Exercise in confidence

Sophie sat up straight, resting her head on her knees. “It’s just… before that whole debacle, I felt like the world was my oyster, you know? Like nothing was out of my reach. I thought I was strong. So when Declan and the others showed me how they manipulated mé, the genius, I not only felt stupid, but for the first time in my life I felt so laughably pathetic. And when they said all that shit about me, I started doubting everything I thought about myself. I guess the reason I never told you, was because I was too ashamed to tell you how much of a loser your little sister is.”

“Sophie,” Carol hugged her sister tightly. “If someone like you is a loser, than the world has no winners.” She let go of Sophie, but kept holding onto her hands, massaging the backs with her thumbs. “I really, really wished you told me this sooner. Not just because I could’ve told you how wrong you are, but wrong they are! I swear, when I get back-“

“But do you really think I look alright?”

“Do you? Because the Sophie I knew never would’ve worn that!” Pointing at the Red Sonja costume.

“That was only because I had to.”

“Maybe, but you were much calmer than usual.“

“Okay, maybe I’m not a complete monstrosity. I’m not cute or hot, but not hideous either.”

“I see we’re not quite done yet.” Carol jumped off the bed. “Stand up, I want to do a little exercise!”

“Oh, lord. What do you have in mind now, Carol?” She slowly dropped of the bed. “What do you want to do? Are you going to take of my bathrobe?”

“No.”

“Thank God.”

“I want you to do it.”

“Come again?”

“Look, I could rip it off of you, but you have to it at your own pace. So whenever you’re ready…”

“You really are crazy, you know that?” Sophie laughed, grabbing the corners of her robe. She closed her eyes, her hands trembling ever so much faster and her breathing much heavier. She opened up her robe and dropped it to the floor.

“See, that wasn’t so bad, now was it?” Carol smiled at her sister. “And you look freaking adorable!”

“You’re my sister, you are supposed to say that.”

“I’m not supposed to say anything, Sophie. I say it because I mean it. I think I know what could help.” She grabbed her sister by her hand, and ran towards the bathroom.

“Whatever happened to doing it at my own pace?”

Carol barged into the bathroom. “Cindy! Karen! Would you date Sophie?” The two stared shocked at the two sisters.

“My God, Carol! At least give them some context!” She sheepishly tried to cover her breasts.

“I want to boost her self-esteem, and since you two are gay, I wanted to hear your opinion.”

Karen collected herself, before saying, “Erm, if you really want to know, I think I might’ve. I mean, you’re pretty cute, and I like being around you.”

“Same here, if you were seven years older I definitely would’ve dated you.”

Sophie awkwardly squeezed her neck. “You really think so?”

“Yes, of course. I think you are quite the catch, you just don’t know it yourself.”

“Good to now that I would be in demand on the gay market, but I’m into guys. Would they be into me?”

“I may know a way for you to find that one out.” A sly grin formed on Carol’s face.

“ARE YOU COMPLETELY OUT OF YOUR MIND?!” Sophie kept knocking on her hotel room door.

“Calm down, Sophie. Just walk straight down to the lobby and say that you locked yourself out. And remember; no covering.”