Malory Towers fanfiction. Because there just isn't enough. Daphne stars in second year, evolves into a girl liked and respected, and then does nothing much ever again. This oneshot asks why.
Daphne knew the girls said they'd forgiven her, but the light in their eyes faded. She'd gone from being the hero who saved Mary Lou to simply that girl they deigned to forgive. But not forget, never forget.
Really, she lived with them for four more years, and it was always in the back of each and every face, hidden away in their eyes, when they looked at her. It was why she was never considered for parts in plays, for sporting teams, (she hated lacrosse and swimming, but knew her tennis game was good) for captaincies or even things like being on the committee for the fifth form entertainment.
Only one girl truly forgot. Mary Lou looked at her and smiled, was her partner for walks, dances, and gym. Commiserated with her at the cold water of the pool. Listened to her thoughts, helped her with her prep. And Daphne, of course, reciprocated, determined no-one should have cause to ever again accuse her, as Gwendoline had, of using the shyer girl.
She reflected, as she left Malory Towers for the last time, as she waved goodbye to Mary Lou and felt sad that they had to part, that it was lucky being Mary Lou's friend was enough for her.
Because she'd never been noticed for anything else.