Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Sighing, I pulled my backpack tighter to my back. I didn't really even want to come to this. I don't like anyone here, and yet, here I am, walking slowly into the venue. Rydell High's last day of summer party at the drive in. I don't really have any friends and I haven't since... well... I guess since forever. I'm not the type of person that makes friends or holds onto friends easily. But my older brother convinced me to go to this thing tonight. He used to be a Socs here. Gross, I know. He graduated last year and left me in this dump hole all alone. Although I hated that he was a Socs at school, at home? We were inseparable. He was my rock through so much in life. Without him here I genuinely have no one at this school that I can stand.

Enough about him though. Right now, I just have to get through tonight. Which will honestly be... rough to say the least.

I had just finally made it over to the concession stand for a much-needed soda when the sound of music drifted into my ears.

Music?

What? This is a drive-in movie theater, why is there music playing?

Looking around, I saw a girl walking by with a Socs football jacket on while girls oo'd and awe'd after her. I don't understand women.

With the ever-growing noise and crowds of people, I ditched the soda idea and started to head to some seats that I had spotted on my way in that are in the middle of the lot. Once I got to the seat, I carefully dropped my backpack onto the ground right next to me and settled in facing the screen.

All of a sudden people started running all around me, music once again filling my ears.

"Grease is the word, it's the word that you heard"

"It's got groove it's got meaning"

"Grease is the time, is the place, is the motion"

"Grease is the way we are feeling"

People continued to run around while they were singing this, but now they seemed to be whispering something in everyone's ears as they went. A girl ran up to whisper something to me, but one Icy blue glare made her continue past me with big eyes.

What is going on?

Not too far away from me a girl rolled out of the trunk of a cream-colored car and took over the singing. She looks really familiar to me, though when I leaned closer to get a better look, her green dress whipped around, and she was walking away from me. Maybe a better word is strutted away from me.

At this point I'm convinced that I switched realities into a musical of some sort. Not sure how it happened but that's my running theory as to why all of this is happening.

A black car with the word T-Birds pulled up in the row in front of where I am currently sitting. I watched, chuckling, while a small showdown between the car driver and a group of annoying cheerleaders went down. They seemed to be yelling back and forth, the car is probably trying to tell them to move.

They deserve it. All they ever do is push people around, they deserve to be pushed around as well, even if it is with a car...

That was dark... I only slightly feel bad though.

Shaking my head, I turned back towards the front, ignoring whoever just got out of the scrappy black car.

Some of these people look familiar to me, but only their faces. I don't think I've bothered to learn anyone's name in the two years I've been going to this school. In those two years no one has bothered to learn mine either.

I have my routine every day and I stick to it. I walk to school, get through the first round of classes, find the most secluded spot under or on the bleachers for lunch, then I sleepwalk through till the end of the day. Then I just go back to my house and try to just stay shut in my room. Well.... I guess it used to be my room or my brother's room, but he left right after he graduated last year.

I don't think he's even going to college, but he's just... not here. He calls sometimes to talk, like he did this morning. Thus, why I am here right now. Freezing in a long skirt and a short-sleeved shirt. Having so much fun. Sarcasm intended.

Suddenly a motorcycle slowly crossed in front of me, a smaller girl with a helmet sat there with a big smile on her face.

"Grease is the word"

She sang as she pulled by.

More singing???

As she sang, I realized that I couldn't block out her singing as well as I could everyone else singing. Her voice is honestly so beau-... mesmer-... impressive.

She hopped off the bike and strided to four guys standing next to the black car from before. So that's who got out of the car earlier, I honestly can't believe I didn't even notice four intense looking dudes getting out right next to me. My eyes fell back onto the small woman as she reached the group and yelled.

"Happy last day of Summer, Dipsticks!!"

Everyone broke out into song and dance again, but for some reason I minded a lot less this time. I actually found myself tapping my foot to the rhythm and bobbing my head to the beat.

The song shortly came to a wrap and then as soon as it began, everyone completely split ways and went back to whatever they were doing before.

This school is so weird. What am I even doing here....

For two more years as well......

Chapter Text

After the weird song break, everyone went back to what they were doing, playing tonsil hockey, fighting, gossiping, everything you could expect from a crowd of teenagers.

Still confused, I rubbed across my eyes and down my face. Turning my attention back to the screen. I can 100% say that I have no clue what is going on. On the screen and off of it. The movie seemed to be one of those love movies, where she falls heads over heels for him. Which I have never been super interested in. I've always appreciated action movies more, and maybe some zombies here and there as well.

