Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger___________
Work it harder, make it better
Do it faster, makes us stronger
DAFT PUNK_______

She couldn’t hear anything but the music blaring in her ears as she tore through the countryside, her legs powerful and strong as they made short work of the uneven terrain.

The blonde hated getting ready. She hated the first five minutes even more. But there was nothing like actually running, like feeling she was the most powerful being in the world.

Bambi ignored the pressure in her chest and focused on the beat. The even beat of the music, the steady beat of her legs, the burning beat of her lungs as they pumped air in, out, in, out.

We Are Young___________
Tonight, we are young
So let’s set the world on fire
We can burn brighter than the sun
FUN._______

Bambi looked around, trying to burn this moment into her brain so she’d never ever forget it. These faces, these people, they were the most important in the world. Her best friends, her shoulders to lean on. It had been a long journey and it hadn’t been easy, but she trusted them all with her life.

“Come on, Bambs, let’s go to town,” her best friend laughed.

“I love you Leila, you know that right?”

“Don’t start with me. We’re young, we’ll see each other again. Get your butt out that door.”

Bambi grinned, and did as she was told.

Primadonna___________
I can't help that I need it all
The primadonna life, the rise and fall
You say that I'm kinda difficult
But it's always someone else's fault
MARINA & THE DIAMONDS_______

“Bambi stop it! Just stop! You can’t keep doing this. C’mon girl, you’re better than this,” Jordan insisted, leaning against her bed.

“Am I? THEY deserve this. I REFUSE to back down. They wanted a war? They’ll get one!” she yelled, her tears drawing black lines on her face.

“Bambs, they don’t want-“

“I DO. I DESERVE BETTER THAN THIS. You do NOT get to tell me what to do. I MAKE MY OWN CHOICES.”

“You’re such a- UGH. Fine. Ruin your own life. I won’t stand here and watch you do it. Call me when you’re ready to listen.”

The Lazy Song___________
‘Cause today I swear
I’m not doing anything
Nothing at all
BRUNO MARS_______

She had a Charms essay due, three Astronomy charts to analyze and a potion she desperately needed to go check on. There were friends to socialize with, her parents to write to and an ex-boyfriend to actively ignore.

Actually, she could say she was doing that last one, as she was technically nowhere near him. Bambi Fleming was, in fact, in her room lying on her bed and leafing through the most recent Transfiguration magazine. Oh, and she still had the Witch Weekly to go through. The American issue is better.

It was only five pm. She had all night.

Obsession___________
So here's my confession
This time, this time
Don't just want you to love me
I want to be your obsession
SKY FERREIRA_______

“Who is she?”

“She’s no one, Bambs, I swear. No one!”

“Yeah? That’s what you said last time, JFG,” she bit back, folding her arms crossly.

“Don’t call me JFG! I’m your boyfriend, my name’s Jacob. I apologized SO MUCH for that Bambi, please, just believe me. I love you, you’re the only one,” he pleaded with her, and Bambi believed him.

Still. “Perhaps that’s not enough. Show me. I want you to show me,” she said.

“Sh-show you? What-?”

“Figure it out Jacob. I took you back, make it worth my while. Prove to me it wasn’t a mistake.”

Best Day of My Life___________
I howled at the moon with friends
And then the sun came crashing in
But all the possibilities
No limits, just epiphanies
AMERICAN AUTHORS_______

“Guys this is just the BEST SUMMER EVER. I have a good feeling about this year,” she grinned wide and laughed as her friends shook their heads at her. “YOU’LL see, it’s going to be the most awesomest year! It’s ALREADY awesome! I’ve just turned sixteen and every single one of you is here to celebrate with me!” BEAM BECAUSE YAY.

“You’re insane, you know that?” Leila grinned fondly at her BFF and was actively NOT thinking about the fact that this was the last birthday Bambi’s going to have with them.

“I wouldn’t be any fun if I wasn’t.”

Should've Said No___________
It's strange to think the songs we used to sing
The smiles, the flowers, everything is gone
TAYLOR SWIFT_______

“Sorry Mrs. Fleming, I don’t care,” Bambi heard Leila stomp up the stairs and hastily put the wet picture frame on the nightstand. Drying her eyes, she sat up as her best friend barged through her door.

