A fitting session

The ride home was painfully silent. Sara sat in the passenger seat, arms crossed tightly, her cheeks still burning from the humiliating encounter with Jake. Lisa, on the other hand, was positively glowing with excitement. She hummed softly to herself as she drove, every so often sneaking glances at the pastel-colored shopping bags in the backseat.

As soon as they pulled into the driveway, Lisa turned off the car and beamed at her stepdaughter.

"Alright, sweetheart, let’s go try on your new school clothes! We need to make sure everything fits perfectly before your big first day!"

Sara groaned. "Lisa, can’t we just… not?"

Lisa giggled. "Oh, silly girl! Of course not. We have to make sure you look adorable! Now come on, upstairs—chop chop!"

Sara dragged her feet the whole way, dreading what was coming. Once inside, Lisa grabbed the bags and ushered Sara toward her bedroom, setting everything down on the bed with a delighted sigh.

“Alright, let’s get started! Try on the uniform first!"

Sara glared at the neatly folded plaid skirt and soft white blouse that Lisa held out to her. It wasn’t hideous, but the skirt was way too short—and she knew exactly why. The whole point was to make "checks" easier. She wanted to argue, but Lisa had that determined look in her eyes, the one that meant there was no way out.

With a frustrated sigh, Sara snatched the outfit from Lisa’s hands and stomped toward the bathroom.

Lisa tisked. “No need to be shy, sweetheart! I’ve seen you in less.”

Sara slammed the door.