Like that movie that came out about two years ago! 'Zombies of the Stratosphere'; it was more of a Sci-fi than action, but they did such a good job making it that I didn't care. Now that I think about that... I should watch it here again soon.

My thoughts were interrupted by one of the black car guys coming back to the group with a hotdog and some popcorn. The smaller guy with the browner jacket snatched the hotdog right away, while the bigger guy with the black jacket grabbed the popcorn. The girl that was with them was still sitting on her bike while another black jacket dude was looking around the lot.

When the popcorn guy started to eat some, the girl rose off of her bike, mouth wide open, anticipating some popcorn herself.

I really shouldn't be watching this closely, but honestly this is more entertaining that whatever is playing on the screen right now. Soon after that another guy in a black jacket joined them, he seemed taller than the rest of the group. They started to hand out brown beer bottles and rough housing around the front of their car.

I shifted in my seat so that way I could eavesdrop better. This was when the girl with the short hair stood in the cars back seat and called to the others

"What do you say, gentlemen? Let's get loaded, ditch this passion pit, and have some real fun!"

I chuckled under my breath. I'm not a part of this nor do I want them to know I was listening in, but I'm so tempted to join in on that offer.

"Sorry, Cynthia"

One of the guys stated to her.

"The T-birds are on the prowl tonight."

That's disgusting. Prowl?? Who says that??

I did learn two things there though; one, they call themselves the T-birds... which now that I think of it, I should've inferred that based off of the fact that that's what's on their car... and two, her name is Cynthia.

Zoning back into the conversation I noticed that the tall guy was now standing in the car, towering over the girl's small frame. One of the other guys was talking when I fully leaned back in.

"Now that I'm a junior, I'm focusing on College."

"College?! You barely go to class!"

A smile spread over my face listening to their antics. I've seen their faces around before but haven't been able to really hear them and how they act. Everyone says that they are JD's but I don't know. It is cool that they let a girl hang around with them.

She seems like one of them when they talk, but I just noticed that she's not wearing a jacket? Well... not just any jacket, but more specifically she's not wearing a T-birds jacket like the others have.

Suddenly one of the blonde cheerleaders broke into their group circle, staring down the boy that made the original college statement.

"Buy me a soda, Richie?"

She stated in a sing-song voice, the guy's face, Richie's face, filled with a big smile.

"Let's bop"

He responded back as he walked over to her. The tall guy dropped keys in his open hand while the brown jacket dude held up a military-like salute.

Gosh. Why are boys like this? One blonde shows up, says one sentence, and they all melt. It's honestly embarrassing to watch.

They then both turned away, walking towards another group of girls nearby. Cynthia and the bigger dude stayed behind at the car.

I wonder if they are a thing? Wait. Why do I care?

One night back with these people and I've already fallen into dumb girl thoughts like that. I don't know how I am going to get through this.

The girl suddenly stood up holding the guy's leather jacket. With an expectant face she slowly slid her arms into it and pulled the front close around her. A huge smile lit up her face as she settled back onto the back of the car and hugged the jacket to herself.

"I'd uh... I'd like to see that jacket on you more often."

He said with a shy tone. Her head whipped toward him with excitement all over her face.

"Finally, someone says it! I've been too afraid to ask."

He smiled and adjusted towards her a bit.

"You think the other guys would go for it?"

My face scrunched with confusion just like he did.

"Oh"

He mumbled shifting back away from her.

"I meant, um-- maybe."

He finished with a gentle nudge to her arm.

"Wow"

"My own T-birds jacket"

She continued on with an excited and awed tone.

Poor guy. That was absolutely not what he was intending to happen there. I wonder if she even noticed the small, now fake, smile that is still lingering on his face after all of that.

"Nights looking up."

With those last words from her, I stretched in my seat to try to wake my sleeping legs.I think that's my que to leave this dump. That was entertaining but now I just want to go lay in bed and dread the first day of hell on earth again tomorrow.

Standing up I simultaneously pressed my long skirt down while I lugged my backpack from the ground. Whilst shrugging my backpack on my back, I started walking through the maze of cars. Every third car I heard some sort of moaning noise through the cracked windows.

Rolling my eyes, I continued out onto the street and started the venture to where I sleep. I should call it home... but honestly it hasn't been home for the majority of my life now. That's just something I'm used to at this point, not quite having a home.