Bambi sighed. “I told you I wanted to be alone.”

“Given the way you look right now, I don’t think we should listen to you.”

“He CHEATED on me.”

“He’s a scumbag who’s not worth your left toenail.”

“Not helping.”

Leila sat opposite Bambi. “No, it’s not. But looking at that picture like it’ll magically turn back the clock isn’t doing it either.”

Unwritted___________
Today is where your book begins
The rest is still unwritten
NATASHA BEDINGFIELD_______

Thirteen year old Bambi was confident. She’d been watching this girl all day and had made her decision. Brunette what’s her name has been officially chosen as Bambi Fleming’s future best friend. She was going to spend four years here in Ilvermorny – she needed a best friend!

She tapped on the girl’s shoulder after class.

“Yes?”

“What’s your name?” Bambi asked, smiling brightly.

“Leila. You’re new, right?”

Bambi nodded. “Yes, I’m Bambi. You’re going to be my new best friend.”

Leila blinked, and looked the freckled blonde over. Bambi waited. Then she shrugged and smiled. “Sure, why not.”

Bambi beamed.

The Heart Wants What It Wants___________
There’s a million reasons why I should give you up,
But the heart wants what it wants
SELENA GOMEZ_______

“Bambi you can’t possibly w-“

“Shut up.”

“He CHEA-“

“I know, but I miss him and he’s sorry and he said he’d never do it again,” she said, staring unseeingly at the movie screen.

Tass sighed, and ran her fingers through Bambi’s hair. “I just don’t want to see you get hurt again.”

“I know.” She shifted to get more comfortable, her head resting on Tass’ lap as the muggle movie continued playing on the television.

“I love you Bambs,” Tass said.

“I love you too.”

Tass shut her eyes and bit her lip. She hadn't meant it like that.

Take a Bow___________
That was quite a show, very entertaining
But it’s over now, go on and take a bow
RIHANNA_______

It was the last dinner of the year and Bambi hadn’t seen it coming.

“GET OFF ME!” she managed to yell, pushing his chest hard until he stumbled back. His lazy, self-satisfied smirk made her see red and then the sobs started.

“S’matter? You know you liked it,” he taunted.

“YOU’RE HORRIBLE… You… WHY DID YOU DO THAT??” the almost thirteen year old cried, green eyes downcast in shame as she felt everyone stare at her.

“You didn’t want me to be your first kiss, sweet Bambi? Oh you should have said something.”

Avoiding eye contact with everyone, Bambi ran.

Wiggle___________
Wiggle wiggle wiggle
Just a little bittle
JASON DERULO_______

It had been so long since Bambi had been to a party, she’d almost forgotten how they went.

Drink in hand? Check. Slightly inappropriate winking and/or flirting with a stranger? Check. Complaining about something or other in a righteous fashion? Check.

It seemed like parties at Hogwarts weren’t all that different than the parties in the States. The accents were more appealing, but that was about it.

Then a friend beckoned her to dance and she forgot to think too hard. Sliding her way over, she bumped hips with friend #2 she’d made. Losing herself in the beat, Bambi danced.

Realise___________
But I can't spell it out for you
No, it's never gonna be that simple
No, I can't spell it out for you
COLBIE CAILLAT_______

“Did she really break up with him?” Alana whispered to Leila, who rolled her eyes.

“Of course. And it’s for good this time,” she whispered back, and looked over to Tasia knowingly.

Tass already knew this though. She was Bambi’s best friend after Leila. She looked back at Leila questioningly.

Leila rolled her eyes again. She wasn’t dumb, and she wasn’t born yesterday.

Tass sighed, shaking her head as she silently pleaded with Leila not to say anything. That was the last thing she needed right now – for recently broken up Bambi to find out.

She could never find out.

Heart Attack___________
Early mornings, made by warnings
What's the point of the alarm that I'm ignoring?
It's either raining, I'm not complaining
But waking up is hard to do
SUM 41_______

Bambi tossed and turned in her bed for what felt like hours as she willed herself to get up. There were so many things she needed to get done this weekend, yet her body would not cooperate.

