred Indy into action.

Columbus watched as Indy raced for the stairs to retrieve his helmet from his bedroom.  He thought about chasing after him but quickly turned back to Summer since she still had food on her plate and instead, placed his head on her lap.

Smiling, Cara nodded and turned back to her daughter. Now Honey, what were you saying?

Summer folded her arms over her chest and sighed.  "I want

to go back to L.A."

Cara touched her daughter's leg.  Summer, you know we'll go back to visit.

I don't want to visit.  I want to go home.  Her gaze focused on the plate in front of her.

Darling, this is your home now.

She shook her head.  No, it's not.  I don't want to live in Flat Butt, Iowa.

It's White Oak, Illinois, dear.  We're seventy-five miles northwest of Chicago.

Whatever, she huffed.  It's still not Los Angeles.

Indy jumped down the stairs, his goggles and cape gone, replaced with a light brown bicycle helmet decorated with skate stickers.  As he dashed through the kitchen, he slapped his thigh to get the dog’s attention.  C’mon, Columbus, let’s go for a ride.  The mutt remained where he was, as he briefly thought about the odds of him getting any of the eggs still on Summer’s plate.

Cara sensed the dog’s problem and made the decision for him.  Columbus, go with Indy.  The dog raised his head from Summer’s lap and followed Indy out the backdoor, barking.  Cara turned her attention back to Summer.  I know it's not L.A., but it's now our home and we are all learning to adjust to it.

We all aren't here and you know it.  It's not fair that Holly got to stay.

Summer, we've been over that already.  Your sister is...

I know, twenty years old and in her third year of college.  It's still not fair that she got to stay and I didn't.

Summer, things happen in our lives for a reason.  Each experience is an opportunity for...

Us to learn something new, Summer replied with a negative attitude.  Yes, I know.  Taking a deep breath she exhaled before taking another bite of egg.

Cara paused for a moment and studied her daughter. Honey, what is really bothering you?

Darn it, why couldn't her mother be unaware like everyone else's mother?  It was a major hassle to have a person in your life who can read your every thought.

Since you already know, why don't you just tell me, Summer said with a bratty attitude.

Cara's hazel-green eyes looked down at her daughter. Sometimes you just have to say what you’re feeling, not have someone else tell you.  You’ve been like this for the entire week we’ve been here and it’s just not like you.  Enough is enough.  It's time for you to break free of whatever it is that’s bothering you and face it.

Biting her lower lip, Summer looked down at her fingers in her lap as a tear rolled down her cheek.

Cara took her daughter into her arms and held her close.  She rocked her slowly as she softly spoke, That's my girl.  Get it all out.  You know what the angels say, don't you?

Summer sniffed and nodded as she wiped her cheek with the back of her hand.  For every tear you spill, you are given an hour more of life.

Her mother smiled.  That's right.  If you think of it that way, then crying has a good purpose, doesn't it?

Half crying and half chuckling, Summer shook her head in amazement at her mother.  The woman definitely had a gift for finding something good about everything in life and getting her out of a bad mood.

Cara handed her daughter the napkin from the table before she brushed her fingers through Summer's hair.  Now tell me honey, what is really bothering you.

She took a deep breath.  "I'm scared Mom.  I think everyone here will think I'm a freak and won't come near me once they get to know me.

I know you’re scared, honey and if it makes you feel any better, I'm scared of the same thing.

Summer sat up straight and looked into her mother's eyes.  You are?

Cara nodded.  She smiled and pointed to her clothing. I don't think my way of dressing really fits into a small Midwestern town, do you?

But you could change your wardrobe and dress like them.  Summer looked down as she played with the last bite of egg on her plate.  I can't change who I am.

Cara put her hand under her daughter's chin and made Summer look up at her.  Neither can I, Honey.  Do you think my changing how I dress would really make a difference?  She shook her head. You know it wouldn't.  We both can do everything we can think of to try and fit in but it won't work because we aren't being true to who we are.

That's what I'm afraid of.  Summer let out a sigh.  When the kids around here discover who the real me is they won't want to be my friend.

Oh darling, you're a cute girl who’s fun to be with. Why on earth wouldn't you make new friends?  You had plenty of them back in L.A.

Summer hands flew up.  That's just it, Mom.  Don't you see?  The people who are my friends back home are open minded and laid back about everything.  She shook her head.  If you're weird...you're weird.  No one paid any attention.  But here...  Summer exhaled.  Who knows how they'll act toward me?

Cara folded her arms over her chest.  So what you're telling me, Summer, is that you're so afraid that you'll be rejected by the kids who live here, that you're not even going to give them a chance?  Cara paused and gave her daughter a questioning look.  Well, don't you think you're being a little narrow minded?

Summer's eyebrows pulled together as she pointed at herself.  Me...narrow minded?

Her mother nodded.  Yes, you.  You've already decided that the people in this town aren't going to accept you or even like you.  Cara paused.  Are you sure that somewhere deep down inside, you didn't decide this so you might be able to move back to Los Angeles?

She shrugged.  Well...I don’t know...maybe.

Summer, no matter what you do, say, or even try, nothing is going to change.  We have moved here and we are all having to start over and make new friends.  Cara placed her hand on her daughter's shoulder. Just think how your dad feels.  He's not only uprooted almost all of his family to a new place but he's also surrounded by different people at his new job.

I never thought of that.  Summer circled one of her thumbs around the other. I guess I was too busy feeling sorry for myself to think about anyone else around here.

Summer, we're all in this together.  It's time for you to stop locking yourself up in your room and get on with your life.  If you don't, you're going to be even more miserable.

I know Mom, but it's still hard.

It doesn't have to be, Summer.  It can be very easy if you make up your mind that it will be.  Remember, the only thing you have to fear is fear itself.  Cara pointed to the backdoor.  "There's a whole new world out there just