As they approached the main entrance, the last thing Jon wanted was to be noticed, but his luck had run out.
Standing near the entrance with her usual entourage of cheerleaders was Sarah McMillan, the most popular girl in school. The moment she spotted Jon in his girl’s uniform, her eyes lit up with mischief.
“Well, well, well, what do we have here?” Sarah called out, her voice dripping with mock sweetness as she strutted over to Jon. The other cheerleaders followed, snickering behind their hands.
"Oh Jonny... Maybe you'll be joining us for cheer practice later?" She continued, flicking a piece of imaginary lint off his blouse as she leaned in towards him.
He swallowed nervously as he felt Sarah's warm breath tickle against his skin.
“You know, Jon,” she whispered, her voice low and taunting, “We have this little tradition on the team for the new girls, a hazing if you will... After all, we wouldn’t want you to feel out of place, would we?”
Jon’s face burned with embarrassment, and he felt a shiver run down his spine as Sarah’s words hung in the air. The implication was clear, and the idea of being subjected to whatever “hazing” she had in mind was terrifying. He could barely process what she was suggesting, but it left him feeling exposed and vulnerable in a way he hadn’t anticipated.
With that, Sarah pulled back, her eyes gleaming with amusement as she took in his flushed face. “Enjoy your day, Jonny,” she said with a saccharine smile before turning on her heel and sauntering off, her entourage giggling and whispering behind her.
“Jon, are you okay? What did she say to you?” asked a confused Karyn, but Jon simply shook his head.
“One day at a time Jonny” she said gently, taking his hand in a firm but supporting grip.
Karyn then marched him confidently down the hallway in her usual tomboyish swagger, as Jon followed behind with his head down, desperately trying to avoid any more eye contact.