Chapter Text

Yawning I rolled out of bed this morning, already in a sour mood. Rubbing my eyes, I looked up at the plain clock on the wall.

I woke up late!

First day and it's already falling apart on me. The shock of the time kicked my gear into motion though. I rushed over to my bland closet and threw on a long-sleeved blue top with an easy black long skirt that went down to right above my socks. I grabbed my shoes as I rushed out of my room, grabbing a banana as I passed the kitchen.

Wincing I shoved my feet into my shoes as quickly as I could while half of the banana hung out of my mouth. With those fastened, I took off down the street towards the high school.

Look out hell hole, I'm on my way.

I didn't even stop to breath until I reached the greenery that surrounded the front of the schools' doors and walkways.

When I finally slowed enough to head inside, I realized that I was walking right behind the first girl from the drive-in last night, the one wearing the Socs football jacket. She bounded up the steps to the front door with me in tow.

When we entered the big front doors, she veered off to the left automatically, heading towards this table that was set up near the entrance. I hovered just long enough to hear what it was set up there for.

"Student council sign-ups"

Someone was calling out from the table to the kids that were walking by the little set up.

"Hah, no thanks"

I muttered as I continued my path forwards and through the crowded hallways. Looking in front of me I noticed that I was a few feet away from knocking into the assistant principle, Ms. McGee. As she and a Socs carried a ladder across the big main room, she seemed to be struggling carrying that and a banner in her hands at the same time. Side stepping them, I continued on my way, leaving the huffing woman behind me.

I had almost reached my locker when some commotion hit my ears from behind me. It was the group from last night, the T-birds. What a surprise.

"I'm sorry, honey."

One of them laughed out towards the football Socs girl who was now standing on the top of a ladder, holding the same banner Ms. McGee just held a few seconds ago.

"It's just, my friends here have never been to New York, and we heard that under your skirt is New York Cities most visited tourist attraction."

This caused everyone that was listening, which was literally everyone, to start either laughing in response or start whispering to one another.

"C'mon morons"

The same guy stated as they laughed. The group of T-birds turned and started walking in my direction. Literally we just got here, and the gossip train has already left the station.

Great. I almost feel like this is a new record for this school. They passed me with massive grins on their faces as they hung off of one another.

I continued my way over to the pale blue lockers and found the one with my number on the front of it. Opening it I saw what I left in there from last year, which was nothing but a few pencils and a lonely pen. I don't have much that I carry around with me regardless, much less that I wanted to shove into my school locker.

I pushed my backpack into the small locker and just grabbed the pen and the few books that I needed for the day before I went on my way.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hearing the bell, I jumped out from under my desk and made a B-line to the outside part of the school, where I could just relax alone with some peace and quiet.

While walking past the quickly filling tables, I heard the intercom music fill the air. Looking down at my feet I continued to walk while I listened to the announcement.

"Good morning, boys and girls, and welcome to the 1954-55 school year, sure to be our greatest year at Rydell High yet. It's time to make new friends."

My feet came to a halt when I heard what happened next. She started to sing. Terribly.

"Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver and the others gold"

I legitimately hate this school. Trying to forget what my ears just had to endure I continued my shuffle down the steps right past the green dress girl from last night. I wanted to stop and get a closer look, but I heard people coming up from behind me, so I never slowed my stride.

Reaching the pavement and turning right, my eyes scanned over my choices laid out in front of me. The choice was honestly pretty clear right away after seeing everyone on the bleachers. Under it is then.

I ducked under the metal bars and took my place on a rock that I had lodged back here a few years ago. This has been my safe space. My alone space. Where I can just breathe... and be me. I grabbed some paper from my book stack and grabbed the pen from earlier and started sketching on it.

I started with just some geometric lines... I used to love drawing... I haven't been able to get into it recently though. Nothing seems to strike the creativity in me like it used to. Which is honestly heartbreaking to think about.

This used to be my vice. When things got hard? I'd draw. I get stuck in school? Draw. Literally anything could be solved that way. Now nothing gets solved anymore and nothing gets drawn anymore.

I was pulled out of my thoughts by the sounds of soft footsteps approaching me.

"Excuse me?"

Looking up I saw the football jacket girl once again standing right in front of me with a sheepish look.

"Hello, I'm Jane, you may have heard some unfortunate things about me and Buddy Aldridge-"

I quickly cut her off before she could spiel anymore.

"Honestly, I haven't heard anything, nor do I care to. I don't care about your relationship drama".

