Author's Note:

First of all, let me start by saying:

THIS STORY HAS NOT BEEN NOR WILL IT EVER BE ABANDONED.

Secondly… let me just explain…

I've been going through some very personal and emotional stuff lately. I'm not going to get into it because… well… honestly… I'm not the type of person that likes to broadcast their issues for the world to see and beg for pity.

All I mean to say is… please… just… give me some time. You have all been so patient and understanding thus far and that means to the world to me.

This project... is more than just a story to me. It's not just words on a page… it's so much more in depth than that.

It's… personal.

The support from you guys for this project has been nothing short of overwhelming.

When I first started writing… I never DREAMED it would turn into this… much. At that point… I never even realized that so much of 'me' would seep onto the pages.

You've sent me messages of encouragement and reviewed my chapters… and… that means more to me than I could have ever imagined. You have become like a family to me. It's beautiful, and it gives me strength.

You have all given me ~ COURAGE~

The reason I have been delaying the next chapter is because I've already plotted out the rest of the story and I'm afraid that my recent 'tone' will merge its way onto the pages. Our little Blaine is finally healing… after everything, he's finally on his way back and I can't let my negativity trickle into the story.

So please… please be patient… I promise I'm not giving up on Underneath, so please don't give up on me.

I love you all,

XOXOXO

Ryleigh