Where to begin...
I shall be going back in time to fall of 2021 when I had an interesting idea for a story and a lot of creativity and no outlet to put.
Alas Relay Race was born.
Started on September 30th of 2021 and finished on December 17th of 2021.
I wrote over 170,000 words, had over 60 chapters, and created a universe that to this day I can say I'm proud of because of what it got me through.
The 170,000 words were often times questionable, cringey, cliche, had improper grammar, and may not have even made sense. But technically I can say I've written a book.
Back in the fall of 2021 I was severely battling my mental health and one thing that always made me feel better was this story and you guys.
I would read the comments and theories you guys would come up with of what you thought was going to happen next or how Luke was the best boyfriend (biased but I think he is) and my mood would instantly change.
I want to thank each and everyone of you for making such a safe space for me and helping me get through a tough time in my life that I feel like just now I have healed from and can start to move on from.
That brings us to the elephant in the room...
"Will you republish Relay Race?"
No.
This is a tough call to make and one I'm sure not many of you are happy to hear and with that I am sorry.
As I said above I was in a really dark place back then when I wrote this and constantly revisiting it to edit it is not good for mental health and I have tried it many times.
"Why can't you just publish the original version?"
It technically doesn't exist anymore. Everything is mixed up and out of order and randomly edited. And truthfully the original version keeps me up at night for how awkward it is.
Once again I am sorry but this decision is the best for me right now!
I have posted an above chapter titled
"the aftermath" in hopes it can give a little closer and finality to Relay Race.
That's about it for now I don't have much else to say but I hope I cleared some things up. I may attempt to write other stories I have spin-offs started for the Matthews kids (go figure) but I'm not sure where those would lead just yet.
I want to say goodbye but a see you a later feels more fitting.
Thank you and I love you.
Sincerely,
Lilly ♥︎
