Interlude (Pt. 1)

Aunt Judy, or more properly Joan Jones, stared at her daughter with worry. It had been 2 days since the pageant, and her daughter had fallen ill with a terrible case of mono the very night they had gotten home. Thankfully, the Doctor had said she'd make a recovery with around a week of R&R.

Judy's phone dinged, a call coming in.

"The Mayor's office? Mandy at the Easter Egg hunt? I...." Joan looked at her ill daughter, about to totally refuse. She was in no condition to walk, let alone go out in public as the local pageant winner! But another thought popped in her head.

"She'd love to come!" Joan replied, knowing Mandy could stay at home and yet, still attend the Hunt.

Lauren adjusted her makeup one more time, and pulled on her bra, settling the breast forms. Repeating that cycle, she fidgeted with everything over and over again, closely examining the full-body mirror. No imperfections. It had been a few days since the pageant, and thankfully, nothing humiliating had occurred; besides for a card expressing Aunt Judy's thanks, Lauren had been mostly left alone. The pageant had terrified Lauren beyond belief, however, burning one memory in her mind: without the proper makeup, clothes, and accessories, Lauren realized she truly looked like an 11 year old. With that thought in mind, Lauren had tread just a bit more carefully around the house, not eager to attract attention on herself.

The thought never left her mind, and for the first two days, she left her room only to go to the gym. After grabbing some coffee with some friends, she was finally headed to the movies with a former Highschool fling.

After adjusting her EE-cup forms in the mirror once more, Lauren slid on her heels, and headed out from her house.

Vanessa sat in the kitchen, watching as Lauren passed, dressed incredibly nice. Watching her sisters movements, she pondered over a thought she'd had a few times the past few days - why did Lauren change so dramatically in the past few days? Her mother's lips were shut.

Lauren, the ice queen, the constant agitator, had been beyond different. More passive, nice, even. Vanessa and Lauren's relationship was never terrible, much how any older and younger sibling relationship would be, but Vanessa always was jealous of Lauren's body. The two rarely talked, mostly bickering over clothes or who'd use the shower.

Vanessa got back to her textbook, letting her thought of Lauren's personality fade. Perhaps she'd had a maturing experience.

Lauren lay in bed, relaxing and just a bit sleepy the day after her long, long movie date. Her phone dinged with a text from her Mom.

'Your cousin Mandy made the local news! Isn't that amazing!' - Mom

Lauren clicked the attached link, an online article popping onto her phone's screen. It was some random article about a local beauty pageant, mostly regarding the amount of money they'd raised, the judges, who all had competed, etc., etc.. The last section made Lauren's eyes expand, and filled her with a sense of horror as a photo filled her screen.

'...After my interview with the judges, I was able to watch the competition, getting to view the local would be-Princess's compete for victory. Mandy Jones, a shy, stout young tyke stole the show, winning every award except 'Most Mature'. I was able to catch up with the crowned Princess Jones as she left her coronation and soon understood why she stole both the judges and audiences heart with her cuteness. First, however, she needed a potty break (and change!) after such a long competition, but her mother allowed me to interview her, and learn about her preparation for the competition.

Mandy isn't involved in any sports, but says she loves helping people, and can't wait for the next release for all her favorite boy bands! A bookish young girl, she seemed all too happy to discuss what'd she just learned in science class. Her mother, meanwhile, covered all their preparation for such a competition, and the many weeks she spent helping design Mandy's beautiful costume. Eventually, the stocky young squirt's tummy growled, and her Mother stewarded along the end of our interview. Mandy, even with her mind on food, gave me a cute hug. The goober stood next to her mom, not appearing tired of being dressed so cutely.

Thankfully, she let me capture a picture of royalty, and updated me on her daughters next plans. If you'd like to see her Princess ship in person, her mother let me know she'll be at both Districts and Newshif's Easter Egg hunt (this Saturday, my article on it here). I'll be covering both events, and I bet Princess Mandy would be more then happy to see you all there! Let's all wish Princess Jones great luck on all her adventures. - Britney Henrys'

Oh. My. God. Lauren could scream. She nearly did, only saving herself from a knock on her door by screaming into her pillow. She was a 'stout young tyke' and a 'stocky young squirt'. The picture attached proved the articles point, showing 'Mandy' in all her glory, with chunky legs, a little tummy, and a beyond flat chest. Her makeup made her look like the next Shirley Temple, the red blush so evident and the shoes gleamed in the photo. Next to her Aunt, she smiled like an absolute dork, the pink sections of her dress looking just a bit off-color. They were...wet. She hadn't peed herself! Just close.

The whole article was a farce! She barely spoke during the interview! She was not bookish! And her stomach hadn't growled. She never hugged Britney, that bitch! Clearly, she was just trying to use it to expand her journalist career. That.....cunt!

Lauren nearly had a coronary when she noticed the likes, comments, and shares of the article. Everyone gushed over her, and there was a comment after comment saying they hadn't known an Easter Egg hunt was happening, but they'd be glad to attend. Stopping herself from throwing her phone at the wall, Lauren took a deep breathe. It was over. She wasn't that girl. She was the sexy girl every man in the neighborhood desired, and every girl wished they were.

Lauren turned on her TV, and planned her day out. Her pride was hurt and she was horrified, but she was certainly not going to let herself ever look like that again.

Susan, Lauren's mother, and Joan knocked on Lauren's door. It was early in the morning, the very Saturday before the Easter Egg hunt. Mandy was at home sleeping, still struggling with her mono.

No response came. They opened the door.