by Lari Smythe
* * *
The next morning I decided to tone it down a few notches. Maybe it would be better if I eased into the new Izzy. Truth is—while it was a little embarrassing—I liked the attention. It did however occur to me that too much attention could be a problem. I needed the ability to slip away unnoticed if things got too much. If the way the guys acted last night was any indication of how it would be in school I wasn't going anywhere unnoticed dressed like that. I tamed it down with a pair of skinny jeans and my old V neck blouse.
Jason seemed pleased with my choice although not as excited as he was at the cages. The guys didn't really say or act any different around me. For them it was obviously a step back—that was okay for now. It wasn't until lunch that I got any indication from the girls. Sure, Mrs. Snyder the art teacher said I looked nice, but that was it. I sat with Jason and his friends like usual. Across the aisle from us, Lisa was sitting with her back to me next to Derrick. The girl across from her said something about me, and Lisa glanced over her shoulder.
"Dude," Derrick said, getting up and going to talk to Andy.
Lisa glanced at me again. She turned back to her friend across the table. "So I guess she's probably trying to dress better. I can't say I understand Jason's taste, but hey, at least it looks like she's trying."
Her friend leaned across the table. "Someone should tell her about the tanning salon."
They laughed and the conversation changed to more relevant gossip. It seems Tammy Applegate's father caught her making out with Eric Johnson and he was going to talk to Eric's father. They expected fireworks—the police might even be called.
On the way home I asked Jason how I looked. He said I looked fine, but like in the morning it lacked the enthusiasm I was hoping for. Guess I was going to have to find a middle ground. The one good part, Jason's mom thought I looked nice. I did my homework while they ate, then afterwards, we played Egyptian Rat Screw. With my reflexes I could have easily won, but I had to be careful not to slap the card pile on or under Jason's mother's hand.
I spent a great deal of that night going through my wardrobe. By morning I had it narrowed down to two choices, the skinny jeans and a silk top, or a skirt with stockings. I was pretty sure the jeans option wouldn't get much of a reaction so I went with the skirt—fingers crossed it wasn't too much. The Warrior blue V-neck sweater covered much better than the white blouse and the embroidery at the wrists was a nice accent. The black skirt was the same length as the red one, but there were no landings to worry about, so that wouldn't be an issue. I chose a pair of pattern stockings, high heels—although not the spiky ones—and a silver necklace to complete the look. The long sleeves and the pattern on the stockings covered my skin adequately so I didn't need to worry about the sun. Even so, I decided to put on my coat before I left the room—no need to antagonize Jason's mother.
Jason's curiosity was definitely peaked. He finished breakfast quickly and ushered me out to his Jeep, and on the ride to school he kept glancing down at my legs. I was eager to show off what I'd put together.
"Now that's what I'm talking about," Jason said. He had his arm around me before I even hung up my coat.
"I thought you might like it."
"Mind if we head up front to meet Alex and Matt?"
"No, that should be fun."
Jason's pace up the hall was more a stroll than a walk. I think he was enjoying the attention as much as I.
"What are you looking at?" A girl said to the boy she was walking with—slapping his shoulder at the same time.
"What?" The boy complained.
"Nice," Joe said, as he rolled around us, headed the other way.
Jason was beaming, and I think I was too. As luck would have it, a bus was unloading as we reached the foyer. The double takes and whistles were great.
"I guess the girls are just noticing you?" I said.
"Right." Jason squeezed me. He hesitated, but then leaned down and kissed me.
"Augh hum." Someone cleared their throat. "That's not appropriate."
"Sorry," I said pulling away from Jason. "Ms. Moore!"
"Miss Faulkner?"
"I've been meaning to stop by your office—I've just been so busy with—"
She glanced down at her watch. "Why don't we take a few minutes now."
"I'm sorry," Jason mouthed silently.
"You'll wait for me?" I asked.
"Absolutely."
"The same goes for you Mr. Whitaker. I'm surprised, I thought you would have shown Miss Faulkner a little more respect." Ms. Moore led me to her office and then closed the door behind us. "You can put your books on the corner of my desk."
"Okay." I complied, a little confused.
"Stand straight and put your arms by your sides."
I did as she said.
Ms. Moore looked surprised. "You're aware there is a school dress code?"
"Yes, Ma'am."
"Your dress must be below your finger tips. Preferably a few inches longer."
"I didn't know that." I reached my hand down my side and could barely reach the hem.
"Yes, I know your dress meets the letter of the rule. Your sweater—although cut lower than I would like—also meets the requirements. No exposed undergarments."
"I was just trying to fit in. I didn't mean to break any rules."
"Have a seat." She waited until I sat down and then motioned toward my skirt. "A few inches would be a good thing."
I hadn't really thought about sitting down, but her point was obvious. I tugged at the hem as she sat down in the chair next to me.
"How have you been?" Her tone was more congenial.
"Good."
"I was hoping for a little more than that."
"Well, I'm doing well in my classes and trying to fit in like you said."
Her brow rose momentarily. "I suppose you missed a little on the conservative side the first time—"
"You know about that?"
She winked. "And I think we agree you missed a little on the risqué side this time, but you're getting close."
"Really?"
"Bring that neckline up a little and take the hemline down and I think you'll have it."
"Thanks."
"You're a beautiful young lady, Izzy. The boy's are only human, give them a chance, they are easily distracted." She got up. "Save the kissing for a more appropriate place, and don't forget to drop by, my door is always open."
Jason was waiting outside the office. "Man, I'm so sorry." He reached to put his arm around me, but I caught his hand and pressed it down to my side.
"How about we just hold hands, for now."
"Sure, that works."
I noticed Ms. Moore's smile from the door as we started down the hall. Jason continued to apologize until we were around the corner and Matt whistled.
"Hey, guys," Jason said, dropping my hand to wrap his arm around me.
"Dang girl," Matt said. "Looks like this is a permanent thing."
"Doesn't she look great?" Jason bragged.
"I'd say."
The rest of the day went pretty much like that—gawks and whistles from the guys and under the breath snide comments from the girls. It kind of looked like you couldn't really fit in with both. With the girls you were either invisible or competition, and with the guys, invisible or eye candy.