She seemed surprised by my response.

"So.... you haven't heard anything?"

"No"

"Oh... Okay... well just so you know, if you do, it's not true."

I rolled my eyes back at that.

"Okay"

"Would you mind telling your friends?"

"What friends?"

I said sarcastically while gesturing around myself.

"Oh... I'm sorry, I get it, I was new last year."

"Cool"

"I'll leave you be then. Bye!"

She called as she turned away from me. I honestly didn't mean to be rude to her, but c'mon. This is my spot. This is my me spot. I wish people understood that better, when you're off alone like this, it's because you want to be left alone.

I heard Jane's voice further down underneath the bleachers still. Looking up I saw her now standing over a girl that was reading a book. I've seen her down here before, but we've never talked to each other. It was kind of nice having a soul nearby but we both stuck to the quiet place rule.

While I was watching she ended up standing up and storming away from the still sheepish girl. Jane is really making an impression for herself today. I peeked through the bleachers to see where she went when I noticed the T-birds walking up to the Socs with their "tough" walk.

Without looking I grabbed all of my things and headed to the part of the bleachers that opened up like an archway. My eyes never leave the heated scene in front of me. I got into earshot just soon enough to hear one of the socs say

"It means she doesn't want to be bothered by any lowlife, dirty, greasers."

Smirking, he glanced over to the book girl.

"Of their whore sisters"

With those words I felt my feet start to move forward with anger. I don't know her name but that comment that fell out of his mouth made me angry. I wasn't the only one either, all of the guys pounced at one another. T-birds in anger and the Socs in humor. Richie ended up on the ground before Jane ran by me yelling

"Wait!"

"Richie was telling the truth, I saw it, I was under the bleachers."

"Well, that figures"

The snotty blonde cheerleader spat back.

"Richie rejected Susan for a second date, not the other way around... He was a little rude about it."

Seeing that the situation cooled down, I backed up all the way under the bleachers yet again and headed back toward the school. That's why I don't even bother with gossip or rumors, hardly anyone is truthful anymore anyways. It would be any difference.

Chapter Text

I know that the teacher is talking right now but I really don't care. I hate this class. This lame excuse of time that we are forced to learn how to be the perfect housewife for our future husbands. It's so incredibly dumb and old school.

Zoning out, I leaned against the washing machine wearing this god-awful apron that was a strange material and an even stranger color. I looked over to see my station partner Cynthia shrugging the disgusting garment off of her body when the teacher left the room.

This made me crack out a smile. I jokingly followed in suite, tossing mine on top of her discarded apron. She smiled back at me seeing that we both agreed about the garment.

"That woman thinks that's style. The names Cynthia by the way"

Laughing, I nodded my head in response to that jab.

"Mines Valerie. Honestly, I think these would do great in a bon fire."

Her eyes got wide as she mimicked an explosive going off as she walked away. The book girl rose from her station just then, music once again filling my ears.

"My cousin in New York knows Janey. Said all the girls there hate Miss Brainy. See N.Y.C. girls are so risqué. They love fun, they love guns. They love whiskey"

She approached the area where I was while Cynthia walked over to the main table to listen in.

"They're sex-crazed and gang adjacent. So good two shoes Jane and her boring killjoy ways. Drove the New York girls insane. And she'd kill their fun in every way. They'd say"

Cynthia and the other girl, green dress girl, started dancing and singing with her.

"Shake, shake, shake off that good girl act. Shake, shake, shake off that good girl act"

I approached the two girls and leaned in.

"What's going on?"

Cynthia turned to me with a knowing smile.

"Just go with it, it's more fun when you do."

And that's just what I did.

"Out all night with the fakest of IDs. Borough to borough, dropping boys to their knees. So much eyeliner, they can't even see. Jane clutched her pearls as she held back her scream"

I kept up with the girls as they grabbed Jane and also told her to go along with it. She locked eyes with me, they were filled with confusion. The only thing I could do was shrug and smile in response.

I found myself singing and dancing with the girls, at first, I felt kind of silly, but to be honest.... It was a lot of fun.

