Author's note:
Yes, this one's not a oneshot. Anyway, I think I might upload Chapter 2 later today or before I leave for school tomorrow. But enough chit-chat! It's Violet time!
"Mom, I don't get it. We usually go back-to-school shopping about a week before school actually starts. Why are we doing it so early this year?"
"Relax, Vi. It's only the first week of August."
"But I'm still confused…"
Mrs. Heaslip sighed. "You know how WordGirl got a costume upgrade over the summer?"
"Yeah, but I'm still not sure why. I liked the old look."
"Vi, you know, in other genres, people wear different things every day."
"That sounds like it would be confusing… but what does it have to do with us?"
"Well, in our genre, clothes are just visual shorthand. That's why we have different outfits for winter and sometimes summer."
"Oh, that makes sense. I think I'm starting to get your point…"
"Well, a costume change is one of the easiest ways to convey aging. Since it's your first year of high school, you're getting a costume change that you'll keep until graduation."
"Oh, that makes sense!"
The car pulled into the parking lot, and both Heaslip women climbed out. The mall was full of teenagers, most of whom Violet recognized. Especially one boy who didn't notice her until she tapped him on the shoulder.
The Asian teen span around until he faced Violet, and he started to grin.
"Hey there, Violet!" Violet's boyfriend put his arms around her shoulders.
"Todd! It's been forever!" Violet hugged him back with a smile.
"Yeah, I know. Wow, you grew a lot over the summer! I think you're taller than I am now."
"Oh, I don't think that'll last too long." Violet was barely taller.
"I see you're still wearing your junior high outfit."
"Yeah, we just got here. What's your excuse?"
"I got here about ten minutes ago, and my parents left me to my own devices. But I'm really not sure what to wear."
"Neither am I. Just find something you like, I guess."
"Easier said than done, Vi."
"I bet I'll be able to find my outfit before you."
Todd laughed and pecked Violet on the nose.
"Well, I hate to disappoint, but I hate losing more! You're on!"
The pair dashed off in separate directions, Scoops on his own and Violet with her mother in tow. Violet could practically hear the montage music starting…
Jeans and a turtleneck? Artistic, but too plain.
Tunic and leggings? Violet's mother liked it, but it wasn't Violet's thing.
Sleeveless dress and jacket? Way too formal.
Finally, Violet found the perfect shirt: dark purple, knit, sleeveless, and with a turtleneck. She combined it with a white skirt and cream-colored knee-highs.
Mrs. Heaslip had tears in her eyes. "Oh, my baby… when we get home, I'm going to need to make a painting to express how I feel about you finally getting to high school…"
One family hug later the pair headed out to meet Scoops by the fountain. He had elected to take a formality upgrade, as he was wearing a button-up shirt, a scarf, and a dark green striped jacket.
"Mm, you look so nice! Let me take a picture of you together!"
The couple put an arm over each other's shoulders and beamed as the camera flashed.
"I bet that's going in the yearbook," whispered Violet.
"Heh, what gives you that idea?" Todd pulled himself closer to Violet and kissed her. Although it wasn't their first kiss, it had been a while since the last time their lips had met. Violet put her left hand on his shoulder and her right hand in his short hair. As Violet brushed her fingers through Todd's fuzzy hair, she noticed a strange feeling buzz through them, almost as though her fingers were falling asleep. Then the tips felt like they were burning, and they suddenly went cold. Violet pulled away.
"What is it, Vi?" mumbled Todd.
"Uh… I thought I… I thought I had to sneeze?"
Todd chuckled. "Oh, Violet."
"Todd! Get over here!"
"Heh heh, sorry, Vi. That's my dad. Seeya later!"
Neither teenager saw the five spots of bleached hair on the back of Todd's head.
"Hey, Mom, I was wondering if I could get my hair cut. Kinda like yours?"
"Sure, you'd look cute with short hair."
All was quiet at the barbershop. Violet listened to the quiet snip snip snip of the scissors, accompanied only by her own thoughts.
What was going on with my fingers just then? It could just be some random thing, but what? Ugh, this is going to bother me all day… maybe I could tell Becky about it? But I can't shake the feeling that she won't believe me…
After the haircut, Violet went to Becky's house. Becky complimented Violet on her new haircut and outfit, and Violet told her she admired Becky's costume switch: a striped sweater and khakis. Violet didn't mention what had happened at the mall with her fingers.
When Violet got home, she took her new clothes to her room. If she hadn't turned around immediately to help with dinner, she might have noticed the brown paper package resting on her pillow.
Yes, it was pretty light and fluffy. But it gets less fluffy later, I swear! Please review, since I'm always looking to improve myself. And feel free to check out the other stories on my profile.