I learnt the hard way that labels stick. Laura took “lovely”, and the teacher branded me “lady-like”. 

It stuck with me, even through my high school years. It felt like that was all I’d ever be.

Until everything changed.

Lonely Lia. 

Little Lia.

Lia the Liar. 

Lia the Lost …

Now the choices are endless. But I don’t want to be any of those either. 

My name is Lia Stanton. And this is my story.