The OCD Games

The OCD Games: A Christmas Romance Novella

Summary:

Erica struggles with her obsessions, to the point where her life is ruled by them. After losing her job, she seeks out a new one with the aid of her best friend, Kara, by her side. Change has always been tricky but between support group and art classes, Erica finds she’s able to cope with everything.

With her head held high, she’s determined to make the best of her new job. Cue handsome yet mysterious Blaine. Erica does her best to avoid him, convinced that her OCD will be a barrier that he won’t understand.

Except Blaine has his own obsessions. The more she learns about him, the more Erica realizes that she’s not alone. Her Christmas present is something she’s only been able to dream about for years—a partner who not only accepts her but one who understands her too.

Excerpt:

The depression from the previous day is at the front of my mind as soon as I open my eyes to stare at my perfectly-centered light and a tiny voice scolds me. Why am I doing this? Locking myself away and letting the pain get to me? I’m letting myself drown in self-pity, I know that, but all I can think about is how I’ll never be normal. I know part of me just wants to hear that I’m wrong, that eventually, I’ll be able to get over my issues, that I can get through my ridiculousness and others can too.

I need someone to tell me that there’s nothing wrong with me, but I doubt that even hearing those exact words would help me much in this mood. I would probably assume the speaker to be using sarcasm.

I’m trapped in my own mind.

I want to see Kara today, but I’m glad for the storm, glad that we won’t be doing anything outside—Kara would have to be mental to still want to do anything of the sort—but if I know her well enough, and unfortunately, I do, she is that crazy. I roll over and check my phone, no calls or texts, but that’s nothing new. Before I even get out of bed,I call her.

“What’s the game plan?” I ask as soon as she answers.

“No stroll around the park,” she resolves, and I hear the pout. “No, instead we’re gonna hit the town.”

“Really?” I ask, chuckling, and I’m glad she had a plan B in check. Never before have I craved friendship so strongly. “Hopefully somewhere with lots of alcohol.”

Now it’s Kara’s turn to laugh. “Cheers to that. Get dressed, and we’ll still have an awesome day, you’ll see.”

Despite not really wanting to go out when I can stay here and sleep, I force myself to get up and do exactly as she says. If I let myself listen to the voice in my head, it will continually drag me down. I’ve learned from experience it’s better to listen to Kara, and besides, it’ll be good for me to be distracted from myself for a while. If Kara is good at anything, it’s bringing life to the dead.

Kara reaches my house just as I finish putting my face together, even though she lives on the other side of town, and I’m impressed. She can be a real speed demon when she wants to be. I rush to open the door, and Kara appears bright and sparkly and well…Kara. She’s wearing another pink shirt, this one covered with a glittery, sparkling butterfly. I’ve always preferred moths to butterflies.They aren’t flashy or cocky; they mind their own business and just try to blend in with their surroundings and live their lives. They don’t want to be seen,and that’s something I can relate to.

I am the moth to Kara’s butterfly.