Borderline

bor·der·line n

the notional line that separates one state or quality from another very similar one

adj

1. not clearly belonging to one or other of two categories

2. used to describe a psychological condition characterized by emotional instability and marked by self-destructive, manipulative, and erratic behavior

3. used to describe a medical condition that a patient is likely to develop unless preventive steps are taken

Mariel was known as the chick on the outskirts. That girl, who, if she wanted, could outshine all those skanks. If she tried, with a flick of her hair, could have all the boys trailing after like dogs. But she didn’t. she didn’t want to. Unlike certain family members whose names shall not be mentioned,coughChristianacough, she didn’t actually feel the need to be the centre of attention. She could not be bothered to join that futile rat race that is high school. Having to give a damn about some “hot” boy who might have actually looked your way on the hallways, when, unbeknownst to you, he was actually looking for his girlfriend. Having to pretend that you wanted to go get wasted then molested at some under aged drinking party. She would rather stay home and read (an action unknown to more girls than she had fingers).

Her sister Christiana was constantly attempting to give her a makeover. But Mariel vowed since the beginning of high school that she wouldn’t fall into the superficial abyss that was her sister’s life. According to her sister and her clique, if she tried, she could be beautiful, if she put some effort, she could be thin.

Her mother was just as bad, always sighing wistfully when she glanced her way. According to her, if Mariel tried, she could become everything she was not. Everything she wanted to be. Perfect. A stunning combination of brains, beauty and attitude. A heartbreaker. Revenge. Payback for all those times the “populars” teased her. It was her way to spite the daughter of a certain thorn in her side, an ex-best friend, whose daughter was less than perfect. Another set of crap Mariel wanted nothing to do with. Why should she become involved with and become a pawn in her mother’s bitter, perverse and complicated scheme. It wasn’t her fault still bore malice towards them; in fact it was more reason to avoid that social circle all together.

It was a daily and infuriating occurrence with either her mother

or sister lecturing on what she could be, (whether or not she cared). She knew one day she would crack. And the time was drawing ever nearer when those silly, shallow women would know what was on her mind. She was never one to sit around and listen to crap for very long. She would show them that she didn’t need to try to be anything. She was “perfect” just the way she was.