Bubblegum and Butterflies
Charlize seems to have it all while, Daniel, the town's notorious bad boy, spends his days mastering tricks at the local skate park and avoiding responsibility.
Their worlds collide when Daniel, showing off on his skateboard, crashes into Charlize outside their high school. The accident leaves Charlize with a broken arm and Daniel's bubblegum tangled in her hair.
As part of his punishment, Daniel is assigned to help Charlize catch up with her schoolwork. Their mutual animosity slowly transforms into friendship and then blossoms into first love.
But their newfound happiness is threatened when Charlize reveals that her family is immigrating to Australia at the end of the year. As the move approaches, Daniel and Charlize must navigate the pain of impending separation and the intensity of young love.
Heartfelt, bittersweet, and unforgettable, Bubblegum & Butterflies is a love story for anyone who’s ever had to say goodbye before they were ready.
- YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Romance / Clean & Wholesome
- YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Coming of Age
- YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Romance / Contemporary
Excerpt
The late afternoon sun blazed mercilessly over the school courtyard, casting sharp shadows on the paved walkways. Charlize adjusted her backpack and stepped out of the main building. Her every movement was poised, as always. Her friends flanked her, and their laughter and chatter were a comforting hum as they discussed Sarah’s upcoming party. Charlize smiled faintly. Her mind was already assembling what she would wear and how she would have to juggle her mom’s expectations. She could already hear her: Isn’t that skirt a little too short, Charlize?
Just as they rounded the corner toward the front gates, the distant hum of wheels on concrete reached her ears. Her brow furrowed as she glanced up, catching a glimpse of movement.
A dark-haired figure was weaving recklessly through the courtyard.
“Daniel McCarthy,” Thandiwe huffed. Her voice held equal parts awe and disdain.
“Of course, it’s him,” Charlize muttered, irritation flaring.
His shirt was untucked as usual, and his tie was nowhere to be seen. He sped closer to them, his skateboard zipping over the uneven bricks.
“Hey, watch it!” Jolene shouted as Daniel swerved too close to a group standing near the steps leading from the main building.
Daniel did not slow down. Instead, he kicked the board harder, popping it up onto a nearby bench with infuriating ease.
“He’s such a show off,” Thandiwe grumbled.
The next moments passed in a blur. Charlize felt the impact first. A hard collision against her shoulder that sent her sprawling to the ground. Instinctively, she threw out her arm to brace herself, but the awkward angle sent a sharp, white-hot pain shooting up her wrist. A sickening crack echoed through the courtyard.
“Oh my gosh!” someone shrieked.
“Look what you’ve done!” Jolene yelled.
Charlize blinked. She felt dazed and breathless as she clutched her arm. The pain was radiating in nauseating waves through her. Her elbow throbbed and her wrist was burning as if it was on fire. Her bag had skidded across the walkway and its contents had spilled across the bricks. She struggled to sit up as she cradled her arm to her chest.
Then she smelled it.
Chappies.
“What the—” Her uninjured hand flew to her hair. Sticky strands clung to her fingers, and her heart sunk.
Bubblegum.
It was gross and the humiliation hit her like a slap. She glared at the boy who had caused this disaster.
Book Details
Imprint : Fiction for the Soul Books
ISBN :
First Published Date : 5 May 2025
Language : English
Reading age : 13+
Pages : 181
Words : 26,934
Format : ePub & PDF (you own the files)
Read on : Kindle, Apple, Android devices, Google Play Books, Nook, Kobo eReaders, Computers.
Delivery Time and Method : Downloads will be emailed immediately upon purchase.
Keywords : Small town Young Adult romance, Contemporary Young Adult fiction, High school enemies to lovers, Young Adult Coming of Age, Teen romance South Africa, Bittersweet love story, Skateboarder romance
