Imperfect Perfection

Chapter 1

For my whole life, I have been a fighter. I have fought through foster homes. Fought through weight battles. Fought through bullying. Fought through the terrors of middle school. Fought the self loathing. I have fought to make myself into a person that the world would love.

I looked in my mirror. I was still fighting.

"Genevieve, stop prettying yourself up. You're already beautiful. Now come eat before you're late for school."

I smiled at my mom through the mirror and nodded. She eyed the scissors in my hand and hesitated to walk downstairs. I raised it and snipped the ends of my hair and she eventually walked out. I inhaled deeply and placed it back on my dresser before making a mental note to visit the hairdresser on the weekend.

"I made pancakes. I know it's your comfort food."

My mom turned to me with a stack of five.

I shook my head with a small smile.

"That's too much, mom. Two and a glass of milk are fine for me. Maybe an apple too. And I'm not nervous."

"Well you should be. Today is a big day. They're announcing the valedictorian."

"Mom, I already know who it's gonna be. There isn't anyone else with marks as high as me. No one else cares to try."

"Oh, you make me so proud. Head cheerleader, prom queen, valedictorian, quite the perfect girl aren't you?"

I scoffed.

"If only."

Then rethinking my words, I put on a smile and turned to my mom.

"I just do my best you know. In every way I can."

"I know baby. That's all I would ever ask for."

I nodded and gave her a quick side hug. I grabbed my food as she spoke again.

"Did you decide what you want to do after senior year? Another acceptance letter came you know."

I frowned at the reminder of my indecisiveness.

"I don't know yet. I have a few more weeks during summer to decide anyways."

She shook her head slightly not wanting to show her disappointment, but I picked it up easily.

"Just don't wait too long, honey."

"Don't worry about it. Bye mom."

She blew a quick kiss as I headed towards my car. I sighed as I buckled up and thought of another empty day of school ahead.

..............................................................................................................................

"Hey girl, congrats. Can't wait to hear the speech."

I turned to my friend, Lily.

"Thanks. Don't forget we have a cheer squad meeting after school."

She laughed.

"Two weeks as captain left and you won't even take a rest. Can you imagine this will all be over so soon?"

We stopped at my locker and I grabbed my textbook. I would have to clear out my stuff soon. I looked at the pictures, quotes and memories decorating the small space. My fingers brushed over my board of achievements and I pencilled in my latest one.

Valedictorian.

I looked to the top of the list and smiled softly as I glanced at my handwriting throughout the years.