Bebe had plastered the entire school with her obnoxious posters for the pep rally that afternoon. It seemed she was convinced she was homecoming queen already. The girls had made a bunch of videos together on socials to encourage other students to vote for Holly in retaliation. They’d emphasized her beauty, kindness, artistic talents and her proximity to the football team as the quarterback's official girlfriend. Everyone seemed to love her, with people calling her looks and interests “underrated.”

Across the cafeteria Candy and Bebe stood in line for the ballot box with Malcolm and some of their other friends. They’d catch them glancing over now and then. They were definitely talking about them.

“I’ll be surprised if she doesn’t stuff the ballot box.” Liz muttered, flipping her hair and crossing her arms,

Lisa laughed, “I’m sure she’d be crushed if she didn’t win it authentically.”

“You underestimate how desperate Bebe is.” Liz continued, “I voted for you.” She said, turning to Holly,

Holly smiled, kind of bitter sweetly. She appreciated the kind gesture, but she really didn’t think it was possible to beat the Elizabeth Ecochard. Honestly, not even Bebe either.

“It’ll be so fun if all of us are a part of representing the school,” Lisa began, “Liz is president, me, vice, Holly, homecoming queen and Lynn, national champion,”

Lynn nodded, though she honestly couldn’t care less, At least not about representing the school. She more so just wanted Holly to feel like she had a place here at St. Vincent.

Liz nodded too, hoping to have one less thing to show up and be responsible for.

“Remember when Lynn’s glitter liner got in her eye and she spent the whole middle school formal looking like she was crying diamonds?” Lisa picked up a bottle of setting spray, misting it onto her face,

Lynn giggled, “I feel like that was the start of me dressing in like, lolita, hime. It unlocked something inside of me,” She drew her eyeliner in a thick line, this time just in black.

The girls stood in front of Liz’ vanity mirror, getting ready together for homecoming court.

“This is like, your fifth layer of setting spray. You have to stop.” Liz brushed her mascara on her lashes. She had that open mouth thing going on that everyone always did whenever they put their mascara on.

“I don’t know how often I’m going to be able to touch up.” Lisa complained, “I can’t have people seeing me look like Jabba the Hut.”

Holly laughed, “Please, you’re perfect.” She twisted the curling iron she was using in her hair, “If my curls fall out before we get to the football field, I’m blaming you though.”

Homecoming was much more casual than prom or the debutante ball. Liz couldn’t be bothered to have a dress made for her for such a small occasion. Instead, she slipped into her pink, embroidered Valentino mini dress before zipping Holly up in her Giambattista Valli mini dress with the ruffled tulle and black bow. She looked like a little pink cloud. 

“Ok. If anyone is perfect, it’s you.” Liz said as Holly spun around, looking at the dress in the mirror,

She paused, “Are you sure you’re okay with me borrowing such a glamorous dress?” 

“Are you kidding me? My mom could get another one without asking. She’s like besties with Giambattista.”

Holly brushed the skirt with her hands in the mirror, doing a few poses, “So you’re saying it’s okay to eat tonight?” 

Liz giggled, “Girl, you’re already eating.”

Before they headed downstairs to meet the guys, they took a mirror selfie together, all holding hands and giving kissy faces to the camera.

“Welcome to the 2025 St. Vincent De Paul Preparatory Academy Homecoming court Pep rally!” Lisa said into the mic, “How are we feeling tonight!” 

The bleachers applauded with hoots and hollers. 

She stood in a pink vintage Chanel mini dress, on a small mock stage built on the football court as homecoming floats, convertibles covered in balloons and streamers, circled around the running track outside the football field. Since Liz was one of the homecoming nominees, Lisa took over presidential duties for the evening.

“Before we show off our amazing cheerleaders and the team that will be taking us to victory this year, the Selle Francais” Lisa began, the crowd cheered again for their mascot, “Here are this year's homecoming court nominees!”

The crowd continued to applaud as Lisa directed the crowd to the homecoming floats, honking their horns as they circled the field.

“Firstly we have Malcolm Landgraab and Beatrice Hart. Malcolm competes as the Selle Francis wide receiver. Bebe Hart is a celebrated ballerina as well as an honour student.”  

Bebe and Malcolm waved to the bleachers, holding hands despite not even really being a couple.

“Next we have Parker Langerak and Holly Alto! Parker is our school’s star quarterback, leading our team to victory since 2022! Holly is a new student this year, excelling in the arts.”

