Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Even now her hands shaking, and visions of red strong filling her vision it felt like her head was barely above water, gasping, and choking as she tried to stay afloat. The world crumbling under her, and echoes of everything her so-called friends had said.

“Not worth hanging out with.”

“Would be a disappointment if you lost”

Echoed through her head like warning bells as the crown tipped further in the favor of Julie, and she was truly the only one who mattered; although there were 7 other girls in competition the only one who truly had her worried had been Julie, and Sara didn't understand why. The girl had always been quiet. Friendly, and kind with an endearing smile, and always laughing, Sara hated how she resented her, hated how she knew it wasn't the girls fault she was being nominated for the crown because of an injury, that it was a pity vote, and that surely the girl must loathe it as much as she did, and she remembered the girl she interacted with on occasion when she came knocking for yearbook. The girl who wore dorky sweaters, and seemed to shy away from anything not books, but now that girl was her opponent, and the worst part was she didn't even want the crown.

Sara’s thoughts grew further derailed by the incessant buzzing that once more sounded from her bed as it had for the last thirty minutes all but ignored in favor of thoughts taken over by the girl who consumed her thoughts.

“Hey”

“we should talk.”

“Fine. I'm taking Julie to the senior prom.”

Each message was like an extra stab to the heart, knocked the wind from her sails, and left her dazed. Maybe she had known it was coming, or maybe she hadn't, but that knowledge wouldn't, nor couldn't stop the ground from tilting on its axis, and the bitter laugh echoed, and bounced around her room, and distantly she wondered if that was her laugh. A jaded broken thing that reminded her of shattered glass. Maybe she was living in a nightmare, or maybe this was her comeuppance for being a bitch as some had called her. All Sara could do was stare down at the screen unsure as to why it had become so blurry, or the way it seemed to shake faintly in her hands before she launched it across the room the purple case denting her wall, and the crack of her screen audible from her position by her bed.

“Sara?” It echoed with concern, and worry, and it took her a minute to register the voice before she saw the silhouetted forms from her position, the calm disappointed grey of her fathers eyes boring into her, and the periwinkle of a girl she had never expected to visit her.

“I’d suggest you get this cleaned up Princess” and to anyone else it would be an endearing nickname for their daughter, but to Sara it was an insult, and warning as it had been for months now whenever he called her it. Nothing but a show of his disappointment and expectations that dragged her down, and made her feel small, and she couldn't help but remember what he had once told her years ago when she first made the cheer team. “We’re Berrys, Sara, and nobody is before us. We do not play second fiddle to anyone. Remember that well.”  but from the way Julies’ eyes twitched Sara wondered if maybe she had caught the tinge of a threat in his voice, and her own grey eyes were surely wide with wonder when Julie politely thanked her father, and closed the door in his face. Surely Julie would know her father would hate that?

“Sara, you okay?” Her voice was demure, and nothing like the girl normally was but the girl was holding the shattered phone in her hand, the wheelchair having creaked along as she got closer, and Sara held in a wince at the way some of the glass had fallen off the screen revealing the inner wires, and other circuitry.

“Hey” the voice was softer this time full of warmth and made Sara feel like the sun was shining again, and she felt a weight settle around her as green forestry, and strange white things filled her vision. “Sara, breathe with me please” and once more she listened as the girl led her to taking deep breaths, her hands never leaving the sweater wrapped around her shoulders. “You okay?”

It was this that seemed to break her again as laughter filled her room once more the sound of shattered glass, and high pitched mockery flooding her ears, but she couldn't help it; that was such a silly question to ask someone who had just flung a phone hard enough to dent her wall, and had mascara running down her face.

“No, Julie, I'm not okay. Come to gloat?” her voice was bitter, and low but belied her reluctance and exhaustion. “Come to get one over the social exile? Who fell so far. The one whose boyfriend left her for you?”  her voice grew stronger the more she ranted, and she kept her glare on the floor maybe hoping to burn a hole in the wooden floors.

“What!? No, I was worried! You’ve been seen less around school, and there’s a new captain of the cheer team!” and maybe it was the shock, and horror in the petite girl's voice, but Saras gaze finally locked onto her rivals, and was confused by the way her eyes had been blown open wide, and her jaw having dropped leaving her mouth wide open. “That-but, how-who? What are you talking about!?”

“That's what Romero just texted about. He’s taking you to the prom and broke up with me, so congrats” it was bitter, and Sara felt like she was looking at the world through a haze, but the snort seemed to ground her as Julie flung her hands up.

