Home > Work > The List
21 " The list is so powerful, its judgment so absolute, and yet no one wants to deal with it in black Sharpie on her face. "
― Siobhan Vivian , The List
22 " It can reduce an entire female population down to three clear-cut groups. Prettiest. Ugliest. And everyone else. "
23 " People are starting to wonder if maybe you were the one to make the list. And now you’re pissed off that it’s backfiring. Because Jennifer might win homecoming queen instead of you. "
24 " Jealous of what? That I’m not the popular group’s ugly little mascot? It’s a joke, Jennifer. At your expense! You should be telling these people to fuck off. They’re using you. They’re laughing at you behind your back! They’ve treated you like shit for four years, and you’re basically giving them a free pass because they’re dangling some pathetic, rotten carrot in front of your face. It doesn’t matter if they give you a rhinestone crown or not. They all think you’re ugly. "
25 " Would Principal Colby bring up the list in front of her mother? Lauren "
26 " And it is Fern’s fault. "
27 " But Abby won’t. She won’t ever help Fern after what Fern has done to her. As far as she’s concerned, they are no longer sisters. "
28 " Everyone’s happy you made the list, but —” “We’d all kill to be you, Bridget. "
29 " Jennifer Briggis. For homecoming queen? Are they fucking serious? "
30 " Someone produces Candace’s plans for the Spirit Caravan, and when she tears it up, all the girls cheer. "
31 " What in god’s name were you thinking, Candace? "
32 " THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR HARD WORK, "
33 " I know you’re mad at me about the list.” There. She’s said it. "
34 " Of course it’s not your fault. I know how the list works. But you don’t have to parade around school acting so proud about it. "
35 " The list isn’t changing your life, Abby. I’m not trying to be mean, but I’m also not going to fall at your feet over something so meaningless. Now, if you ever make honor roll, I’ll be the first one to congratulate you. I’ll tie balloons to your bed. "
36 " Well … because you said Andrew’s been acting kind of weird since the list came out. Distant. "
37 " A gasp for breath turned into a choke, and then she vomited on herself. The metallic smell of it filled the hallway, and people ducked into classrooms or pulled their clothes up over their noses to avoid it. Someone ran for the nurse, who extended rubber-gloved hands to help Jennifer to her feet. She "
38 " She has clearly died and gone to heaven. Jennifer gets her books, hangs up her jacket, and closes her locker. "
39 " I heard that every time Sarah takes a shit, she saves it in a plastic bag and she’s planning to throw it on the homecoming court. "
40 " The list, for better or worse, did elevate her status at school. "