I finished chapters 4 and 5. You do a wonderful job capturing and expressing the awkwardness of budding romance, and the general awkwardness of simply being a teenager. You're writing is lovely and I enjoy it so much.
I was beginning to think of Kelly as being a narcissist, controlling, and manipulative, but Jen's insights feel closer the real Kelly. I started to question my first impression of her after she showed up to the barbecue already drunk. I was once at a point in my own life where I was starting to use alcohol as a balm for feelings and truths I didn't feel like I could confront. I can see it in Kelly now too. I didn't go in for the cutting remarks but we all process the pain and cry out for help differently.
Your story just keeps getting better and drawing me in deeper.❤️