“Well he never told me that, nor have I talked to him” and the girl's head was in her hands raking through the black hair removing it from the twin tails it was in, and tangling it around her fingers with a huff before her eyes locked onto something over Sara’s shoulder.

“Sara? What…what is this?” Her eyes were drawn to the corkboard where each of the prom queen candidates laid with red string tied around each, and the ways they were better than her. “Is-Do you really believe this” her voice was tinged with heartbreak, and her eyes seemed to never leave the photo herself.

“Why wouldn't I! My father has pointed out that I'm a failure constantly, and clearly everyone loves you.” a bitter laugh left her lips, and she stared at the red of the strings that covered the photos so much like a shower of blood before she shook her head and took a deep breath. “I'm a Berry, and we’re second to nobody”  it was bitter, and disgusted but she practically choked out the words with a venom that left her mouth tasting like ash, and poison.

“Bullshit.” and maybe it was the curse or the way the girl was snarling her teeth revealed by the way her pink lips pulled back in a grimace. “Your dads a bastard if he’s been drilling you with that, and you’re no disappointment.”

“But-” and once more the girl seemed to be left in shock as Julie cut her off.

“No buts! Listen to me please” and her voice in a fervour as she pushed herself over and took Saras hands in her own. “Fuck him. Fuck Romero, and fuck prom! You are NOT a disappointment. You’ve done nothing but put work into this Prom, and into being the cheer captain. You’re a straight A student, and if your dad can't see that then he’s a fool.”  and the way her cheeks warmed, and her breath trapped within her chest shook her to the core, but it was the absolute belief the girl stared at her with that had her thrown off. Julie Jenkins truly believed Sara wasn't a failure that her dad was wrong, and something in her chest loosened a bit, and she could a haze lifting over her.

“Besides. Your dad is a Berry, and if you’re second to none then his words dont mean anything do they? You are the one who determines your worth. Not some grouchy old man living through his daughter.”

“I-Julie what the fuck” It was spoken with rapture, and awe but she was clearly dumbstruck. Nobody had ever heard Julie curse like this, and she even seemed put out whenever people did so around her, but this was clearly a side nobody had seen of the usually mild mannered girl who helped with the yearbook club.

“It's the truth” it was said carefree but Sara could see the flush on the girls cheeks highlighting the freckles on her face, and she seemed to hide behind her hair a little bit almost embarrassed by the way she had acted, and all Sara could think about cute the girl looked flustered but left baffled at how somebody she had rarely had a meaningful conversation to had said something like that to her, and it left her feeling high, and giddy but terrified of what it meant for her, and also gave her a seed of an idea that left her nervous, and excited.

“Besides, if he really left you for someone who hadnt even said yes then he isnt worth it, and besides I don't even WANT to be Prom Queen”

“But-Prom-huh” It was tinged with confusion but Sara felt lost at the very idea.

“Sara, you've worked so damn hard to be Queen why wouldn't it be you! Who put so much work into getting votes, and putting yourself out there, and I know why people are voting for me. Besides you’re the one person who isnt pitying me with this” and her hand waved towards herself, and her hands found Saras’ own shaking ones, the pale skin of Julie's hand complimenting her own tanned ones. Her voice sounded bitter, and angry before shaking her head.

“Besides, why would I go with a boy? Rude awakening for them when they remember I’m gay.” It was said with a laugh, her other hand tapping at the necklace she always wore before she snorted. “Ya know it would solve both our issues if we went together. No fighting over the crown, nor anyone having to deal with people trying to suck up to the rich girl, or pitying me.” It was said in jest, but Sara was lost in her thoughts, conjuring images of Julie in a dress, and her hair pulled up, and further images leading her down a rabbit hole that caused her heart to race, and her teeth to nibble at her lip before she shook the thoughts loose.

Her mind was also taken away from thoughts as Julie continued her rambling. “I suppose I can't drop out of the race, can I? Let you be the Queen, and be the yearbook photographer snapping photos of cute cheer girls again can I?” It was teasing but Sara was sure of something else there. An undercurrent of emotion that left her heart racing, and maybe wondering a few things about herself she would question later when she wasn't on her knees, and very sure she was about to shatter before this strange girl before her.