Parker held Holly’s hand up to the crowd, riling them up by hollering their team name. Holly laughed as they cheered it back.

“And Finally, we have VJ Alvi and Elizabeth Ecochard! VJ is our running back, point guard and an International Cambridge Sage Merit Scholar! Elizabeth is our star ballerina, playing Clara in this year’s winter showcase, an honour student and our school’s student council president!”

VJ stood, motioning for the crowd to applaud for Liz who playfully curtsied and waved to the bleachers.

The crowd applauded for each of their nominees as Lisa put down the mic. She received an envelope from Mr. Koffi who stood beside her. When she opened it up, she smiled excitedly before picking up the mic again, “Without further ado, St. Vincent has spoken and it looks like this year's homecoming court winners are Parker Langerak and Holly Alto!” She put the mic down, applauding again,

Holly’s jaw dropped, she turned to Parker who looked down at her excitedly, “Oh my God?”

There was confetti falling all over the field as Parker embraced her in a hug, “They love you.” He rocked her side to side before giving her a quick kiss on the cheek.

People actually noticed her. Not for her red hair or her freckles or her awkwardness. But for her beauty, her artistic talents and her kindness. Her cheeks ached from smiling so hard. The crown felt impossibly light in her hair, like it might float away if she just breathed too hard or something. She couldn’t even hear the cheers from the bleachers. She squeezed Parker’s hand, half afraid to let herself wake up. 

On the other side of the track, VJ gave Liz a hug, “Congrats to Holly and Parker, huh.” His words felt more like condolences than congratulations.

Liz nodded in his shoulder, glancing to her left where Parker and Holly were wrapped in a hug too. She was so happy for Holly. Really. After all she’d pushed Holly’s campaign harder than her own…But as Lisa placed the crown on Holly’s head and Parker kissed her, she felt a quiet aching in her chest.

It wasn’t jealousy–not exactly. Right now she wasn’t the flawless icon expected to put on a show for everyone in the bleachers. For that, she was relieved. But buried underneath that she felt failure. Public failure. She half-expected that she’d win regardless of what she did, but it seemed even she had her limits…

When she went back to school on Monday morning would she still be Elizabeth Ecochard? Or just Liz? Did Liz even exist without Elizabeth Ecochard? 

She watched Parker hug Holly under the confetti. They literally glittered together, adored by everyone. Parker winning alongside a girl who wasn’t her… It stung in a way she didn’t want to name. Her stomach twisted. She wished–just for a second–that it was her hand he was holding. She caught Parker’s eye as he held Holly close. She quickly turned away, swallowing hard as VJ held her hand instead.

As the floats exited the field and the cheerleaders lined up for their routines, Liz slipped away from the crowd, toward the edge of the stadium. She glanced back over her shoulder. The field was a mess of glitter, laughter and smiles–familiar,  yet suddenly unrelatable.

She snuck away under the bleachers just to breathe for a second. The cheers and laughs above her felt distant, like she was underwater. She pulled out her phone; a new message lit up the screen. It was Holly.

thank u. i couldn’t have done this without u ♡

Liz smiled softly. Her thumb hovered over the keyboard for a moment as she tried to think of something bright and cheery–perfect–to respond with. But she just stared at the screen.

“Oh. You’re down here too.”

Parker stood beside her, looking super dapper in his white suit and black bow tie. So effortlessly handsome it caught her off guard. For a moment she just stared, the familiar flutter in her chest growing louder,

She smiled, “Congrats.”

He smiled back, kind of weakly, “Thanks. What’re you doing down here?” 

She shook her head, “What are you doing down here? Shouldn’t you be celebrating with Holly and the rest of the team?” 

He chuckled, staring at the ground, shifting his feet, “I don’t know…Didn’t feel right.” He stepped closer, “Are you going to the dance later?”

She looked at the ground too, shaking her head, “I don’t know…”

They stood in silence for a bit. Just listening to the muffled crowd above them,

“Liz…” He was almost whispering, “I’m sorry for being such a mess.”

“Huh?” 

“You know what I mean… If I could have gotten it together… In my sophomore year… Maybe been more like VJ. Maybe it could have been you and me up there tonight.”

She looked up at him, her eyes glistening in what little light shone down under the bleachers. Without a word, he leaned in slowly, giving her time to pull away.

But she didn’t.

