One Way or Another

Gr 7 Up–The walls of Paige Collin’s bedroom are covered with travel posters. She imagines grand adventures that take her away from her small Arizona town. But Paige is unable to make decisions, large and small, leading to meltdowns as she minutely examines each new possibility. Luckily, she has great friends: Clover, who introduces her to the 8-ball app, which takes decision-making out of her hands by creating random choices; and Fitz, who guides her through the meltdowns. She is also madly in love with Fitz. Unfortunately, Fitz bounces from girl to girl, confirming that Paige has been relegated to best friend status. When opportunity knocks, providing Paige a choice of a holiday trip to New York with her mom or a visit to Fitz’s family vacation home, she is stunned again by indecision. In one swift moment however, she slips on a wet floor, hitting her head, and suddenly the two possible scenarios play out. Told in alternating chapters, she goes on her trip to New York, and also heads up to Flagstaff for her visit with Fitz. Each scenario plays out to the end, providing Paige insight into her friendships, love, and the realization that the havoc her anxiety causes can be controlled with help.