And it was silence that greeted them both as Sara continued to stare at Julie, in both wonder, and confusion only breaking by Julie's own confused stare. “Sara? This is the part where you say ‘Oh sorry Julie I'm very straight, and that's a silly thing to joke about’ right?” but Sara just continued the thoughts of Julie, both winning the crown, and with her as she did so racing through her mind before her mind finally caught up to what was being said, and the only thing that left her lips was a confused “On your knees before the Queen.” before she huffed. “Oh.”

“What if we did? It was soft and took Sara a moment to realise she had vocalised the thought rampaging through her mind, and maybe she took enjoyment in the lost, confused, and startled look the girl had shot her at the thought. Glad that maybe she wasn't the only one confused, and thrown off kilter by the turn the conversation took.

“But-” but Sara was feeling confident now. For the first time in months she could feel her head breaching water, and the feeling of drowning, of being breathless, and helpless had started to abade, and grasped the other girl's hand.

“No buts! Like you said besides I-I think I really do want this.” and Sara found herself meaning them. Like a whirlwind the idea had seemed to sweep all her worries away, and though she was still unsure of the future, the new ground she found herself on was a lifeline she was grasping with everything she had.

Julie looked about to respond, but was stopped by the hard tapping of heeled boots on the wood outside Saras door, and the door having been flung open.

“Well girl I believe it's time you left.” The voice was cool, uncaring, and filled Sara with dread as her father stood once more in her doorway, eyes narrowed at Julie with a look of loathing, and Julie seemed to sit taller her own eyes locked with her fathers, and seemed to challenge him almost as if she remembered the state Sara was in when she arrived, and the way the man had dismissed such a thing, and only seemed to encourage the breakdown his daughter had been on the brink of.

“Of course sir.” It was cooler, and more formal than Sara had ever remembered her being, and could only watch as Julie continued the staredown with her father, and missed the warmth of Julie's hand as it left her own.

“I’ll see you for prom okay.” It was filled with warmth, but cool blue never left dull grey as Julie spoke to Sara.

“but-Romero?” it was dazed, and confused but Sara had lost what was happening. It had felt like nothing, and everything had changed. Like a weight had been lifted and in its place was a pit of trepidation as Julie finally broke her staredown to look her way once more. “Well you did ask me first right? I’d love to take you if you’ll have me” and Sara could only nod dumbly, taking in the hum of delight Julie let out, and Sara couldn't place the song she seemed to be humming as she left the room, but could see the anger in her fathers eyes.

“Come now Sara. Surely you're not going to take her “ it was spit out with loathing that left Sara floored by the way her father eye space the girl just was.

“It doesn't do well to fraternise with the enemy let alone someone not like us.” and it filled Sara with a hateful rage thundering through her ribs and leaving her breathless. What would’ve once torn her apart on the inside now angered her. The one girl who had seemingly checked up on her when everyone who had called her a friend abandoned her, and who was one of the nicest girls she had met being under the scrutiny of her father, and being seen as less than dirt filled her with a hazy rage, and the thought of eliminating the man crossed her mind for an instance before she snuffed it out, but still his grey eyes locked onto own matching set before he sniffed dismissively and left with one last parting comment.

“I’d suggest Sara you think carefully about what you wish to do, but remember you don't wish to disappoint the memory of your mother would you?”

It was a comment that left Sara floored, and angry curling into herself a little, and feeling like the world may shatter around her. The memory of a woman she hadnt met looming over her like a ghost as her fathers words cut into her again the feeling of weightless causing her to flinch, and stumble the weight on her shoulders being dislodged; before the strange sweater once more filled her vision as it fell off her shoulders, and with shaking hands she held it. She didn't understand what the white creatures were, nor understood where Julie seemed to get her strange sweaters, but the sweater helped ground her as the scent of paper, and citrus hung around her nose reminding her of the strange turn this afternoon had taken

“You asked me first.” and it was reverently that Sara repeated the words almost confused that nobody had asked Julie, but another part was also very confused about a different part of herself that she very much didn't have time to address as her thoughts turned to the fact she didn't have a phone anymore to question if this was what she wanted, nor did she even know what the fallout of this would be. 

But she shook her head of the thoughts, and questions plaguing her mind. Julie had been there for her, and didn't even want the crown which should have made her feel amazing, and somewhere in her mind a part cried out in success but the overwhelming majority of her remembered that Julie had asked her to prom, and that she had accepted. Remembered that Julie stared down the man she called her father, and had even sworn around her. The happy hum filled Saras mind as she finally recalled the name of the song Julie seemed to be humming though unsure wasn't sure why Julie would sing “God save the Queen”, and thought that maybe everything would get better since even if nobody voted her as queen Julie had still chosen Sara Berry.