"Then they'd say, good girls finish last. And nice guys, they finish too fast, yeah. So give in, embrace the bad. And shake, shake, shake, shake off. That good girl act"

"Shake, shake, shake off that good girl act. Shake, shake, shake off that good girl act"

"These New York girls, tell me, what do they wear? (Uh-huh, uh-huh) Heel so high they make the baddest boys stare (Uh-huh, uh-huh) Sweaters so tight that the seam would all tear. And in the back of the car. Nothing but a smile, my dear"

"Then they'd say. Good girls finish last. And nice guys, they finish too fast, yeah. So give in, embrace the bad. And shake, shake, shake, shake off. That good girl act"

When the full group was dancing, I couldn't help but have a giant smile on my face. I haven't had this much fun in so long. It honestly feels... really nice.

"Shake, shake, shake off that good girl act. Shake, shake, shake off"

"They tried seducing her into a life. Of sex, drugs, and crime. She had the strength to resist. Every single time"

"They'd smoke

(She'd choke)

They'd stray

(She'd pray)

They'd steal

(She'd pay)

And tip"

"The girls would come after her verbally massacre. Then it got physical. Beat down by mannequin fists"

"Jane went to confession. Exposed the girls messing. Around with strange boys. With drugs and possession. The priest called the police"

"The police came knocking. The girls got the word. That Jane did the talking. So they circled the building. Screaming and shouting. Get out of town, or we'll do some pounding, yeah"

"Shake, shake, shake off (shake off that good girl act) Shake, shake, shake off (shake off that good girl act) Shake, shake, shake off"

"Stop it, what are you doing?"

"Having fun, try it Susan."

Near the end of the song, me and a random girl were rocking out right behind the green dress girl and the station she was sitting at which was the sewing machines. Faster than I could even blink, I felt the other girl tumble right into me. I tried to catch myself by swinging my arms around, but there was nothing to stop myself with.

I fell right into the green dress girl. Her gasp filled the room, causing everyone to go silent, staring in our direction. My eyes grew in size when she held up her finger that now was cabobbed with a needle right through it.

This is what I get for having fun, huh.

Chapter Text

After an awkward walk down to the principal's office with Cynthia, Jane, and book girl (who I now know is Olivia). We all sat in the old plastic chairs that squeaked when we sat down, waiting for our impending punishment for the flash mob we created.

We all sat in silence staring ahead of ourselves. I don't know how any of that happened. I also learned that the green dressed girls name is Nancy. I feel so bad that Nancy got hurt like that. I can't imagine how much that stings.

I keep replaying the moment in my head. Wondering if there was something else, I should have or could have done. Like if I could have done something different to try to catch myself before causing all of this. Should I even have been dancing like that? Is that why all of this happened?

I was pulled out of my stressed thoughts by the woman herself coming in and sitting down to my right. Cynthia was on my other side, and then it was Jane and Olivia on the end. Nancy's middle finger was held up and wrapped in already bloody gauze.

"I'm so sorry Nancy."

I said looking over at her injured finger. She didn't even look at me when she responded with this comment.

"This is marvelous, now I can tell everyone here what I think about them... without saying a word."

A small smile spread on my face hearing that. It wasn't at all what I was expecting but it was so true. She's literally a walking middle finger now, and no one can get mad at her for doing it. Cynthia suddenly stood with a start.

"Hall passes, anyone?"

She walked over to the long desk that sat in front of us in the middle of the room, she leaned over to reach the other side. I heard a drawer open when Jane went after her and grabbed her leg to get her back onto the ground.

"Please, sit down. We don't want to get into any more trouble."

"Okay!"

Cynthia sat down with the acquired stack of hall passes in her hands. She looked at me and Nancy while holding them up. With a grin I held out my hand expectantly. She gave a mischievous smile as she sectioned out a few and handed them to me. Nancy also asked for her share of some, which Cynthia complied happily.

We suddenly heard the door jiggle, and I could head Ms. McGee's voice traveling through the window on the door. Cynthia and Nancy shoved the papers underneath themselves while I automatically shoved mine down the front of my shirt.

Just in time too since Ms. McGee and the principal entered the office. We all sat back and just watched as the two adults bickered about something none of us care about in the least bit.

When they finally turned towards us, the five of us just did small smiles in return to their confused looks. I can't imagine how the five of us must have looked to them in this very moment. Nancy with her bloody middle finger in the air. Me with my blank stare. Cynthia who was sprawled out as much as she could be in the chair. Jane looked almost like she was going to cry. Olivia with the sass that always seems to adorn her face.

The principle understandably quickly took to leaving, leaving just Ms. McGee staring the five of us down.

"Ms. Valdovinos, my office"

We all watched as Olivia slowly followed the red headed old woman into the office. When the door closed the four remaining of us looked at one another, worry now on every single face. This suddenly feels so much more real.

