Day One (dayoneny.org): If you are—or think you might be—in an abusive relationship and live in NYC, go here to find out more. You can also call their confidential hotline at (800) 214-4150 or text (646) 535-DAY1 (3291).
These hotlines are free, private, and open 24 hours a day:
National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-4-A-CHILD (422-4453)
#CHOOSEYOU
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Sarah Torna Roberts and Melissa Wilmarth: thank you for being my Nat and Lys. Thank you for saying BREAK UP WITH HIM a million times and for the best summer of my life and for holding me together and patching me up. I love you girls so, so much. Brandon Roberts, thank you for coming over that night when we were pretty sure the house had been broken into and for making me laugh and being the big brother I never had. Diane Torna, your generosity that summer knows no bounds.
To the teachers, counselors, pastors, and other adults who graced my life in high school—especially Susan Kehler (only the best drama teacher ever), Tricia Boganwright, Julie Morgenstern, Sonny Martini, and my Fire By Night family: thank you for your support and love during the very worst years of my life. (And for saying BREAK UP WITH HIM, even though I didn’t listen for a long time.) And a huge hug to all the friends and mentors I had who were there through it all in one way or another: there were so many of you, so forgive me for not listing names—I hope you know who you are.
Love to my family, especially Meghan Demetrios, sister extraordinaire: thank you for foot wars, sticking up for me, and always being on my side. Zach Fehst: I am one lucky girl to have married you and become a part of your awesome family (hey, Fehsts!). I’m so glad you asked for my number after acting class freshman year at USC.
Stephanie Uzureau-Anderson, Jessica Welman, and Allison Campbell: oh, ladies, where do I start? I’m so grateful the USC dorm gods put us together. Who knew “tragic teen” would be the subject of a book one day? (Of course, I shall never forget that he was the subject of an excellent musical first.) You got me through my first year without HIM.
Last, but not least, thanks to Elena McVicar for beta reading; my VCFA Allies in Wonderland; my rockin’ agent, Brenda Bowen; and, of course, my editor, Kate Farrell, who made this book so much better and was such a cheerleader on this rough journey. Also, love to everyone at Holt and a shout-out to all the amazing artists who are on my Bad Romance playlist (especially you, Gaga): you made reliving this mess a whole lot easier and are waaaaaaay cheaper than therapy.