Every Lie Counts

Perfection isn't Inevitable

Lem pulled a pale yellow shirt over her head, then put on her white skirt.

Her gaze shifted to her mirror. She didn't know if she was happy with the girl looking back at her. Life at Crystal Prep was easier than this. I'm smart, not pretty.

Designer stores lined the streets in Manhattan. People everywhere were beautiful.

Light green hair, same look every day.

"Zestie!" her mother called.

Lem walked to the kitchen area of the apartment. "Could you not call me Zestie anymore? Please?"

Lime glanced at her. "I thought you loved that name."

She rolled her eyes. "The Lemon you knew when she was five liked it. When I was a little girl. But guess what hon? I'm not your little girl anymore. So get over yourself."

She whirled around, and left.

Cold Manhattan air hit her face.

The Fall Formal is this week. Here, and back home. Not like I'd have a date either way.

She hated her school.

The people there were just like her. They strive for perfection, at any cost.

Lem worked herself up, to walk into Starbucks.

She placed her usual order, a simple coffee. All that extra stuff is so terrible for you, and disgusting.

It only took a minute, and she left the bar quickly.

When did I become so insecure? No need to answer that. After I was almost murdered. Then living on this perfect place, filled with perfect people.

She slipped her headphones over her ears and head, then turned on her music. She couldn't help singing.

"I need a big move...
I need a sharp knife
I need to cut these scars
Out of my life..."

She stopped thinking about walking. Her mind was completely on her singing.

Then she felt herself fall into someone. She fell back.

Lem pushed her headphones around her neck. "What the heck?"

"I'm so sorry."

"You broke my back!"

She stopped when she saw who is was. Blake Ross. Supposedly the "hottest" guy in her new school. And he was.

He smiled, and reached out his hand. "Are you okay...?"

"Lem," she filled in, taking his hand. "And yeah, I'm good. Thank you."

"Oh, good." He pulled her up. "Are you sure you're not hurt? That was a hard fall."

She nodded. "I'm sure."

Blake was still holding her hand. "I heard you singing. It was really beautiful."

"Thanks. It was Begin Again, by-"

"Rachel Platten, I know. My sister listens to her all the time."

Lem pulled her hand away. "Yeah. Again, thank you. I should really go." Think of a lie! Where are you going? He's so hot! "I think I'm going to the Formal. I have to go buy a dress."

The smile was still on his face. "I'm going, too. We should go together. I promise not to fall into you again."

"Okay."

She waved as she walked away.

Now I have to go shopping... I LOVE SHOPPING!

She bit her lip, and stared at the stores. Trying on dresses with her friends had been fun. Now she was actually going to a dance.