Novels by Linton

ROWAN Saturday sunlight filtered through the blinds like a promise. I hadn’t realized how much I’d missed quiet mornings until this one — no chaos, no rumors, no meetings at the head teacher’s office. Just peace. And Clara.It had been months since everything fell apart and came back together again. The MVP game, the apologies, the gradual healing. Life felt... lighter now. Maybe because I’d stopped carrying guilt that was never mine to bear. Or maybe because, somewhere along the way, I learned that forgiveness could set you free.I was meeting Clara today — she’d said yes when I asked if we could talk. My hands shouldn’t have been trembling, but they were. I’d faced crowds chanting my name, stood beneath stadium lights, yet somehow, facing Clara was the one thing that made me nervous.The café where we met was quiet, tucked between a bookstore and a flower shop. She was already there when I walked in, wearing a cream sweater and light jeans, a notebook beside her half-finished cup o

CLARASome mornings, I still wake up and forget who I am now. For a few seconds, I expect to hear my alarm blaring, my mom calling from the kitchen, and the sound of Caleb’s car leaving for school. But instead, it’s the quiet hum of my dorm room, the soft ping of new notifications lighting up my phone, and the faint morning breeze brushing against my curtains.I stretch and roll over, squinting at the screen. Messages, emails, mentions. All for me.“Hi Clara, your words saved me.”“Thank you for helping me love myself again.”“You’re the reason I stopped hiding.”I smile before I can stop myself. Sometimes it still feels unreal — that people know my name, that they see me. A few months ago, I was just another girl with her head down, writing in secret because I was too afraid to be seen. Now, Curves and Courage isn’t just a magazine anymore. It’s a movement.I started it as a safe space for fat girls like me — for anyone who had ever been told they were “too much” or “not enough.” Ba

ROWANThe morning sunlight sliced through my blinds, landing squarely on my face, waking me earlier than I expected. I groaned, shifting under the sheets, but something heavier than sleep weighed on me. The MVP competition. Today wasn’t just any game—it was the culmination of weeks, months, maybe even a lifetime of pushing myself, recovering from suspension, and trying to regain footing after everything that had happened. My pulse picked up as I thought about it.I sat on the edge of my bed, letting my hands fall to my knees, staring at the floor. Two weeks ago, I would have been curled in a ball, uncertain, terrified of what awaited me if I stepped onto the field. But now… now I had purpose, a reason beyond personal glory. And that reason had a name: Clara.Clara.I had replayed her expressions in my mind countless times. The day I returned from suspension, the way her eyes lingered on me, a mixture of concern and caution. How she had encouraged me without pushing too hard, giving

AARONI haven’t left my room in hours, not that I have anywhere to go. The world outside seems louder than it has any right to be, but in here, everything feels suffocatingly still. Of course, I could hear the faint hum of the ceiling fan spinning lazily above me, the distant muffled laughter of students passing the windows down the street, and the soft creaks of the house settling. Each sound reminds me of how fragile my situation has become, how easily everything I’ve done could unravel and leave me exposed.I lean back against my chair, staring at the wall, trying to make sense of it all. Every memory of the past few days gnaws at me. The gathering where Clara revealed everything, the look on her face when I confessed—her shock, her hurt, the way she had trembled slightly, unable to mask the tears threatening to fall. That moment replays endlessly in my mind, a haunting loop I cannot stop. I thought I had control, thought I could manipulate a situation to my advantage, and yet her

CALEBI collapsed onto my bed, dragging the mattress slightly with me as if the weight of my own body couldn’t be contained. The room felt smaller than usual, corners pressing in like the walls themselves were judging me. Sunlight filtered through the curtains in pale strips, but it didn’t bring warmth, only awareness—awareness of how trapped I felt in the aftermath of everything. A few days had passed since the storm at school, but the chaos hadn’t faded; it had only nested itself deeper into my chest, a gnawing, relentless weight that pressed on my ribs.The house was quiet except for the distant hum of traffic outside. I could almost hear the pulse of the city beyond, people moving, laughing, living—while I sat, suspended in guilt, frustration, and anger at myself. My chest ached from the knowledge that every choice I had made had consequences I wasn’t ready to face. I wanted Clara. I wanted Rowan gone. I wanted control. And now all I had was shame, guilt, and a deep, unrelenting

CALEB I didn’t know why I had been called. My stomach churned the entire way to the office, my hands clammy, my heart hammering. Something about this felt… different. Dangerous.As I pushed the door open, the room slammed into me like a wave. Clara sat there, her eyes fixed on me, sharp and accusing, and yet… something deeper flickered in them. Rowan was there too, standing tall, his jaw tight, and I could feel the coiled anger just beneath his skin. And Aaron… guilt radiated off him like heat, and I knew we were all trapped in the same storm, just on different sides.I froze, my legs heavy, every step forward seeming impossible. The head teacher’s calm, measured voice cut through my panic.“Caleb,” she said, gesturing toward the chair, “please sit.”I obeyed, though it felt like sinking into quicksand. I couldn’t stop my mind from racing: Why me? What have they found out? I could already feel the walls closing in, the weight of my own lies pressing on me.The head teacher didn’t