Chapter Text

To Sara, starting the day had felt like a dream. Nothing felt real, and the sensation of falling had yet to stop, or even start. Even now walking to the front of the school she could that tittering edge, and it made her feel both small, and cold. Like something was about to happen, and she didn't know if she wanted to hide, or run, but it was with reluctance, and a lingering fear of a stern gray gaze that saw her pushing through both her own hesitancy, and the doors of the school allowing what felt like millions of pins to land on her, and she couldn't shake the thought that everyone was judging her, watching her, and sizing her up to see how far she’d fall. 

It was with a snarl that she snapped both figuratively, and literally at someone who had once been her friend Amy. “Either stop eyeing me like meat, or fuck off!” For a second it felt good to have the pressure off when she turned her gaze away. The feeling of judgment, pity and disdain only gone for a second before they crept up again, and maybe she did feel bad because she didn't want to be like her asshole father, and Sara could only work her jaw at the strange feeling her teeth gave out like her canines wanted to strike, and strike out, and for an instant she could practically see Amy covered in red; before she flinched and shook her head.

“The hell?” Sara hadn't ever walked, not fleeing because a Berry doesn't run from anything her mind reminded her helpfully and maybe if she walked fast enough whatever her thoughts were creeping with would stop, and maybe the feeling of intangibility like the world was made of cotton candy, and silk would stop.

“Ah, Sara?” It was both a voice, and a weight that had stopped in tracks; bouncing from the body she’d crashed into. Watching in both abject horror, and rage as her now ex-boyfriend filled her vision. His voice brought back memories that for an instant had her hoping yesterday was a bad dream, but the absence of a familiar weight in her pocket reminded her that she had indeed thrown her phone, and shattered the entire thing over their break up, and did not that bring up more feelings she tried desperately to shove back down. A Berry doesn't break down. A Berry gets back up, and shows the world they’re strong. Familiar mantras drilled into her as a child ringing through her head tightening the weight on both her shoulder, and neck.

“Can-can we talk?” He sounded cautious like he was talking to a wild animal, and was trying to avoid her attacking him, and a part of Sara resented that. Resented that the boy who had dated her for three years was now acting like she was some creature, or something that should be pitied, but also that he had the nerve to talk to her after yesterday.

“No.” It was curt, and cold, the pitch was low, and it took Sara a moment to realize she had even spoken. “I have nothing to say to you. Have fun taking Julie to the prom. Oh wait.” It was cruel, and she could feel a mania bubbling down below the surface ringing out as little giggles at the way he flinched, and she barely tamped down the urge to go further into him, and to enjoy the torment she could surely lay into him the only thing holding her back the weight of a green sweater, and the sound of creaking growing steadily closer.

“Sara wait-'' She didn't let him finish. Saw no purpose in it now that she could tell Julie was nearby the familiar chatter in the hall so low that she could hear the girl giggling, and laughing about something with one of her friends; before Sara finally managed to catch sight of her, and marveling at the fact the girl was in yet another strange sweater, this one purple, and blue stripe that seemed to match the pink, and purple shirt she was wearing underneath.

“Julie!” Her voice came out not nearly as confident as she wanted, but her stride was long, and her boots were tapping on the tile of the school floor. Sara could practically taste the shock in the air, and the way many eyes grew confused at the interaction, but still she pushed on.

“You forgot your sweater.” It was said as nonchalant as she could, shrugging it off leaving her in her black singlet, and leaning over to push the sweater into her date? Rivals? Friend? Sara didn't know what they were, didn't know what she wanted, or expected but it sent shivers of excitement through her spine and left her heart doing flips especially at the smile Julie gave her that if anyone asked didn't do funny things to her before pushing the sweater back into her hands.

“Sara, we both know you’ll get cold. Keep it!” It was friendly, polite and her usual attitude but Sara was sure Julie seemed to be eyeing her more, her brows furrowing for an instant that Sara was sure she imagined if not for the way Julie brushed her thumb over her knuckles and a reassuring smile sent her way as she stood back to full height shrugging the sweater over her shoulders the hint of strawberry perfume mixing with the leftover scent of citrus

“Julie” It was Romero back again and Sara felt another instance of bubbling rage, and haze as she stepped in front of Julie. She hated pity, but she knew even moreso that Julie would especially hate talking to the teen after yesterday. It was a whisper of her name behind her that went ignored as she planted herself in his way.