Olivia walked back out with McGee trailing. She now is wearing a burnt orange pullover that she was adjusting the sleeves of as she walked away and out of the office, without even a glance at the rest of us.

"Ladies, first days are difficult, but remember, future misbehavior will not be tolerated."

Nancy stood up and used her injured finger to salute back at the woman.

"Thanks a mil, Ms. McGee"

She turned on her heel and quickly left the office before the assistant principal could say anything else to her. Me and Cynthia stood to also take our leaves, but McGee stopped us in our tracks before we fully exited.

"Ms. Zdunowski, Ms. O'Doherty, reminders:"

She looked towards Cynthia first.

"Try as you might, you'll never be one of the boys."

She then looked at me, the shock sitting in my chest at hearing what she just said.

"Your brother had a pristine reputation here, don't ruin it."

That hit me like a stack of bricks. What I do should have nothing to do with my brother. Nor should I have his success here held over my head like that.

I just stood their scowling at McGee, but Cynthia held to her guns and shot back.

"Kinda like you'll never be a real principle, eh?"

Right when the words fully left her mouth, she turned and ran down the hall full speed, away from the scowl that she earned in response. I, too, took off down the hallway, at a walking speed though, the adrenalin now in my blood.

I don't know what's up with Cynthia, but she always seems to get my fire going. Perfect timing too, the bell just rung overhead signaling to go to the next class.

I took my time strolling down the now crowded hallways. Do I want to go to the Pep rally tonight? Not really.... But do I want to go to the house?.... Absolutely not. Pep rally it is then! Might as well with the fiasco that was last night, how could it possibly be worse?

Chapter Text

Walking through the now desolate deserted hallways, I found my way back to my locker. Thankfully even the locker gods know me. It's tucked back into the corner, I'm also pretty sure that I don't have a locker neighbor either.

Shuffling through the loose papers that have already built up, I found my pair of washed-out gray jeans. Smiling, I grabbed them out and shut my locker while looking for the closest bathroom to get changed in.

I'm so ready to be out of this lame skirt, I really tried last night to be that "girly girl" when out and about, but I was just freezing and miserable with that much skin exposed. So tonight? I'm going with the comfortable warm style instead.

Stepping out of the stall I walked over to the full-length mirror. Nice. These pants look great with my already adorned long sleeve top that was almost a navy-blue color, which has always been my favorite color.

Staring into the mirror I saw a pale girl with long orange hair that looked unkempt and a blue gaze that seemed emotionless staring back at me. That's me. The one and only Valerie.

What broke me from my trance was Jane entering the once empty bathroom.

"Oh. Hey! You're Valerie, right?"

Jane asked, seemingly feeling bad about having to ask my name again. This isn't new for me though. I seem pretty forgettable to those around me.

"It is, and you're Jane"

That was a statement and not a question on my part.

"I'm surprised that you remembered! Are you going to the pep rally tonight? I'm hosting it!"

"Yeah, I am. I was actually just getting ready for it"

She smiled in response.

"Oh cool! Well, I'll see you there!"

She proclaimed as she walked into one of the many open stalls.

After taking one last glance at myself in the mirror, I headed back to my locker to store my skirt that got ditched for these pants.

Turning the corner, I quickly got proven wrong with my earlier locker theory.

Right next to mine stood an excited looking short haired girl. That makes sense why I thought I have no neighbor; I doubt Cynthia uses her locker much.

Approaching the lockers, I had to squeeze a bit to make it into the small corner that held my locker.

"Valerie! We're locker buddies"

Shocked by hearing my name with no question mark behind it, I looked toward the small, bubbly, girl. Smiling back at her I stated

"Yeah, looks like we are. I haven't seen you at this locker all day though"

The end had a little teasing tone behind it. She did a small bounce as a bit of pink showed on her cheeks.

"Books are for the weak. So is school when I think about it"

She paused as if in thought.

"Are you going tonight? I'm not gonna blow the secret but somthn is gonna go down tonight!"

I saw a mischievous twinkle in her eyes as she said this.

"I was already going, but now I'm definitely going"

Life just isn't fun without being mischievous every once and a while. I like her vibe quite a bit as well, I'm excited to see what all of this energy is for.

"I'll see you there then!"

She called over her shoulder as she bounded away towards the eager looking T-birds.

