Abbi Gliness Themes

Within the context of the story readers are able to witness Maggie Carlton and West Ashby’s characters develop as they meet in times of trouble. Maggie had decided to go mute when she witnessed her father murder her mother. West, who had always been the popular, cocky, jock, was facing the near death of his father at home. Neither of them had any idea that their first encounter would change both of their lives forever. “She’d entered my life when I needed her most. I’d never expected this. Or her. But now that I had her, I wasn’t sure how I’d made it this long without her” (243). The first time they crossed paths Maggie saw something deep within West that no one had ever noticed before. When she reached out to him she was able to help him cope with his problems. At the same time West was able to help her start speaking again while pulling her out of the dark. Maggie had never been close to anyone

The one theme readers would find most important is that a relationship is not just about the fun, but it is about how that other person makes you better. “Until I found somebody who needed me. And I realized the only person I wanted to be great for was her” (328). West had always wanted to pursue a career in football because that was what he and his father had enjoyed together. However, after he met Maggie he realized that his motives had changed. He wanted to be the best he could possibly be to make her proud. Whenever West was around Maggie, she would always make sure he was at his best and he never got emotionally lost. Even though Maggie would help keep West in check, he still tried his hardest to help her as well. West helped Maggie confront the demons she had held captive for years. He helped her open up again. The most important thing readers will take away from this book is how a real relationship makes both people better, and how it is truly