Their lips met, softly, like it was their first kiss. Her mind went blank. All the thoughts she had racing through her head before had vanished. Now she wondered–was this okay? Did she care if it was okay? She didn’t know… But in that moment, this felt right.

She pulled away, smiling up at him, “You taste like cigarettes.” 

He laughed quietly as she played with his curls, 

“I missed that.” She kissed him again.

For a few minutes the world felt smaller. Like the only people who existed were the two of them.

Liz held Parker’s hand as she led him to her room. Each step slower than the last as they opened the door. Her vanity was still a mess from when the girls had been over. Makeup and hair brushes scattered across it and they could still smell the signature scents they’d made together throughout the walls.  She looked over her shoulder as she closed the door behind her. Her father was working, Her mother wasn’t home, Giselle and Jefferey were at the dance. Still, she worried someone would see them, or hear them, Her breath caught and her fingers tightened around Parker’s hand. He squeezed back. Silent reassurance. But even that felt fragile.

He settled on the edge of her bed just watching her as she unzipped her homecoming dress. The fabric slipped past her skin, revealing the light pink bustier and ruffled shorts she wore underneath. She approached him slowly, her eyes flickering to the door again before meeting his steady gaze.

“You’re so beautiful.” He said in a low voice, lost in her eyes as he took off his white jacket and bow tie,

She smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes, “I planned for a different guy to see me like this tonight.”

He rolled his eyes, laying back with a lazy smirk, “Way to ruin a moment.”

She laughed softly, but her heart hammered in her chest, “I have a conscience… VJ is perfect.”

He sat up again, “You don't even like perfect.”

“Oh?” She tilted her head, placing a hand gently on his shoulder, “And you know what I like?”

Parker chuckled,

Liz blushed, pushing him back playfully, resting her hand on his chest, “What're we doing?”

He pulled her closer by her hips “Whatever you want...” 

Everyone was at the dance, probably wondering where Liz and Parker had disappeared to...If they were smart about it, no one would know... Even if it was just this once...

Liz’ gaze flickered from Parker’s eyes to his lips as she pressed her legs against the bed. He pulled her in tighter and their lips met again.

A sharp knock shattered the quiet.

The door swung open before they could react. 

Jefferey entered the room. Raising his eyebrows, his slight surprise turned to a smug smirk as Parker released Liz from his arms, 

“I knew you’d be here.” He crossed his arms, “But I didn’t expect it to be so blatant when I got here.”

Liz felt her palms sweating. She was in her underwear, Parker’s shoes sat by her bedroom door, his jacket and tie sprawled over her bed. She felt like hiding as Parker looked at the floor. He looked ashamed, maybe even kind of scared. Did he tell Jefferey?

“Don’t worry, he didn’t tell me your secret.” Jeff said, almost like he read her mind, “But you two aren’t as slick as you think. I thought you were doing the one girl thing.”

Parker nodded, “I am. We’re just talking. Same as summer. You know...” He didn’t look up. Liz could feel him shrink a bit, like he knew something she didn’t.

“You think I'm a dumbass? Save it for your girlfriend. I figured you two out a long time ago.” Jeff laughed, “It is a little odd how all my friends wanna fuck my twin sister. You sure you don't have a thing for me?”

Parker laughed awkwardly, Liz shot him a glare.

She hesitated before breaking, “Don’t…say anything to anyone…okay?”

Jeff rolled his eyes before smiling again, “I like having the blackmail material. Just cool it down a notch. The headboard hitting the wall is a touch disturbing.” Jeff continued, turning and walking back down the hall, closing the door behind him,

There was a long stretch of silence. They both stared at the door, waiting for the other to say something.

Liz shook her head, voice tight, “We can’t do this.” 

Parker sighed, laying back on her bed again.

Her fingers trembled a bit as she sat beside him, “Holly is a great friend. Your girlfriend.”

He shook his head, his eyes darkening a bit, “I like her…But if you want it too, it can be over right now in one phone call.”

“Nooo Parker.” She covered her face, a shaky laugh escaping, “This is so messy. I promised myself I wasn't gonna be this girl.” She could almost hear Holly’s laughter from earlier that day while they got ready, see her smile as Parker hugged her and the homecoming crown was placed on her head.

Parker took her hand. His touch was gentle, but as she turned to look at him his eyes were serious, “Look Liz, there’s more to that than you know.”

She tilted her head,

He sighed, smiling but weary, “Is it cool if I just stay the night again?” 