“Fuck. Off.” it could only be classified as feral, cruel, and sharp, her tone dripping with poison, and if looks could kill Romero would’ve been immolated by now, but still she could feel her lips pulling uncomfortably as she bared her teeth. “You don't get to talk to her, nor even look her way. You started this bullshit.” she could see his mouth open but she didnt care. Memories of being brushed off, and the way he’d texted her, and how Julie wasnt even his date yet that solidified her feeling of hate. “Dont even look this way. You didnt even ask her before breaking up with me, and deciding you wanted to take her hm '' she spat glass, and vitriol her nails marking crescents into her hand as she clenched them.

It was the second murmur of her name that snapped her back to reality, and the gentle warmth on her hand that made her realise how badly her hands ached, the steady drip of water on the floor, and the copper lining her mouth, and making her head ache for her to realise she’d managed to walk the boy back to the lockers of the room, and had left a trail of crimson in her wake as nails bit into delicate flesh, and the tang of copper let her know she’d probably bit her lip or cheek open from the effort of keeping her mouth shut.

Looking back she could see Julie her blue eyes framed by her hair, and looking concerned pulling on her, and trying to lead her from the situation, and didnt that help Sara feel like like a failure, disappointment, fuckup.  It was Julie's insistent tugging that brought her back to reality as the girl forced her towards the nurses office, empty as it always seemed to be but fitting for both for the current situation.

“You okay?” Maybe it was a cool cloth, or the concern still shining in her eyes, but Sara flinched back unsure as to why she was here. Couldn't help but wonder if everyone was in on a joke that she had missed, but the girl in front of her wasnt that cruel, wasn't like the other people in the school she had hung around with, or ones that wanted to find a way into the popular groups.

Coolness firmer this time, and with furrowed brows the girl eyed her, tugging her down as she wiped at the blood stained palms, and seemed to linger on the sprinkled around the sweater staining the white designs on the sleeve, and darkening the green.

“Sorry, I’m-sorry bout the sweater, and uhm these things” It was wavering, and she ignored the break in her voice, eyes never leaving the other girl.

“They’re Kodama '' and something in her voice reassured Sara because she didn't sound angry, or upset, just understanding. “It's from a movie.”


“What movie?” and Sara found she truly meant the question even if she was confused by the way they looked.

“Its animated movie about the forest, and a wolf princess!” and Julie seemed to wiggle in her seat like she wanted to go into the very depth of the movie, and it was one of the most endearing things Sara had seen.

“And the…pink, blue and purple hideous one?” It was reluctant but she really did think the current sweater and shirt combo was off putting, and certainly grabbed her attention.

“Video game character her outfit is meant to be vibrant, and chaotic!” and now Julie seemed animated her hands still holding Saras own, but seemed to wave them through the air as she went on to explain more about the game, and even her vast sweater collection, and at first Sara was confused about why this girl was describing pirate singers in pink, black cats, and even a fishy banana somewhere along the way it had seemed to relax her, and she found that she had smoothed out, the sharp edges in her very being ebbing at least a little, and the feeling of everything being both too little, and too much dissipating.

“Besides if you get detention for punching Romero you cant go to Prom, and be my date.” It was said with the same excitement she had about her sweaters, and just a hint of a mischievous smirk.

“I-but-huh? You were serious?” and part of Sara didn't believe the girl was actually serious, nor that her own slip of the tongue would’ve led to this.

“Of course! Besides, even if neither of us won the crown I’d still have the real queen right!” and something about the statement made the room feel hotter, and Sara would forever deny the accusation of a squeak leaving her mouth when the girl had pulled her down into her arms. Berrys didn't squeak nor did they get flustered by cute girls with fuzzy sweaters.
 

Sara was further reminded that she really had to do some exploring as the other girl planted a kiss on her cheek before pulling away the bell, shrieking out a reminder that they still had places to be, and that detention the night before prom would be a very poor idea.

Chapter Text

A/N: one more to go after this(I think I dont actually know but I’m trying to follow the songs simple lil formats which has one talk with her dad then prom) uwu…big shoutout to MaeMae and Ori for making me do this, but also thanks for reading and pushing me everyone! Idk why people like this especially to comment asking for more but like thanks??? Now the real reason this is here!! strongish language ahead..I think we all know what to expect in this fandom, but like Sara’s dad is a rich homophobe here and he will be dropping slurs, so like please be advised about that, and also blackmail!