One would think that she’d be more energetic about studying these days but it had just made everything so much harder. She didn’t want to be a scholarship student. She didn’t want financial aid. She most certainly did not want to be the university’s pity party.

Bambi rolled over to see it was 11:45am. Sighing, she closed her eyes and tried to sleep.

Worth It___________
Give it to me, I'm worth it
Baby, I'm worth it
Uh huh I'm worth it
Gimme gimme I'm worth it
FIFTH HARMONY_______

It was amazing how she’d been confident and self-assured her entire life but the second she needed to show it off, it disappeared. She didn’t have good ears, didn’t smile right, her thighs were too big – which, excuse you bald man, they were not – and, her favourite, she wasn't "it".

Well, that was all about to change. She’d paid a photographer a RIDICULOUS amount of money to revamp her book, and went into her next audition with a slow confident smirk firmly in place.

“Book.” She handed it over.

The raise of his eyebrows was everything Bambi needed to see

Kiss Me___________
Oh, kiss me beneath the milky twilight
Lead me out on the moonlit floor
SIXPENCE NONE THE RICHER_______

Bambi didn’t have the best track record with kisses.

She often hoped for epic kisses in the rain, on the beach, after a long day of sightseeing. Not all her kisses had been bad. Some had even been great.

Staring blankly at the wall of her apartment, Bambi wondered how she’d managed to top her record for worst kiss; as she desperately ignored the nauseating taste in her mouth. A sudden sob tore through her in and she slid to the floor, crying her eyes out as she slowly, bitterly, realised she could no longer recognise herself in the mirror.

The Nights___________
When thunder clouds start pouring down
Light a fire they can’t put out
Carve your name into those shining stars
AVICII_______

Bambi Fleming, measurements (EU) 85-60-93, born in Liverpool, England, speaks English and French. Currently resides in London. Shoe size (EU) 39.

Bambi Fleming, proud owner of three Salvatore Ferragamo dresses, two Chanel bags and five Christian Louboutin creations. Bambi Fleming, who has three pennies to her name. Bambi Fleming, the scholarship student.

Bambi Fleming, 19, lying on a remote beach outside of Panama City, trainers discarded as lazy waves tickle her toes, staring up at impossibly bright stars. Sometimes her life is unbearable, sometimes it’s cruel and unjust and harsh, but tonight, Bambi Fleming is just happy to be alive.

Sorry___________
Yeah I know that I let you down
Is it too late to say I'm sorry now
JUSTIN BIEBER_______

Shoulders squared. Chin up. "I know- what I did was wrong.. bu- nooooo. No! NO! No."

Scowling at herself, Bambi leaned her forehead against the mirror and groaned. This wasn't going to work at all if she couldn't look sincere. Trouble was, whenever she did that the waterworks started and Benny said that wasn't a good way to get someone back. Duh.

She let out a breath, keeping the defeated look this time. She imagined Layla in front of her and tried again. "I handled everything wrong.." A tear leaked. Bambi sighed. This was doomed to fail. She was hopeless.

Boom Clap___________
Boom! Clap!
The sound of my heart
The beat goes on and on and on and on and
Boom! Clap!
You make me feel good
CHARLI XCX_______

Her first walk on a major runway.

The last time Bambi had walked on flats? Last week Monday.

What was food? Who knew.

Backstage at a fashion show was nothing like she’d imagined. Everyone moved so quickly. The hair, the make up, the fittings. Everything that usually took her an hour to do at home was done in five minutes or less in a crowded hall with one hundred people.

She loved every second.

The music started and she could feel the base line pump inside her lungs. She was Model #7. Model #6 walked out. Let’s do it Fleming.

Santa Tell Me___________
Santa, tell me if he really cares
'Cause I can't give it all away if he won't be here
Next year
ARIANA GRANDE_______

“Honey where’s Jacob?” Ginger Fleming asked as she stepped into the dining room to see Bambi decorating the table quietly.

“His parents really wanted him home for Christmas,” Bambi lied, avoiding her mum’s gaze.

“Bambi, Jacob’s family doesn’t celebrate Christmas.”

Oops.

“You want to tell me what this is about?”

Bambi put down the ornaments. “I changed my mind. I don’t want… I don’t want him to break my heart again.”

