Phase I.IV- Image revamp

"Well, what do you think? Leah, mom?"

Phoebe just looked in silence, in her oversized greyish pink t-shirt and jeans. Leah was a little bit more enthused with her new wool sweater and black capri pants. Her ponytail was tied with a bow.

"You pull that off, mom." Leah smiled as she eyed her mother in her blue button-up top and her grey pencil skirt, separated by a belt. Patty, in turned, raised her painted eyebrows flashed a smile with her full red lips, and fluttered her eyes, revealing the eye shadow.

"Thanks, Leah!" Patty turned to Phoebe. "See, mom, some people know how to give feedback."

"But, what, why, how..." Phoebe was flustered.

"Well, I bought these at some department stores around town. I had to buy a lot, but it was well worth it. Once the ladies here see all the variety, they won't hit me on style. Oh, and I found this lovely spa. Leah and I went there."

"It was splendid. They give you so many products and you just have the most relaxing experience!" Leah gushed as she showed her grandmother her fresh skin, heightened cheekbones and her own pink lipstick. "And they have a special product that gave mom. Made her look younger."

Phoebe looked back at her daughter. She did look younger. Much as her friends had. Fresher, beautiful. Her hair also looked longer, even if it was tied up in victory rolls.

"But, why, why this image?"

"Mom, I keep telling you, I need to appeal to these people, and they seem to be more receptive when you dress like them."

"I think it's great." Leah seemed to be more euphoric. "She also bought some clothes for me for Stepford U."

"I thought you had clothes already." Phoebe dreaded the answer.

"Well, they have guidelines there for 'proper attire.' They're reasonable, and I just want to fit in."

"Right....."

"Speaking of," Patty put her hands together. "I'm so glad you're taking classes to keep your mind sharp."

"Yeah, a year here, I might be well enough when I return to Yale. Plus, it has a good gymnastics program, that I was graciously let into! And the SSCCAA has no problem with trans athletes!"

"The SSC... What?"

"The Stepford and Sister Cities College Athletic Association. They manage the college sports in Stepford and its sister cities."

"No NCAA?"

"No, they don't have jurisdiction. It's some deal that was done a while ago. I didn't catch all of it." Leah just twirled her ponytail.

"Well, I'm proud of you, and we're really setting up roots here." Patty's watch beeped.

"Oh, my, I must go, I have an interview with a morning show." Patty kissed her mom and Leah. "Bye, you two. Leah, make sure to try on some of those clothes."

"Bye, Mommy." Leah giggled.

"Mommy?" Phoebe noted as her daughter left.

"I dunno, I've been happier since I left the spa. A lot more relaxed. Mom, too."

"And what was this spa?"

"Stepford Serenity. It's so nice." Leah's phone rang a bit.

"Oh, it's Sam?"

"The mayor's .... kid?"

"Yeah, we've been texting."

"Does your mother know you've been texting her opponent's dau... child?"

"I'm just waiting to tell her, grandma." Leah looked embarassed.

"Relax kiddo, I'm not gonna tell." Phoebe laughed. It felt nice to have a bit of brevy as strange things happened around her.

"Thanks, grandma." Leah hugged her grandmother. "I'm going to try some clothes upstairs."

Leah skipped over, as Phoebe's mood dampened again.

She booted up her laptop, and searched "Stepford Serenity."

She was going to get some answers.