Just get it over with

Your eyes locked on the floor, you shuffle out a few steps, trying to block out the hollering screams of laughter from the guys surrounding you. It's a deep, painful humiliation, but one you know well. It's just how it is. You shimmy a bit, but you try to keep the movements subtle and small. You've always been a bit embarrassed about your proportions - God gifted you with more rear than gear, as they say, and you know when you dance those cheeks of your's tend to, well... jiggle.

You look up at the guy who blocked your way - Davey, they call him - looking for approval, some sign that he's satisfied. He grins at you, his eyes glinting with something you can't read, and he winks at you.

You blink in surprise. What...? But then he nods you through. "See? Don't you feel better? I certainly do..."

And you're past him as the boys erupt in laughter again. You plow forward, head down, cheeks burning-

WHAM- And you plow headfirst into someone stepping into the hallway.

"Oh my god, I'm so sorry!"

Knocked to the ground, you look up to see soft grey eyes and red hair - it's a soft-featured woman, about your age and size, checking you over to make sure you're okay before helping you up.

"I hoped to make a better first impression, neighbor. You all right?"

You tell her you're fine, through really that stung quite a bit - but after what you just went through, you want to get back to your apartment and brush past her.

"Hey-" You're nearly halfway down the hall before her soft hand catches you on the wrist with surprising strength, stopping you mid-stride. "I don't mean to butt in, but what those guys did back there isn't right. You can't let them treat you that way."

You try not to let your eyes get teary as you try to defend yourself. "I know that, but... what am I supposed to do? I'm so... weak."

You expert her to laugh like everyone else, ridicule you, deepen the pain - but instead she takes your hand and strokes it reassuringly, the constellation of freckles on her face split by a kind smile. "I know how scary it can be, trust me. But it isn't about size. It's about confidence... and I know just the guy to help you sort it out. I used to have confidence problems too, and he sorted the right out." She giggles as she takes out her phone. "What's your number?"

You hesitate - she wants your number?

"So I can text you the guy's info. And anyway we're neighbor's right?" She smiles - all pearly whites, innocent as a votive candle.

You guess that's ok. She certainly seems friendly, the way she's holding your hand is very... affectionate.

You give her your number, and by the time you're back in your apartment your phone dings with a text:
"MAXIE - ; )"

Followed by the contact info for "DR. CARVIGO - CONFIDENCE TRAINER".