Ginger sighed and moved to wrap her arms around her daughter. “I love you, sweetie. We’ll have Christmas just the three of us”

Bambi nodded and hugged her back.

Paradise___________
When she was just a girl, she expected the world
But it flew away from her reach, so she ran away in her sleep
And dreamed of
Para-para-paradise, Para-para-paradise, Para-para-paradise
Every time she closed her eyes
COLDPLAY_______

Your eyes flutter shut when they pass the D’s. This was it.

They pass the E’s and your heart beats faster.

You breathe in. You breathe out.

“Fleming, Bambi!”

Open your eyes Bambs, you tell yourself.

When you do, a sea of identically dressed young adults fill your vision. You’re walking forward and up, your ankles wobbling as you climb to the stage. The stilettos Delacroix let you borrow from the winter collection make a sharp clicking sound as you walk over to Kýrie Papagnosi.

He hands you your diploma.

Your vision swims.

You did it, Bambi.

You did it.

So Happy I Could Die___________
Happy in the club with a bottle of red wine
Stars in our eyes 'cuz we're having a good time
LADY GAGA_______

Part I

Clubbing was great fun. Being a model? The best. Her days were short and her nights were long.

Yesterday, some supermodel had name dropped her in an interview so she was famous now. Bambi Fleming was officially “up-and-coming”.

She had her work friends. Every morning they’d use cheap makeup to cover her dark, sunken eyes. She drew attention. They all just wanted to see her smile.

So smile she did. She had her Jack. She had her Daniels. She had her sunrise and her tonic and the wonderful Manhattan.

She was happy.

The happiest she’d ever been.

Just so happy.

Where Are Ü Now___________
Tell me, where are you now that I need you?
Where are you now?
Where are you now that I need you?
JACK Ü_______

Part II

"Ugh, Bambi get a life."

"You want to go out again?"

"Ew that guy was gross. Really, Fleming? Have some self respect."

"You're fired."

"Bambi if you don’t get it together you're through."

The wine glass cracked.

Then it splintered.

Annoyed, she threw it across the room.

The mirror shattered.

"Reparo," she cast. Nothing happened. She padded barefoot across the carpet to inspect the damage. The wine had left a stain. Looking up, the blonde hair reflecting back fragmented between the jagged breaks reminded her of someone else.

But she wasn't here.

She sighed.

The wine had left a stain.

Closer___________
You look as good as the day I met you
I forget just why I left you
I was insane
THE CHAINSMOKERS FT. HALSEY_______

For brief moments, very far apart, as life is handing out its surprises, it decides to out-surprise itself and it gives her happiness. A constant. No wrenches, no sharp turns, just a stream of positivity.

The sun’s just rising and Bambi has to get up but she can’t stop staring at the woman sleeping beside her. From heartbreak to heartbreak, they’ve never been able to actually catch a break.

Just the way the sunbeams catch Layla’s hair, framing her face with softness that’s simple and pure and perfect, Bambi feels timeless. This is right. For once, finally, something worked out.

Toy Soldiers___________
Only emptiness remains
It replaces all, all the pain
MARTIKA_______

Everything was fading in and out, spinning slowly and then very quickly all at once. Flashing lights, bright and unnatural.

A bed, lots of people talking, shouting, running, pulling.

It faded.

It came back, and there was so much pain. She tried to scream but her throat wouldn’t work. There was something in it, or in her, or tying her. She didn’t know.

She smelled white. Hot, angry, unforgiving white that jogged her memory through the hurricane, that tore through the pain, and in that moment the overwhelming reality of what was happening crashed down on her and everything collapsed.

Just Like Fire___________
I kick that ceiling, what you gonna say?
No one can be just like me anyway
P!NK_______

Getting rejected was never fun, but losing a major campaign over her chunky legs had to be a new low. With everything she’d been through, everything that had happened since she’d decided to pursue this career…

She couldn’t accept it. Wouldn’t accept it.

Looking in the mirror, her long legs lean and muscly like they should be, she found that for the first time in her life, she didn’t care. They could keep the dying girls, she’ll find her place. She always has, and she always will, because there was no one else in the world quite like Bambi Fleming.