Sometime before the events of High School Years. Anna

I stared at myself in the mirror, thoughts racing through my head. I mean...it doesn't look too bad? I'm only fourteen so close-fitting costumes aren't supposed to flatter me, anyway. Maybe I'll hit a growth spurt over the summer! That'll help me fit into this!

Being accepted into Plegia High's Colorguard was a dream come true for me. I always admired the finesse and grace the performers had, dancing and twirling their flags along to the energetic band like it was nothing. Well, in the three years I knew of their existence. But, now I was one of them!

Maybe being a part of such a cool thing will bring an end to the poor treatment I was receiving from my peers.

We received our costumes shortly auditions and results -- mostly so we could try them on, but also to make note for adjustments. I was so ecstatic to finally see myself in the costume for the first time.

However, my experience was...well, underwhelming.

The costumes I saw previous members wearing were stunning to my eyes. Purple tops with patters on black sequins, sleeves that flowed, and tight, velvet pants. Every person I saw wearing this uniform was stunning, every part fitting just right. But, I'm assuming my earlier impressions were from people who weren't slow to grow and, well, had the proper curves.

The top was too loose on my body, looking more like a tacky shirt for a child. The sleeves were way too long, the flowing parts almost touching the floor. And the velvet pants, gods, don't even get me started on these things. They uncomfortably hugged my legs, the material itchy and suffocating. I would have to get these hemmed, and they were an extra small!

My throat dried the longer I stared, an uneasy feeling settling into my stomach. "Why does it look so bad? Are all uniforms supposed to look like this at first?"

I couldn't help it that I was shaped this way! I was tiny, so what?!

Tears built in the corners of my eyes, threatening to spill at any moment. "It's not fair...it's just not fair!" I quietly exclaimed. "Why doesn't this feel right?! Why am I having second thoughts?!" Why am I scared to move on in my school?

What if I'm bullied more in high school? What if it gets worse?

I couldn't look at this girl anymore. She was a disappointment. It's my fault. It's my fault. It's all my fault. I'm doing something wrong, that's all it is. I have to fix myself before I get hurt again. 

I need to leave this place, but where else can I go?

*****

So true fact, I actually had to wear velvet pants as a part of my uniform a few years ago (Oh my God that was freshmen year and that was years ago ahhhhhhhh). Er, so here's some angst? I've been wanting to delve more into what Anna's life was prior to leaving Plegia High and here was my first attempt. But we all know she leaves eventually so good on you bebe (even though I created this world and its problems). Hehe, yeah. I'm evil. JUST CUT TOXIC PEOPLE OUT OF YOUR LIFE AND DON'T LOOK BACK. THOSE ARE MY WORDS OF ADVICE. Ok, now I'm off to bake cookies. Thank you so much for reading and look forward to reading more!

Next Prompt: August 25th - "Primrose"