For Rake 'em All on the Hogwarts School Of Witchcraft and Wizardry Forum.
Kristy and the Makeover
Kristy stood in Claudia's room. The room was like a second home to her, yet today she felt completely out of place. Instead of heading towards her usual presidential seat, Claudia ushered her in and prompted her to take a seat in front of her dresser. Kristy's eyes darted to the edges of the mirror where Claudia had pasted photographs and sketches.
"What are we thinking?" Claudia rummaged around her drawers, pulling out overflowing bags and placing them haphazardly around her. "Something bright for spring? Something sexy?"
Kristy blanched. "I was thinking of something more natural. Is that even possible?"
"I thought you might say that." Claudia pulled a playful face in the mirror. "Yes, it's possible. It's just not as much fun. You sure you don't want something a little more exciting? It is a date, after all."
"I just want to feel like myself."
Claudia gave an appreciative hum and immediately got to work. As if by magic, Claudia evened Kristy's skin tone, lengthened her eyelashes, and painted muted colours on her eyelids. With each swipe of the brush, Kristy could feel the tension in her shoulders growing. The girl in the mirror still looked familiar—just prettier, somehow. She looked more like the other girls.
"Do you think Bart will like it?"
"Of course," Claudia responded softly. After a moment, she paused, setting down her brushes. "He'll like it cos he likes you."
Kristy's cheeks warmed. She hoped it was true. But the more she peered at her reflection, the heavier her heart felt. It wasn't that she didn't like it, it was just that she didn't feel comfortable. But she was supposed to do this. All girls wore make-up on first dates, didn't they?
"Claude?"
"Yeah?"
"I'm not sure I like it." Kristy frowned. "Sorry."
"Oh. That's fine. It's just make-up, Kristy. It comes off. What don't you like about it? Too much eyeliner?" Claudia gently wiped small circles on Kristy's face, removing the product quickly. Within moments, Kristy began to look like her old self again. "I can do it again if you like."
"No," Kristy responded quickly. "Sorry, Claude. I think I'll just go without it."
"Oh?"
"Yeah." For the first time since entering Claudia's room, Kristy smiled. "I think I feel better without it."