Grievance: Episode 7

By Tetonia Blossom

Six Friends, Minus One Tragic Death, Equals A Senior Year Crissana High Will Never Forget.

Admiration always comes with a price. For THE SIX: Emmitt, Ellie, Hannah, Connor, Kristen, and Tristin, popularity in small town Crissana, Arizona came easy. The inseparable friends have been the envy of their classmates since third grade, and are expected to rule senior year as well. That is until Emmitt’s car is pushed over a cliff, with his twin sister, Ellie, asleep inside.

Now Ellie’s death is all anyone can talk about, while the remaining five begin senior year under an even brighter spotlight. Emmitt hasn’t been seen since the funeral. All eyes are on Kristen as she assumes the role of student body president. Connor has his hands full with an imploding relationship, while Tristin is questioning her sexuality, for the second time. At the center of it all is Hannah, whose boyfriend caused the accident. Everyone’s questioning why she continues to stand by him, especially her friends, and it’s Dax’s job, as Crissana’s anonymous Sun Vlogger, to find the answer.

Grievance explores tragedy, heartbreak, and the unexpected obstacles which can lead you to question who you are or hope to be. The story follows six young characters as they deal with mature situations, including domestic abuse, sexual identity, promiscuity, mental health, and religious beliefs in today’s high school setting. Grievance is a story of hope, honesty, and the power of true friendship—ones you know will last a lifetime.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tetonia Blossom
• Release date: Dec 3, 2015
• ISBN: 9781310277573

Tetonia Blossom

Tetonia Blossom graduated from the California State University, Northridge’s School of Cinema, Television, and Arts where she discovered that day dreaming could actually be a career. She’s a soon to be Sims 4 addict who enjoys popcorn for dinner and spends way too much time with her imaginary friends. In her opinion, a story worth writing has to contain the 3 H’s: Humor, Heat, and Honest Heroines. She lives in Maricopa, Arizona with her husband and rapidly growing hoard of romance and YA novels.Jingle My Way is her NaNoWriMo turned debut novel.For more information, please www.tromelblossom.com

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GRIEVANCE

Episode 7

Tetonia Blossom

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2015 Tetonia Blossom

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

The author acknowledges the trademark status and trademark owners of various products or copyrighted material used throughout this work of fiction, including the following: Charlotte’s. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

For information please visit:

www.GrievanceSeries.com

Cover Art by Irene Zeleskou

Table of Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Sneak Peak: Episode 8

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There is a time for silence. A time to let go and allow people to hurl themselves into their own destiny. And a time to prepare to pick up the pieces when it's all over.

— Octavia Butler

Chapter One

Connor/Kristen

Connor and Brian waited at Kristen’s parking spot for the girls to arrive.

So now they’re riding to school together? Connor asked. Weird.

I know, but it’s good that they’re getting along, right?

Yeah. It just never happened before.

Not in all the years you’ve known them?

Maybe for a few days here and there, but something would eventually set them off again.

Well, here’s to hoping that doesn’t happen.

Connor looked to Brian and smirked.

What?

You don’t think you constantly hanging out with Tristin is eventually going to become a problem?

It hasn’t so far and it’s been like three weeks.

Just because Kristen hasn’t said anything doesn’t mean she doesn’t care. The fact that she hasn’t is a growing sign that she’s not okay.

Tristin and I are just friends, and Emmitt was the one who asked me to look after her.

Yeah, you keep telling yourself that, Connor teased as he watched the girls turn into the school parking lot.

Brian opened the passenger door for Tristin while Connor opened Kristen’s.

Wow, how gentlemanly of you two, Kristen said.

No one asked you to open my door, Tristin barked at Brian.

Good morning to you too, he replied, ignoring her.

Whatever, Tristin rolled her eyes as she handed him her backpack.

Connor grabbed a box of decorations from Kristen’s trunk. Wow, you weren’t kidding when you said you had a lot of stuff. He transferred the box to his backseat.

So, you guys are gonna pick up the food tomorrow right? I’ve already ordered the tank to be delivered later tonight. Umm what else am I forgetting?

To breathe. Connor rubbed her shoulders. You’re going to run yourself crazy.

Look who’s talking. Kristen hugged him tight. How are you doing? Hannah still keeping you up?

It’s not that bad. I just wish she would take the sleeping pills. It can’t be good for her to keep waking up every single hour.

Can’t you slip them to her like the rest of her pills?

No, she would purposely not eat or drink anything homemade after dinner. And it’s impossible to add them to premade stuff.

Well, I can try and stay with her tonight so you can get some sleep in your own bed. I’m sure your parents are missing you by now.

My mom spends almost as much time at Hannah’s house as I do, but my dad did ask if I could help him down at the church today after school. He rarely ever asks for my help so I know he must really need it. Do you think you can cover me for a few hours?

I would, but I have a Homecoming committee meeting after school.

Hey Brian, Connor shouted as he spotted him and Tristin heading for the entrance. You got any plans this afternoon?

No, why? What’s up?

You mind hanging out with Hannah for a few hours while I help my dad out?

Sure thing.

Hold on, Tristin stormed toward Connor. Why would you ask Brian and not me? I’m just as much a part of this team as any of you.

I never said you aren’t.

Then why don’t you ever ask me to spend time with Hannah.

I’m sorry, I just figured with your cast that you wouldn’t be up for it.

Connor wished that were all. He appreciated her efforts with Kristen and trying to help lighten her load, but Connor never could count on Tristin to do anything but make things worse.

Yeah, right. Why don’t you try that honest boy bullshit on someone who doesn’t know what an ass you really are?

Trist, give him a break, Brian said.

No, he’s been treating me like this for years and I’m sick of it.

She was right. Connor couldn’t argue with that and he really should’ve given her a proper chance to redeem herself.

Tristin, I’m sorry for overlooking you. You’re right and I promise that I’ll work harder to include you more. Is that okay with you?

If you mean it, then I don’t have a problem.

Good, let’s hug it out. Connor held out his arms.

Not happening.

She was always weird about hugging him, which was another reason why they didn’t get along. Connor was used to