Inside Out

Talia Smith grew up in Tunnock Station, on the other side of the tracks, from the suburbs in Pennsylvania. At five years old, her life was turned upside down, and the family was ripped apart when her father was sentenced to prison for a horrific crime. Shortly after, Talia went through a series of traumatic events from abuse, running away, and even homelessness at one point. None of that stopped Talia as she continued to push forward with a goal to get out of Tunnock Station and never have to depend on anyone ever again in life. Taking a chosen career path as an exotic dancer to help fulfill her dream of independency, Talia also tries to live a normal lifestyle at home with her boyfriend, Cam. Cam is motivation for Talia to become independent, and the open relationship they have allows her to come and go as she pleases and him to fulfill his own career as the youngest partner at his law firm. All is going well until Talia discovers devastating news and, in her emotional state, connects on a level she has never felt before with a new flame. Always been one to dance to the beat of her own drum, Talia must make a decision on where she wants her life to lead: her white-picket fence with Cam or a life of passion and suspense. This story is loosely based on true events in which many families struggle with daily. Any type of abuse, whether physical, emotional, or sexual can be detrimental to a child’s success. It is the author’s hope to shed light on the many stories like this one to help those who struggle from the mental illnesses that come not only from the situation itself but from the fight of having to hide it their entire lives.