Oneshot: Dollhouse
Disclaimer: i don't own a:tla
this takes place in the modern world
! This story is about Azula, Mai and Ty lee. They go to school together and all carry secrets of their toxic families !
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Azula's pov:
"so our next topic is family. Get together in groups of three or four and first talk about your family. Then make a presentation about the things you have in common and present it to the class." the teacher explains. My heart sinks as she says the word family. It disgusts me to be honest. Who even has a healthy family these days? Couldn't be me.
A short look at Mai and Ty lee and we all sit together at a table. "sooo who wants to start?" Ty lee asks a little less excited than usually. Something's up. Looks like she too isn't one of the lucky ones who have a good home life. "i will" i start. "so like you know, my family is just me, my father and my loser brother. My useless mother left. My own mother thought i was a monster... she was right of course but it still hurt. And my untalented brother has anger issues. My father works a lot so i don't really see him that often but i really like to make him proud and i know i can. I know i'm worthy, not like zuko or my fat uncle." i look at my two friends. Ty lee looks at me concerned while Mai just takes notes. "Any questions?" both shake their head. "Who's next?"
"i'll go.." ty lee volunteers. "okay so me, my mother and my six identical sisters. I hate being part of a matching set, not having my own identity and looking exactly like them. My father left my mother after i was born. I always felt so guilty because of it. I feel like my mother holds a grudge against me because of it. I try to ignore it but sometimes i can't.." i've never seen her this down in my life. Almost makes me feel bad for her.. but just almost. "great, your turn mai!" i say when i finished my notes.
She sighs. Typical. "i don't know what to tell you, i don't have a sad story like you. I had a perfect childhood, got everything i wanted... as long as i behaved, and sat still and didn't spoke unless spoken to. We had my father's career to worry about. My parents always forget my birthday and i think sometimes even my existence. I don't care tho. I like to pretend i don't exist too.. and i wish i wouldn't exist at all." saying this without any emotion in sight. This girl is a master. Chile, anyways so...
"Okay so what do we have?" "ehm we all hate our home life.. it's pretty toxic and.. our parents hate us." ty lee summarizes. "i don't think we should say that in front of our whole class. They'll inform their parents and we'll get in trouble... just like zuko did." mai whispered the last part but i still heard it. I just roll my eyes. "you're probably right. I'll make something up, just stand next to me and try to look interested and happy." i explain the plan.
"okay so we talked about our home life and families and soon found out, that we all have an amazing life. We get everything we ever wished for and more. Our parents really care about us but also handle their work life. We're all rich, like you all know, so we never had to worry about anything. So you could say that we have a perfect life." i say with my best convincing smile. Of course they bought it, they're all stupid, even the teacher. Part of me hoped they would notice something but i know what father would do if i would tell anyone. And i know what would happen to ty lee and Mai as well, but that's not that important.
Pretending to be the perfect family is easy but convincing yourself that this is right is impossible. Don't be stupid azula, don't ever let them look through the curtains.
Just smile through the pain like you always do :)
THE END