A/N: Thanks to everyone who reviewed! I'm going to try to keep updating frequently, but I have finals coming up tomorrow and next week so I really ought to study… keep reviewing and maybe that will motivate me to update sooner! ;)

Maureen's POV

My protest went well… so the riot wasn't exactly planned, but at least Mark got it on the night's new. That should bring some recognition to my- our cause. I just hope I wasn't in his footage. I look even fatter on camera.

Now we're all here at the Life Café… including that traitor, Benny. But I won't let him get to me. Nothing will get to me.

"Is that it here?"

"Wine and beer!"

I shout joyously with the others. Light beer, of course. How many calories are in one beer, anyway? And why is Joanne looking at me like that?

"Honey, you shouldn't be drinking." She whispers to me.

I knew it. I'm fat. She thinks I'm fat. Dammit, why can't they make diet beer? I must look disappointed, because Joanne attempts to explain.

"You shouldn't drink, because you haven't had anything to eat all day! You'll get drunk!"

Please, I'm not a lightweight. In any sense of the word. So what if I didn't eat today. I wouldn't call that a problem, I'd call that an accomplishment.

"Wipe the speakers off before you pack" I respond instead.

"Yes, Maureen." She sighs, looking annoyed, and vaguely disappointed.

"Well- hurry back."

Ugh, why am I so horrible? Who in their right mind would want to date me? I don't deserve Joanne, just like I didn't deserve Mark. Fat, ugly girls like me don't deserve anything but misery.

But now I am gaining control. Don't you see? Food isn't necessary, like everyone thinks it is. Like everyone tries to tell you it is. That's always been my downfall, thinking that I need food, that eating is natural. Food is a just a distraction, a lingering temptation that's trying to throw me off my game. That's right, a game- and the thinner is the winner. Thinner than those models in all the ads. Thinner than the girls in all the Broadway shows. Thinner than Mimi and all her druggie friends. I will be the winner. You'll see.