Twelve Months

By Brittany Anne

NOW WITH an alternate bonus epilogue!

In the quaint town of Peakview, Indiana, where the pace of life flows steadily and traditions hold sway, Addley M

• Language: English
• Publisher: IndiePub
• Release date: Oct 10, 2023
• ISBN: 9798330221790

Book preview

Brittany Anne

Twelve Months

First published by IndiePub 2023

Copyright © 2023 by Brittany Anne

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise without written permission from the publisher. It is illegal to copy this book, post it to a website, or distribute it by any other means without permission.

This novel is entirely a work of fiction. The names, characters and incidents portrayed in it are the work of the author's imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or localities is entirely coincidental.

Brittany Anne asserts the moral right to be identified as the author of this work.

Brittany Anne has no responsibility for the persistence or accuracy of URLs for external or third-party Internet Websites referred to in this publication and does not guarantee that any content on such Websites is, or will remain, accurate or appropriate.

Designations used by companies to distinguish their products are often claimed as trademarks. All brand names and product names used in this book and on its cover are trade names, service marks, trademarks and registered trademarks of their respective owners. The publishers and the book are not associated with any product or vendor mentioned in this book. None of the companies referenced within the book have endorsed the book.

First edition

ISBN: 9798330200696

This book was professionally typeset on Reedsy

Find out more at reedsy.com

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This is for my brother in heaven

who taught me that life is too short to not chase my dreams.

I’ll love and miss you always

Contents

Preface

Playlist

1. June

2. July

3. August

4. September

5. October

6. November

7. December

8. January

9. February

10. March

11. April

12. May

Epilogue

About the Author

Preface

Readers, please keep in mind this book is extremely fast-paced. Some chapters are longer than others, there’s a reason for it.

This is not a cancer story. This is the story of Addley’s last year of life.

Thank you for choosing this book, I hope you love Addley’s story.

This story contains talk of cancer, drowning, sibling death, mental health, death, and talk of suicide. Please do not read any further if such will upset you; your mental stability matters most to me.

Playlist

Die First – Nessa Barrett

Ghost of You - 5 Seconds of Summer

Wish I Had You – Ruel

Suffocate – Hayd

Trying My Best – Anson Seabra

Falling Apart – Michael Shulte

Headlights – Alex Warren

Empty Room - Jamie Miller

Love Like This - Kodaline

Happiest Year – Jaymes Young

A Little Bit Yours – JP Saxe

Where the Shadow Ends(Acoustic) - BANNERS

Part of Me - Cian Ducrot

The Wisp Sings - Winter Aid

Call Your Mom - Noah Kahan

Long Live - Taylor Swift(Taylor’s Version)

Even in the Dark - jxdn

1

June

Ever experienced that looming sensation that your life is on the brink of a significant change? No matter what I do, it lingers. My therapist labels it as anxiety, but I’m convinced it’s more than that.

My world shifted when my grandfather passed away when I was ten. I initially felt relief until my parents broke the news after pulling me from school. At fourteen, my sister’s tragic drowning at the beach, fueled by alcohol, left me breathless the night before.

Something feels awry now, but words escape me. Life appears fine, yet an unsettling intuition persists — a feeling that everything is on the verge of crumbling.

The ringing bell snaps me back to reality. Returning Mr. Martinez’s textbook, I bid him farewell for the summer and headed to meet my boyfriend, Jameson.

We’ve been inseparable since freshman year, navigating high school together. Jameson, my breath of fresh air after Kenny’s passing, my closest confidant.

Finally! Junior year is over. One more year until it’s just you and I at Stanford, Jameson cheers, sealing it with a cheek kiss.

You and I against the world, I respond, sincerity in every word.

Our friends, Ellie, Matthew, and Robyn, join us. Each with a unique connection, shared history, and the promise of a memorable summer.

Amidst laughter and camaraderie, Mattie and Jameson’s friendly clashes are a constant. Jameson suspects a hidden history, but we’re just close friends.

As Ellie dashes home for her bag, I give Jameson a parting kiss, and Mattie and I hop into my jeep. Neighbors, I exchange rides for math tutoring, our friendship built on trust.

So, when are you going to dump him? Mattie bluntly questions, our routine conversation starting again. I love him, Mattie. He loves me, I assert, defending my relationship.

As we pull into the driveway, playful banter ensues, ending in a water bottle prank. Apologizing, I rush inside, promising to meet them in the kitchen.

Between the weeks leading up to my parents’ return, I spend quality time with Jameson and friends. We explore hidden trails, reminisce about high school, and indulge in late-night talks by the bonfire.

One sunny afternoon, we decide to embark on a spontaneous road trip, eager for the thrill of the open road. Our jeep becomes a vessel of adventure, carrying us through winding paths and scenic landscapes.

Stopping at a quaint roadside diner, we savor local delicacies, exchanging stories and laughter. The journey becomes a canvas for new memories, the miles unraveling tales of friendship and shared exploration.

As the sun sets, we find an idyllic spot by a lake, its waters reflecting the hues of the evening sky. We dip our toes in the cool water, sharing dreams and aspirations beneath the canvas of stars.

A weekend beach day becomes a highlight, filled with sandcastle competitions, beach volleyball matches, and the taste of salt in the air. Laughter harmonizes with the crashing waves, etching snapshots of joy into the album of our summer.

As the summer progresses, our conversations evolve into deep reflections on the future. Late-night talks become a space for sharing hopes, fears, and the intricate tapestry of our dreams.

One evening, Mattie opens up about his aspirations beyond high school, sparking a discussion about the intertwined paths of education and personal growth. We find solace in the vulnerability of these conversations, weaving a bond that transcends the surface of friendship.

Ellie, with her adventurous spirit, inspires discussions about pursuing passions and embracing the unknown. Stargazing sessions become moments of introspection, pondering the vast possibilities that await us beyond the familiar horizon.

Robyn, ever the storyteller, weaves narratives that transport us to fantastical realms. Our imaginations take flight as we envision the extraordinary lives we aspire to lead, each story becoming a stepping stone towards our own narratives.

As the weeks progress, the anticipation for the upcoming lake house trip grows. Shopping for swimsuits becomes a group activity, filled with laughter and friendly debates over fashion choices.

Amidst the excitement, I share stories of my parents’ high school love, adding a touch of romance to our discussions. Jameson and I plan activities for our time at the lake, promising each other unforgettable moments.

The nights are filled with bonfires, stargazing, and heart-to-heart talks with friends. Conversations weave a tapestry of shared experiences, creating memories that will linger long after the summer ends.

One weekend, we organize a beach day, building sandcastles, playing beach volleyball, and enjoying the warmth of the sun on our skin. Laughter mingles with the sound of crashing waves as we create snapshots of joy.

Another day, we embark on a hiking expedition, discovering hidden waterfalls and capturing breathtaking views. The scent