Sara twirled around in the mirror once more, her eyes enraptured by the way her blue dress flared out, and left her breathless as it swung around her legs like a wave crashing onto the beach. It had been a couple weeks since Julie had asked her out, and she had yet to tell her father, and every part of her being seemed to freeze in dread, horror, and fear at the thought of the man finding out about her relationship with Julie. The thought caused her to pause because even now she wasn't sure about her relationship with Julie, neither had actually defined their relationship were they friends? Partners? More? Did friends take each other to prom…did she want more from Julie?

Looking back across her room at where the board that had once held conspiracy notes, and plans to be prom queen that now held remnants of that plan, the board still filled with pictures of the candidates but Julie seemed to dominate the board now. Different pictures of the girl stared back.

“Pros? Cons? Would a list help? Do I flip a coin? Kiss her like a cliche movie?” Her hands played with the ends of her hair, and she toyed with the small stone at the end of her choker. The topaz at the end meant to compliment her dress perfectly, but now reminded her of the sunshine girl who kept shocking, surprising, and befuddling her. She wasn't sure what to think. The kiss on the cheek had been impulsive, and rash, something she kicked herself for, but the other girl still asked her out, still sat with her at lunch, even now texted her, and made plans with her.

“Fuck.” Sweet, simple, and to the point and even seemed to summarise her mixed feelings well. Maybe she should just go with the flow. Her feelings could unmuddle themselves at the prom, or maybe she should sit down and talk with Julie. The only thing keeping her grounded lately seemed to be the girl, and the small pep talks she gave her occasionally.

Her thoughts seemed to tangle, weave, and thread into knots as she let her feet wander to her bed room, or maybe the kitchen, the white heels letting out a sharp click clack as they bounced off the dark wooden floors. Her thoughts furthering to confuse her until a sharp voice pulled her from her thoughts as she strayed past her fathers’ lounge the fire lighting up the doorway, and enshrouding the man in a shadow the picture of her late mother seeming more looming then ever as it gazed down up her

“Sara.” It was one word monotone, cool, and sharp. A command, not a request for her attention to appear before him once more, and the barely hidden edge in his voice had her pausing to stop, and shiver at what he may want, but complying with the demand to step into the room.

“Father?” It was small, barely contained her oncoming panic, and curious. Her Father had seemingly been content to leave her alone, and to her own accord ever since he had allowed Julie into her room, and their subsequent argument if one could call the way he’d tossed her late mother in her face.

“I see you’re dressed up. Did you finally drop the girl ? Finally decided you wished to win the crown, or are you giving up?” and she could hear the hidden meaning in his unspoken words “Have you finally decided to be a disappointment like I thought? Are you taking her?”

“Excuse you-Father what?” It blew her away, and she was left dumbstruck, furious, and confused by the way her father spoke especially about Julie.

“Excuse me?” His tone was cold, and his gunmetal eyes glanced over the shoulder of his chair to pin her in place, the glass in his hand raising to meet his mouth before pulling away, and speaking again. “Come now Sara, you don't need to pretend anymore. I understand wanting to crush your enemy, but you don't need to pretend to be..this' ' his voice was hesitant, and full of fake understanding.

“I understand you wish to make everyone lose interest in this..mutt but don't sully yourself to this level let alone fraternise with a cripple.” He was uncaring, and serious Sara realised as her pupils blew wide, and she felt her stomach drop. Her hands started to shake though she was unsure if it was fear, or anger at what her father had just said.

“Do not call her that” Her voice was tight, and she was sure she could hear a faint creaking, but she continued to eye her father down only further annoying the man. “And what if I’m not fraternising with the enemy Father perhaps I really do like this girl” and distantly she could hear a heaving gasp unsure of the source, but she knew now in her chest that she cared for Julie, and wouldnt let this man bully her regardless of what she felt opening her mouth to continue only for the man to beat her to the punch.

“I did not raise a second rate child. Stop pretending. I would know if my daughter were a dyke.” and the word was a physical blow to her, the wind being cut from her sails, and her knees buckling as the man turned to fully face her. “I get temper tantrums but come now Sara you’ve never once looked at girls, nor have you thought of them. Berrys do not resort to such things, and to do such a thing would sully both myself and your mothers’ legacy.” and at this he turned to glance at the portrait of her mother Anna Berry the woman who had been a travelling nurse, and had died in a car accident when Sara was five, and the woman who had been the prom queen to her fathers prom king though she suspected her Father had bought his votes because how a man this foul could be voted in she would never understand.

