Archive of Our Own ^beta

Trixie would have to perform for the rest of her life.

The thought struck her as she gossiped with Veronica in the halls one random Tuesday in the fall, Freshman year.

She’d always known that popularity required acting; “Be true to yourself,” only served cartoons.

To maintain her status from middle school, she’d have to act the same way in high school. Every word, every move, every glance would have to be scripted. Trixie would have to work twice as hard to overcome the status drop being a Freshman dropped on her head.

To be successful after graduation, Trixie would have to change her game, but it would still be a stage production of the working woman or PTA mom—maybe both.

Trixie closed her locker; Veronica kept chatting in her ear.

She thought of Timantha and the comic book shop.

Trixie would be happier if she gave up the popularity.

No more acting. She could make friends with more depth. She could smile with her true face.

“Quick, Trixie,” Veronica said, tugging on her sleeve. She checked her face in a compact. “Seniors at ten o’clock.”

Trixie flipped her hair and didn’t turn her head to the older girls walking by. She watched them instead from the mirror in Veronica’s locker—they looked at her. Trixie read the judgment and decided she passed when they gave approving looks.

Happiness didn’t bring power or influence.

Trixie would act.

Misery was a small price to pay to call the shots.