In Jon's experience, Zoe's usual outfit consisted of a black T-shirt over a ripped fishnet shirt, a black leather miniskirt, fishnet stockings, and a pair of black knee-high buckled boots with four-inch stacks. Her face was always heavily made up with dark makeup. However, today, Zoe was much more toned down. The makeup was dark, but seemed more natural and subtle. Instead of knee high boots, the shoes she was wearing were laced and only went to her ankles. She was also wearing a black dress, as opposed to a mini skirt.
Zoe suddenly noticed him staring at her. "Why don't you take a picture, it will last longer," she said, rolling her eyes dismissively.
He approached the two Goths. "Umm...is that a new dress, Zoe?"
"No," she said. "Is there something you want other than to stare at us?"
"I wasn't staring," he insisted. "Just...you looked different yesterday."
"I do own more than one outfit," she said. "Do you think I'm like one of those cartoon characters who only has one shirt?"
"No...just I don't think I have ever seen you in that outfit before. It looks umm...nice, I guess." Jon said, struggling not to sound insane. This felt like it was related to whatever was going on. He had this sinking feeling that Gina had given Zoe fashion advice. She seemed to be at the root of everything going on.
Zoe rolled her eyes, clearly wondering what was wrong with him. "Thank you," she said. "I'm glad I have the approval of a guy wearing the same t-shirt and jeans half the school wears on what looks good" she said, somewhat sarcastically. "Come on, Athena...we're going to be late for class."
Jon paused. Zoe wasn't usually concerned about whether she was late for class, or even in class. Had Gina told Zoe to pay attention in school? Did Gina have some sort of magical powers all of the sudden that made everyone listen to her? What if she had the stone?
The two girls headed away from him and toward their first class. "Who was that guy?" Zoe asked.
Athena shrugged. "I'm not sure...even if I'd seen him around before, I'm not sure I'd notice. But he wasn't looking at me. He was looking at you."
"Great, I have a stalker," Zoe muttered.
"Maybe that was his way of trying to meet you."
"You mean in the most awkward way possible?" Zoe said. "He looks like he's older...maybe Gina knows who he is."
"Well, you didn't ask his name, so..." Athena pointed out.
"Whatever. Who cares?" Zoe said, sliding into a seat and reaching into her bag to grab her notebook.
Meanwhile, the encounter had caused Jon to miss Karyn. He slunk into his class, feeling frustrated.
