Jessica and Stephanie walked into Jessica's bedroom and swapped outfits.
"Ugh," Jessica said standing in front of her mirror. Pale skin, black-dyed hair, piercings, a black T-shirt over a nylon shirt, a black ripped miniskirt, fishnet stockings and black knee-high buckled boots with two-inch stacks. "I hate black."
"Yeah? Well, I hate pink," Stephanie said, taking a look at her new reflection. Tanned skin, dirty blond curly hair, a pink halter top, a light pink miniskirt, and pink 3-inch heels.
"It must be a cosmic joke, right?" Jessica said. "I mean, that we're forced to wear colors we hate." She looked over at Stephanie. "You have no idea how jealous I am of you right now."
"Actually, I think I do."
They were silent for a moment. Then Jessica spoke up. "Do you know how to walk in heels? Because if you don't, I should teach you."
"Fine."
"Try walking across the room," Jessica said.
Stephanie tried, but stumbled. She looked up at Jessica. "You're enjoying this, aren't you."
"No. Not all the popular girls are jerks, you know."
"And not all Goths are either," Stephanie said.
"Get up and try again."
She did, but stumbled again.
Jessica helped her up. "Let me show you." She walked across the room. "Try to do it exactly like that."
And Stephanie did, and she didn't stumble.
"Try to be graceful when you walk. And make sure your hands are up and not to your sides. Like this." Jessica held her hands up to waist level, then dangled her hands.
Stephanie looked hesitant, but she mimicked Jessica anyway.
"That's more like it," Jessica said.
Stephanie walked back over to the bed and sat down.
"When you sit, cross your legs," Jessica said. And Stephanie did. "And don't slouch."
"Who are you, my mom?"
"You're part of the popular crowd now. To some people, you're an idol. You need to look and act your best."
"Since we're giving each other tips, can I suggest something?"
"Okay ..."
"Don't go to the mall. I know you probably go there a lot, but don't."
"If I don't go to the mall, then where do I go to buy the things I need?"
"The Occult Stop. It's a store on the outskirts of town. They've got tons of stuff to buy there. Music, books, jewelry, occult merchandise, they even have a back room with tons of outfits. That's where I buy all my clothes."
"You never go anywhere else?"
"Nope."
"Well, you'll have to start then. If you're gonna live my life, then you have to shop at the mall," Jessica said. "In fact, all of you will. The mall is a place me and my friends hang out a lot."
"But I've never shopped at the mall before. I wouldn't know where to go."
"I can help you with that," Jessica said.
