The clack, clack of her high heels was something Paige McMillan got used to over the course of her first couple weeks in freshman class.
By now, everyone knew that sound. It was their queue to stop, stare, and whisper to their friends as Paige walked past. By now, Jon had it all down. Back straight, chest out, and make sure to wiggle his hips back and forth. His Dad called it posture, his Mom, confidence, and Sarah, never one to sugarcoat things, called it the strut. It was one of the things Jon had to learn to be Paige, and learn he did.
As her leopard print pumps hit the floor, Paige looked to her left, and then her right. She could feel the eyes of the boys on her every move, and the eyes of the girls on her clothes. Sarah picked out the pink skirt and white t-shirt from her closet and told Paige that wearing it would mean more to her than anything. Paige didn't get the significance. Maybe because she was too busy taking it all in. That is, until she saw Karyn.
Poor, poor Karyn. John thought, as he gave her a smile. Since he had been gone, she had been forced to be friends with Leonard Drullers and Gladys Brewer, two of the biggest losers in the school.
And that's why he was so off-put by Karyn's scoff back at him.
It wasn't his fault!
Sarah screwed up her stupid wish and now here was Jon; blonde hair coiffed perfectly into a medium-length bob, holding his books at his chest, and unable to remember the last time he beat Street Fighter IV. Karyn had to cut him a break!
Sure he strutted down the hall like a McMillan, but for right now, that's what he was! She had to look beyond to see the real Jon underneath!
Besides, he was only trying to make a good impression on his first week at school!
He'd talk to her later, after he snooped in Sarah's locker.
