Dumb

Brandi took a deep breath as she walked into the living room, where her mom was busy with some paperwork. "Mom, I'm going out with some girls from the cheerleading squad. We're going shopping," she said, trying to sound as nonchalant as possible.

Her mom looked up, a broad smile spreading across her face. "Oh, that's fantastic, sweetie! You'll have a great time. Make sure to take plenty of pictures and show me everything you bought when you get back."

Brandi couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt as she thanked her mom and headed outside. She knew this was far from a typical shopping trip with friends, but she couldn't bring herself to tell her mother the truth. She sat down on the front steps, waiting for Heather and the others to arrive. A few minutes later, Heather's car pulled up, and Brandi could see Ava in the passenger seat and Mia in the back. Heather looked Brandi up and down, a smirk on her face.

"Get in, Loser. We're going shopping," she said, and the three girls burst into laughter. "Unless you want to ride in the trunk again," she added, the threat clear in her voice. Brandi swallowed her fear and climbed into the car, sitting in the backseat next to Mia. The ride to the mall was filled with snide comments and passive-aggressive remarks, but Brandi remained quiet, her mind racing with worry about what the day would bring.

As they entered the mall, Heather took the lead, her friends trailing behind her. Brandi felt like a lost puppy, following her tormentors as they led her to store after store, racking up charges on her credit card. Heather, Ava, and Mia moved from store to store, their shopping bags, which they made Brandi haul around, growing heavier with each purchase. They spent hours trying on clothes, laughing and gossiping as they discarded one outfit after another.

"Ava, you look amazing in that," Heather said, admiring her friend's reflection in the mirror. "Mia, you need to try this on. It'll look great on you." As they went about their shopping spree, they would often command Brandi to fetch more clothes for them to try on. She would scurry off, her heart heavy with each task, knowing that the more she obeyed, the more they would torment her.

"Don't worry, Brandi," Heather said as they approached a bargain store. "We didn't forget about you. We'll find you something." Brandi's stomach churned as they entered the store, the racks of clothes hanging low and the floor covered in discarded garments. Heather and the others began to sift through the piles, pulling out ill-fitting, outdated clothes for Brandi to try on.

Ava's eyes lit up as she held up a white tank top, the pink letters 'Dumb' emblazoned across the chest. "Oh my God, I found it! Come look at this," she exclaimed, waving the shirt in front of her friends.

Heather and Mia approached, their expressions a mix of amusement and agreement. "That's perfect for Brandi," Mia said, a wicked grin forming on her lips.

Ava's face lit up with excitement. "We have to get it for her. It's just too perfect."

Mia wasted no time in finding a matching pair of pink shorts, and together, they conspired to make Brandi's day even more miserable. "Let's send her in to try it on," Heather suggested, her voice dripping with sarcasm. Brandi, still standing in the corner, could sense the impending doom. She reluctantly made her way to the changing room, her heart heavy with the knowledge of what awaited her.

As she emerged, the three girls burst into laughter, their eyes locked on the unfortunate ensemble. "It's like it was made for you, Brandi," Ava said, unable to contain her mirth.

Heather and Mia joined in, their laughter growing louder and more uncontrollable. "We're going to have to get a picture of you in this. It'll be priceless," Mia said, already reaching for her phone. Brandi stood there, tears streaming down her face, as the three girls snapped pictures and reveled in her misery. The day had gone from bad to worse, and there seemed to be no escape from the cruelty that surrounded her.