“Dont mention her” it was weak, and faint but she found herself once more as she glared up at the man tired, sick, and done with the constant weaponization of her mothers memory. He had made the woman into a curse, and a cruel bladed weapon to bring her down, and it had taken her weeks with Julie to realise how wrong that was, how her mother who has spent years learning to help people would hate, and loathe how her father was behaving.

“You dont get to mention her. You dont get to make her your weapon, and sully her name” Even in portrait her mothers blue eyes were kind, and it fueled Sara further. “You dont get to call my friend, my prom date, any of those words! Never again Father. It would be a shame for everyone to hear about the way you behave.” Her chest was heaving, and she felt just a faint bit lightheaded, but still her father stood tall, looming and proud, causing her to faintly wonder when he stood, nor when he had gotten so close to her as he stood towering above her.

“Come now Sara, what words? They’re all true, and you can do nothing. You have no proof, no friends, and no life. Just a disappointment that nobody would believe.” His voice was sharp enough to cut, and vicious enough to belong to a wild animal, eyes glinting the light of the fire, their hard steel reflected both by colour, and demeanour. “I’d suggest you get your priorities straight Sara. Wouldn't want to be worthless like the rest of them out there would you? Just another thoughtless fool, another waste, another freak.” It was cutting, meant to destroy, and degrade her further, but they were both pulled back by the cough of another person both turning to see a young girl there sitting in her wheelchair, phone in hand, and a hard edge in her blue eyes.

“Now sir. I’d suggest you apologise.” and Sara was left dumbstruck because she didn't know what Julie was doing here nor why her phone was in hand, but the other girl seemed to be filled with rage as her hands shook, and she wheeled herself closer.

“It really would be a shame if everyone saw this recording hm?” Her voice was firm, and cold merciless like a sheet of black ice, and her hands turned the phone over to reveal the video of their conversation which indeed appeared to hold most of their last conversation causing her fathers lip to twitch before he pulled himself up straightening his suit, and grabbing his drink the amber liquid swirling around the glass barely contained.

“And girl, what do you want, and how did you get in this house?”

But Julie ignored him, turning to her, and letting her eyes drink up Sara’s form. Her hand tracing a pattern down her arm, and taking her hand carefully caressing the back of her knuckles. “That dress you’re wearing? It's really pretty! I came over to make sure we could match. Your gardener let me in” her tone was soft, and kind, but her eyes reflected a fire, and hard edge as she glanced back up at her father.  “What you’re gonna do is leave her alone.”

Seeing his mouth open Julie continued bullying through whatever the man was about to say. “I’d suggest you listen to the ah what was it? Cripple ? Before she ruins your reputation, and plasters this everywhere for your company investors, and stockholders to see. I will personally ruin you Mr. Berry. Now leave Sara alone. Stop bullying her into your sad dreams. Stop bullying her for what YOU want, and because you’re a sack of shit.” and Sara let out a faint shriek at Julie's foul words, but the girl still continued on. “You’ll let Sara go to the prom. You’ll let her keep her car, and when she graduates you’ll let her leave, and take her stuff unhindered should she wish.”

“And if I do agree with your blackmailing child? Do you think I won't try, and remove such evidence?” His tone was inquisitive, curious, and weary. The girl had seemed unassuming, and fragile, but she held a sharp tongue, and even sharper mind as she kept her only piece of leverage firmly in hand, and his daughter even further behind her.

“Sir, my fathers a cop, and my mother's a lawyer. You can try all you wish but I highly doubt you’d get far before either of them buried you in legal paperwork. Especially since they know I’m taking your daughter to the prom, and they know we’re quite close.” Her tone was cool, and she gripped Sara’s hand firmly. “Now then I believe Sara, and I have plans to work on for this prom if you’ll excuse us.” It was phrased like a request but Julie had already started turning them around, and making her way towards Sara’s room, hands moving her forward at a steady pace, and a stunned Sara to further walk along unsure of what just happened. Staring at the girl in front of her with blown wide grey eyes full of wonder. Sara was unsure of her feelings for Julie, but with the way her heart beat in her chest, and the stuttering her stomach seemed to be doing she was sure she either really like Julie, or was incredibly sick off of the stress the situation had caused her though Sara faintly thought it may be both of the options at this moment.