I went from being bored about tonight to being kind of excited in just a few seconds. I tried to pull my brain from that line of thoughts and reminded myself:

Yes, they seem nice and fun.... But don't let yourself get hurt. These walls exist for a reason. Keep them strong. With that self-reminder, I started my way to the big event tonight.

Chapter Text

I'm already regretting this. There is so much going on. The moment I set foot through the wire doors I was greeted with a face full of jumping cheerleaders, horns practicing loudly, and people. So many people everywhere.

The only redeemable part was the giant fire pit which admitted warmth and the peaceful smell of burning wood. Approaching the fire pit, I wished that everything else would just evaporate. I used to love camping so much, I love this smell. It warmed my heart just by being right next to it.

Looking around again I noticed a sign above the door I came in that says, "This year Rydell goes all the way". Strange choice of words. But what do I know about school pep?

Over on the side of the gathering was a stage that was set up with another sign that said "Rydell Rangers". On that stage stood Jane, who now is wearing a white band uniform, Ms. McGee, and some old men that I haven't seen before.

I took a few steps back from the middle of the crowd, looking for a quiet place to hang out at.

People were holding giant signs that all had some sort of football.... School... yay... Lingo on it. I had to head entirely out of the crowd to be able to see anything.

Bingo.

Looking across the lot I saw Olivia sitting on the hood of a car looking sadly towards the crowd. This will be just like lunch, which is such a calm place. Making my decision, I took off toward the lonely looking girl. Although I know for a fact that she feels the same about "lonely" as I do.

Once I got over to her, I jumped up on the hood of the car next to hers and leaned back against the windshield.

"Not you too. Did you come to bother me like Jane did?"

"Nope"

Was my only response as I looked up into the night sky and at the stars. I felt her gaze on me for a few more seconds, maybe expecting me to continue to say more. After I didn't open my mouth to say anything else she pulled her eyes from me and focused back on the book that sat in her lap.

Whilst staring up at the constellations I heard the pep rally begin with music and cheering. But I never once took my eyes off of the beauty above me.

The sky is so large, and so natural, I don't know why we deserve this show every night.

My attention to the twinkling did not waver until I heard the crowd go silent, with shocked gasps following.

Sitting up I absorbed the scene in front of me. Jane stood in front of everyone with such a sad face, and the sign from before got changed to "Jane Facciano goes all the way!".

Man.... I'm not one to care about high school drama but that... that's just low. To embarrass a girl in front of everyone. Families, students, and faculty.

We're not friends but this made my anger start to bubble up. Before I could decide what to do with this new anger, five dumb looking mascots came into view. This caused the crowd to start cheering again and the music started playing again.

Just the distraction everyone needed right now.

Especially Jane.

That was... Until four out of the five mascots pulled their pants down: mooning the entire crowd. My eyes widened watching this unfold in front of me.

The one who was a horse, I think? Couldn't get their pants down. When they leaned more forward to do it, the horse head came off. The owner turned around with a shocked face.

I couldn't hold in the laughter. "Somethin's gonna go down tonight" she said to me earlier. Cynthia, you surprised me, this was honestly golden. I'm not sure why they did this? But man, it is funny!

After she composed herself, Cynthia took a deep breath and confronted the entire audience.

"Rydell Rangers are losers!"

This just made me laugh harder. Cynthia looked around with a bold smile on her face as the crowd started booing and jeering at the statement she made.

"T-birds rule!"

She yelled again over the crowd's new noise. The other mascots started to run as Ms. McGee rushed off the stage towards them.

Cynthia, just now putting the horse head back on, started to toy and sidestep the red-faced assistant principal.

I will say, this? Much more fun than I thought it would be. With the fiasco this turned into, people quickly started leaving in groups. I heard someone bring up the Frosty Palace as the after party of sorts.

I do love that place. They have the best strawberry milkshakes. That's where I remember Nancy from!! She works there! But honestly, I feel like that stunt was the perfect way to end the night. I don't want anything to ruin it.

Chapter Text

Today is "the day". Where we get to find out who plans on being leadership around here. Woooo hoooo. I care so much.

Glancing around all I could see was almost every seat filled already with some a-bored looking teenagers. I spotted the only clear space, the steps up to the bleachers to the side.

As I sat down, I noticed Olivia on her way over as well. She gave me a little nod, which I returned, as she sat down in front of me. I couldn't care less for this stupid thing.

All Buddy was spewing was "responsibility" and "trust" and surprise surprise.. "Fun".