Maddie I didn't move, and I didn't say a word but remained stiff for some seconds before he changed the channel to my favorite TV show.I removed the sheet slightly, and he was sitting up this time, his attention on the TV.I checked the time, and it was 4 am. I have been up all night and barely have time to sleep now. I wasn't even feeling sleepy.“Do you care?” Carlson's voice.How did he know I'm awake? He was munching on chips.“Umh… no… thanks.” I sat taking off the sheet completely, my attention completely drawn to the program on the TV. One of my favorites, and I can't just stay away from it.I sat on the bed this time, laughing and mumbling to myself like I had someone I was discussing.“Disey got it all wrong.” I love to talk when watching my favorite ones, and I enjoy having another person who vibes the same way as me, but too bad Carlson isn't like that either.He prefers to be quiet, while I'm the noisy one.The movie came to an end, and I fell back on the bed this time

Maddie “Why are you acting so weird?” Carlson's grays pierced into mine, searching for an answer.Weird, I'm acting so weird.“You're acting like this is our first time of me sleeping in the same room with you. If you don't want that. I can book another room,” his voice a mix of irritation and anger.“No, I don't mean that. I mean…” He arched his brows, and I quickly stopped myself from saying more words.Was I about to tell him my hormones kicked in and I don't know if I can control myself around him? I'm just about to shoot myself in the leg.“Umh…. never mind. It will be a waste of resources if you book another room. The couch will be comfortable.”I didn't wait for a reply but I knew he doesn't look pleased. He doesn't look so pleased about asking him to sleep on the couch. He reluctantly sat down, totally ignored me, got the remote, and turned on the TV.He didn't say a word to me.The first display was news; I wasn't interested, so I got myself useful looking for something I

Maddie “Mum, can we switch to video call” “Umh…honey. I'm not predisposed at the moment. I just want to be sure you're fine” she says quickly. My intuition was right, she have been crying and she doesn't want me to know.“I will call you back” she tries to hang up.“Mum wait. I'm not at the wedding party. I'm at the hotel mum. We can see each other. I miss you mum. I miss your face”“Got to go baby. I have to work”“Work, mum”“I thought you resigned” but before I could finish up my sentence, the doting sound indicating the call have been cut off.I took a deep breath. Staring at my bed over again. I'm supposed to move to my father's new home which he acquired like two weeks ago. The new home with his new bride.I back to the hotel to get my stuff together and now I don't even feel like going.I laid on the bed with my face to the ceiling. Carlson is waiting downstairs. He wanted to come up but I told him I will be fine getting my stuff. It wasn't even much.My mind was blank, no th

Veronica.I watched the devil on red lipstick as she slid through the glass door. I sat at the fourth row of the table. The tables are all arranged in four sitters. I had two more couples in front of me acting all lovey and dovey before she walked in.Clara Addams.The chick who took Jamie from me and I was so busy fighting over nothing. Her dad is a cop, which is why I'm careful around her. Don't want my shit to be let out.My gaze shifted when she looked around like she was searching for something while I acted like I didn't take notice of her staring through the glass door, watching cars and passersby.I have come alone to the coffee shop to have some space to think. I felt her gaze on me, and she began walking towards me.Now, I wasn't ready for another fight, not after what we did the last time. It better be she's going to the table behind me.She stopped at my table.“Hey, I know I will find you here” At first I wanted to ignore her, act like she didn't exist.I didn't want

Maddie I wasn't early for the church celebration but I was at the wedding party.I looked so beautiful and my chestnut hair was straightened and perfectly packed and decorated.My face was well masked coursey of Carlson who sent makeup artist to the hotel where I lodged.I hall was packed with people those I recognized as my father's friends we have met few times at the restaurant during our family hangout and some times on the room and some during thanksgiving.My eyes searched through the crowd for someone, my expectations wasn't to have eye contact with my Dad who was dancing with his newly wedded wife on the dance floor. He smiled at me while I gave him a bitter smile back and quickly looked away hoping to find a place to seat. I didn't want to sit among familiar faces but wanted a time alone and away from the questions.There, a little girl sitting alone in a round table, I quickly recognized her. It was Mira.The last time we saw each other ended in a bad note. Looking forward

MaddieThe anticipation of the wedding made my stomach twist. At first I didn't want to share in their happiness, but Carlson convinced me. There was no need to run, so I have made peace with it. As the day progressed so did the worries of what to wear? Expectations and lots more grew inside me. I imagine what it will be like to have a little sibling I could hold and talk to. Why do I have to think about that?Maddie You need to focus; it's just the wedding, nothing more. Not like you like her; she's just a gold digger and will never be family.Aunt Ann tries to be friendly, but then I couldn't have it even though she endured how rude I have been to her. That doesn't change anything. I still hate and will still hate her no matter what she does. Checking myself out in the mirror, I wore a pink lacy gown that hugged my figure. I have gained so much weight lately, more rounded butts and tits too. My cheeks are more full. I would hit the gym the moment after graduation. It has been