Her shoulders sagged as she nodded, “I need a drink.”

Parker grinned, standing, “Let's go.”

Liz slipped on a big school hoodie and Parker helped her off her balcony down the same white lattice he’d use to come see her at night. They drove to the convenience store beside Grumpy’s and bought a bottle of smirnoff with Parker's fake ID and they shared it in the back of Parker’s car by the mine. Liz rested her head on Parker’s lap, staring up at the night sky together.

“Bebe must be livid she lost to a new girl,” Parker leaned back, a mischievous grin on his lips,

Liz scoffed, “Don’t tell me you still hook up with her,”

“I don’t.” He laughed, shaking his head,

“Then quit talking to her. I hate when I see you guys talking to her at school. She’s such a leech.” Liz crossed her arms. “I don’t know why you ever bothered with Bebe. You could do so much better.”

Parker chuckled, “It wasn't about doing better. Honestly girls just come to me and if they wanna go I’m down. You know, I am a guy.”

Liz rolled her eyes, “So it’s like that. Colour me surprised.”

He sighed, “But you were different.”

Liz shrugged, she smiled gently, “No it’s okay. I’m fine having been another nameless, faceless girl for the summer.”

Parker paused,  “The spin the bottle kiss? At the Sekemento party?”

Liz nodded, taking a sip,

“That was one of the greatest nights of my life.”

She nearly spat her drink, “You're joking?”

He shook his head, reaching for the bottle, “I'm serious.”

She nodded again, slowly, the warmth spreading across her chest “Me too.”

“I never got with any other girls after we started hooking up.”

“Wait.. Really?”

His eyes locked on hers “Just you. So even if you are fine being ‘just another girl,’ it wasn't like that for me.”

Liz felt herself blushing. She looked away as her smile lingered,

He took a huge gulp, “I still have those pictures too. From this summer. In the photo booth.” He grinned, “You were so hot.”

She gasped, “So I’m not hot anymore?” 

“You’re the hottest girl in the world.”

Liz rolled her eyes, “I literally burned mine.”

He laughed, “Hey, It was your idea to hook up in there. But don't worry. I'm not sharing.” He paused, looking down at her. “We talked about it all summer, I know… But if you're not happy why don’t you just stop?”

“Hmm?”

“The bullshitting. Caring if anyone thinks you're a virgin or if you like to smoke weed. Studying like a maniac… Throwing up…. You’re just hurting yourself under your mom’s expectations. You’re not letting yourself live.”

Liz paused, looking down at sunset from the hill. She shook her head, “Because I’m an Ecochard…If I don’t live the way they want me to, or the way people expect me to, I lose everything. Including their love.”

“That can’t be right...” His voice sounded unsure.

She shook her head, “I feel it every time I talk to my mom. I’m half convinced she hates me. She’s so hard to please. With VJ by my side, she looks at me like I’m finally doing something right.”

He sighed, looking still watching the sky, “He looks good on paper. I get it.”

“And as a girl, there’s this pressure to be cute, sexy but not like, slutty. If people know it’s like I lose all my power…And I would like to be a good example for Gigi.”

He played with her hair as they stared out over Sunset together. If no one knew her, or if they could just disappear, things would be so different. They’d be able to do whatever they wanted. She wouldn’t have to worry so much about what people thought. How nice it’d be to be able to take her away from that…

“If we wanted to, we could run away.” 

Liz looked up at him, smiling as the stars shone above his head,

“I’m serious. I’m kind of crazy about you, Liz…” He whispered, I’ve fucked up a shit ton. But when I’m with you, it feels like it doesn’t matter. At least when we’re alone…”

She watched him,“Yeah. I feel the same…Like nothing matters except us. And how we make each other feel.” she softly held his arm.

“We could just leave and live like this full time. No pressure, no expectations. You and me,” His voice grew quieter,

“But that isn’t the real world.” She whispered, still looking up at him,

Parker shook his head slowly, sadly, as he brushed his fingers through her hair, leaning down and kissing her. The world felt like it melted away again. Only the two of them existed. 

She sat up, climbing onto his lap as he pulled off her school hoodie and began unbuttoning the dress shirt he’d been wearing since homecoming. It might have been the alcohol. Or the never ending tension they always seemed to have. Somehow no matter how hard she tried, she was always drawn back to him. The two spent the night together in the back of Parker's car, lost in the same pleasure they had together that summer.