OLIVIA AND LORELAI had come to the Pep Rally separately from the T-Birds. Cynthia wanted to be part of the gang officially and had to pass some kind of initiation so that the name of their group would be known and respected. They then planned to ruin the Pep Rally and if they did, she would have her T-Birds jacket. Olivia and Lori didn't want to be involved in their manoeuvrings so they went to sit quietly on one of the bench.

"And here's come our Rydell cheerleaders!" the speaker announced.

      The crowd cheered as the girls came, waving their pom poms.

"Come on, Red, come on, White, go Rydell, fight, fight, fight!" they cheered.

      Suddenly, the applause of the crowd stopped and shocked exclamations were heard. The banner "this year, rydell goes all the way" had been replaced by "jane facciano goes all the way".

      Jane turned around and her smile fell when she saw the poster. Her parents and sister looked shocked and disappointed. Lorelai felt bad seeing Jane's gaze. She didn't deserve all of this.

      The cheerleaders were laughing as every adults were in shock. Suddenly, the mascots entered the field and the marching band music resumed. Timid applause began again until the mascots pull down their costume stockings and show their butts to everyone. People screamed, hiding their eyes.

      Olivia and Lori shared an embarassed yet amused smile. Suddenly, the horse's mask fell off and Cynthia turned around as the crowd took shocked breaths. Lorelai's eyes widened when she met her gaze.

"Rydell Rangers are losers!" Cynthia yelled. "T-Bird rule!"

      Miss McGee rushed towards them but could only grab Cynthia because the other people in the costumes ran away. Jane did the same, tears in her eyes, while everyone was laughing and screaming.

★

       Olivia went to the toilets while Lorelai was supposed to go in the Frosty Palace to keep them a table. Everyone at school were going here after the pep rally. She walked into the parking lot and arrived near the T-Birds' cars.

"Hey, Lori!" Richie called. "What did you think of the pep rally?"

"It was alright, until some people  went to show everyone their butts." she told them in a weary voice even though she was smiling a little.

"Hey, fellas. That was a real kick!"a girl with a camera said as she came to the car with a boy with a paper and a pencil. "Any quotes for the Rydell Review?"

"Whatever are you talking about?" Gil pretended not to know.

"Yeah, we got no idea who were behind those masked derrieres." Potato smiled.

     The two laughed and left while Cynthia approached them with her hands in her pockets.

"Hey, where have you been?" Potato asked.

"McGee caught me. But don't you guys worry. I told her it was my idea." she replied.

"Thanks, Cynth. You're a champ." Gil said.

"So you need my measurements for that jacket, or...?"

      The T-Birds then looked anywhere but at the girl in front of them. Lorelai frowned. They promised her. She came closer to Cynthia, not wanting to stay near them.

"The thing is, the T-Birds just got a little respect around here." Gil spoke up.

"We can't let a girl in the gang now." Richie added.

"But you can still pal around with us, though!" Potato quickly said.

"We all want that." Shy Guy nodded.

     Lori looked at Cynthia. Miss McGee was unfortunately right. No matter how hard Cynthia tried, the T-Birds would never forget she was a girl.

"Don't worry about it. It was a stupid idea anyway." Cynthia painfully smiled as she started to back up. "I- I'll catch you guys later."

     Cynthia walked away and the pain on her face really hurt Lorelai. She turned to the group of boys and gave them the dirstiest look she had ever given.

"You guys are all fucking assholes." she said angrily.

"We just-" Richie started but she cut him off.

"No, I don't wanna hear it. I expected more from you. All of you." she shot before walking away.

     She walked into Olivia who gave her an interrogative look.

"I just need to catch Cynthia. You can go inside, I'll be right with you." she told her quickly.

     Her best friend nodded and Elenore rushed to find her friend. She saw Cynthia walking away from the Frosty Palace and she ran to catch up with her.

"Cyn, wait!" she exclaimed, stepping in front of her to stop her.

     She bit her tongue as she watched Cynthia quickly wipe away her tears.

"It'll be fine. They're too dumb anyway." Lori tried to reassure her.

"I guess."

"You don't need them. You're way too cool for these guys. Really." she assured her.

"Thanks, Rory." Cynthia smiled sadly.

     Lorelai gave her a warm smile at the nickname. No one ever called her that.

"Don't stay alone. I'm going to eat with Olivia. You should join us." she offered her. "Please." she added, seeing Cynthia hesitate.

     She nodded softly and Lorelai smiled at her, taking her hand to lead her back to the Frosty Palace. They entered and went to join Olivia who was waiting for them seated at a table. Lori looked out the window and saw the T-Birds still standing by their car. They were laughing and waving at people. Lorelai shook her head. They really messed up this time.

— i love cynthia and lori so much it's not even funny