Which I find funny. Who actually has fun here? Jane's name was called which made my ears pick up with the familiar name.

"I just wanna say that I don't think Rydell was so fun for everyone before. It wasn't for me"

Amen to that.

"And I know it hasn't been for a lot of kids who don't fit in for whatever reason, 'cause we're considered strange.... Or the wrong type. The truth is that most people in this auditorium aren't popular. Some don't even want to be. We just wanna be ourselves but we haven't even gotten the chance to do that yet.... Or to "have fun" cause we're too busy just trying to survive high school"

Olivia perked up hearing that last part. Which also sat deep in my soul as well.

"Maybe you've accepted that. Maybe you're used to things being that way at Rydell. As the new girl, I'll tell you, it's crap"

A singular cheer was heard echoing the room, the voice sounding very familiar. Olivia suddenly stood up.

"I endorse her"

Then it was Cynthia's turn from the middle of the audience.

"I endorse her too"

Oh. What the hell. Following suit I stood up too.

"I third that. I endorse her as well".

Nancy was the last to speak up.

"Me four"

We all rushed up the auditorium steps and stood side by side with Jane facing the crowd of teenagers. Standing proud was Nancy, me, Jane, Olivia, and finally, Cynthia as some boo'd and some cheered. Jane looked at each one of us before announcing.

"I'm running for president"

This only made the crowd get even louder with their opinions. Cynthia took a step forward than the rest of us.

"Vote for Jane!"

She then spun around, leaned forwards, and pulled her skirt down just a little, mooning everyone.

Everyone's jaws dropped, mine included. Nancy grinned and spun and did the same thing as Cynthia did and is doing. Leaving Me, Jane, and Olivia taking a pause to look at one another. I just shrugged with a smile.

The three of us followed the first two leads. It felt so strange, the air touching my bare... exposed... Butt. Yet this is also so rejuvenating at the same time.

Their laughter just feels so contagious at this very moment. After a few seconds we all pulled up our skirts, covering ourselves.

Cynthia reached for my hand as she started pulling towards the exit with the other girls in tow. We took off sprinting towards the goal of getting out of there as quickly as possible. All of us smiling and bumping into each other, Olivia led us to the car from the drive in.

Cynthia reached into the area above the tire, where she pulled out some keys for the car and tossed them over to a waiting Olivia. Me, Cynthia, and Nancy cramped in the back with Olivia driving and Jane as the shotgun.

"Ghost it!"

Cynthia yelled as students started rushing towards us, them having left the room the same way we did. Olivia hit the gas while we all screamed and laughed. This... feels so good. Jane looked at all of us, her face bright.

"We did that"

She suddenly sunk into her seat a bit, when the music started.

Holy smokes, what did we just do?

That was crazy, baby, breaking news

I got chills running right, right through me

What is this feeling? Is this the new me?

Oh, my God, there's no going back

I'm on the verge of a heart attack

How could we have been so stupid?

I don't know, it's kinda fun being ruthless

Go ahead, lock me up, I'm done

I'd rather that than hold my tongue

Who am I to think I could run?

What would my campaign be?

Presidential slut

Two days ago, I was in his jacket

Now I've burned my whole life with matches

Why couldn't I just keep my mouth shut?

I threw away every ounce of the love

What the hell are you talking about?

You're acting like we're six feet down

Who said boys are the king of jackets?

Those tasteless dogs don't dictate fashion

No more teenage tears

Over ugly outerwear

It's gonna be different this year

La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la

There's no going back, but who would wanna?

Sure, we're outcast, but that's the new kind of cool

Whoo, ooh, ooh

Whoo, ooh, ooh

New and improved

We don't need a letterman or a leather

Powerless apart but strong together, ooh

Whoo, ooh, ooh

Whoo, ooh, ooh

Yeah, and that's the truth

No more teenage fears

It's gonna be different this year

La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la

Five of us together

We should start a new gang

We'll rule the school

Doing like a big bang, boom

Whoo, ooh, ooh

Whoo, ooh, ooh

New and improved

Back each other up ,  build a little clout

Show the new fitting in is standing out

Va voom

Whoo, ooh, ooh

Whoo, ooh, ooh

Yeah, and that's the truth

No more teenage fears (ahh, ahh, ahh)

We're the new top tier (ahh, ahh, ahh)

Look out, we are here

It's gonna be different this year

We looked at each other with respect and light as we stood around Jane's room. Each of us breathing heavily.

"We're gonna need some jackets".