Freeze Frame

Chapter 1

{Edited 4/10/2021}

Third person pov

Lillian studied. She knew she wouldn't get into UA, but she'd feel just plain guilty if she didn't give it her all. She was lacking extremely in the physical department. She wasn't in shape. Her upper body strength was about as impressive as the rest of her. She was short, scrawny and sort of ugly. That, and she'd been cursed with freckles. Freckles looked good on other people, but on her face they just seemed... wrong. They made her look rounder and more like the baby she honestly still was emotionally. Why else would she cry so easily every time she watched those cute animal videos online? 

Her lack of physique had led her to taking walks. It was pretty pathetic compared to what a lot of other people were doing to prepare, but Lillian's motivation had its boundaries. Her parents had thought it to be rather odd seeing as she rarely came out of her room, even on a good day. Her excuse was that she was depressed and needed more sun, but they hadn't quite believed her. That didn't mean they stopped her either, however. Lillian was glad that they supported her new walking habit, even if they clearly thought she was up to something more. Which she was, but you know.

"Where are you going, sweetie?" Lillian's mother, June, asked. Her daughter froze in her tracks, her shoulders going rigid. Her fingers twitched nervously as she hesitantly peeked through her bangs at her mother, the backpack on her back suddenly feeling awfully heavy. June smiled at her daughter, who shuffled her feet. Lillian had always been so unsure of herself. June wished she had a little more confidence in herself! She was such a pretty girl. It was a shame she didn't put herself out there more, but June would honestly miss the girl if she got out anymore than she did. The world was a dangerous place, after all! Anything could happen. 

Lillian felt her soul leave her body. She should've left through her window, but her morals prevented her from doing something so rebellious. Sneaking out the front door felt decidedly less wrong. Of course, this was a surefire way to get herself caught. Hence what was happening right this very second. The freckled girl could feel herself wilting like a flower under the gaze of her unsuspecting mother. 

"I was going to go out on a walk." Lillian squeaked out, trying not to let her eyes widen to the size of saucers. She gulped a little. "I...If that's okay. I can stay here if you need me to-"

"Of course it's fine, dear! I was just surprised to see you going out so early this morning. Be safe. I'll text you later, okay?" June smiled, reassuring her daughter quickly. Lillian offered a nervous smile back, tugging on the sleeves of her sweater. Were they allowed to wear sweaters? She hadn't really known what they were and weren't supposed to wear, so she hoped she didn't get kicked out or made fun of. Would she? She probably would. She just shouldn't go. But they were expecting her, so wouldn't it be rude not to show up? 

In short, she was panicking. 

"Okay.... b-bye." Lillian sputtered before she could devolve further into her thoughts, and then she was gone, rushing out the door. She felt horrible lying to her mother. Her mother, who had stayed home instead of pursing her dream of being an ice skater just to take care of her. For someone quirkless to have a dream so admirable... Lillian almost wished she hadn't been born! At least, not at the time she was. Not in like a depressed way. Just-- then maybe her mom would be in the rink where she could happily skate! And not wasting her time watching Lillian grow up to do nothing impressive whatsoever.

The air was surprisingly cool, which made her glad she'd worn long sleeves. If she'd shown up in shorts then she most certainly would have looked weird. Lillian definitely didn't want that. She didn't want to upset or disturb anyone. She just wanted to go in, take whatever test was presented to her, and then go on her way in peace. There was really nothing more to it. Maybe if she was lucky she wouldn't even have to talk to anyone. The mere thought seemed like a dream.