THIRD PERSON POV
For a few seconds, the room was silent.
Everyone was lost in thought, trying to figure out how to deal with Maya.
Ruby suddenly placed her drink on the table.
"I have an idea."
Peter looked at her suspiciously.
"Every time you say that, someone almost gets suspended."
Ruby ignored him and looked straight at Lana.
"Run against Maya for Prom Queen."
Silence.
Then Lana laughed.
"You can't be serious."
"I'm completely serious."
Lana shook her head.
"No one is going to vote for me."
Peter, who had been unusually quiet, suddenly sat up.
"Maybe they will."
Everyone turned to look at him.
He shrugged.
"Think about it. People already know Lana."
"They know I fight people," Lana replied dryly.
"They know you were a cheerleader," Peter corrected. "You disappeared, rumors started spreading, and Maya became everyone's favorite. They know your name, but they don't actually know you."
Ruby slowly smiled.
"Go on."
Peter pulled out his phone.
"Start posting."
Lana frowned.
"Posting what? My face?"
"Your life," Peter said. "Funny videos, random selfies, your sketches, your playlists, your dog if you have one..."
He paused and pointed at Mary.
"...or Mary stealing your fries."
Mary gasped dramatically.
"I do not steal fries."
"You absolutely do," Peter replied without missing a beat.
Lee laughed.
"The point is, let people meet the real Lana."
Peter nodded.
"People love stories. Right now, Maya controls yours."
Ruby leaned back on the couch.
"So we take it back."
Lana looked from one face to another.
"And if everyone still hates me?"
Mary gently bumped her shoulder.
"Then at least they'll be judging the real you instead of a rumor."
For a moment, no one spoke.
Then Peter clapped his hands together.
"Oh, and we're definitely making campaign posters."
Lana groaned.
"I already regret agreeing to this."
Ruby smirked.
"You haven't agreed yet."
Lana glanced around the room.
Mary was smiling at her.
Lee gave her an encouraging nod.
Peter was already brainstorming campaign slogans that were probably terrible.
A small smile escaped her before she could stop it.
"...Fine."
Peter jumped off the couch.
"I knew it! Ladies and gentlemen, our future Prom Queen!"
Laughter filled the room.
None of them noticed the determined look in Ruby's eyes.
This wasn't just about winning a crown.
It was about giving Lana the chance to tell her own story. :::