In Between Codes

Chapter 9

At that, Tamy instinctively glanced down at her skirt and then tugged it down, pulling it as low as she could, as though trying to make sure it covered more of her legs. Her hands froze there for a moment, realizing how much she had been neglecting the finer details.

"I'll work on it. Thanks, Anja," she said.

Anja winked at her. "You'll get the hang of it. Just keep learning." With that, she gave Tamy a quick pat on the shoulder and left, leaving Tamy alone with her thoughts.

****

At cheerleading practice, Stephanie gathered everyone together. "Alright, listen up, girls. Sunday, the boys are playing a very important game. It's critical—if they win, they'll qualify for the finals. We need to show them all the support we can, so we'll be cheering during the game. That means we need to meet at the field at 3:30 p.m. Got it?"

The team nodded in agreement. "Got it!" they all responded.

"Great. Now let's get to practice!" Stephanie called, clapping her hands to get them moving.

Tamy threw herself into the training, giving it her best. But it was clear her mind wasn't fully in the game. She kept drifting, imagining the trip to the shopping mall she and Laura had planned. What would she buy? What pieces would help her build her new wardrobe?

As practice wrapped up, Laura approached her with a bright smile. "Are you ready to go?" she asked, practically bouncing on her heels. "My mom's picking us up in a few minutes."

Tamy blinked, caught off guard. "Wait, I thought we'd each go home first, then meet up at the mall?"

Laura shrugged with a grin. "That's one way, but I thought it would be easier if we shower and change at my place first."

Tamy hesitated. "But... I don't have any clothes with me."

Laura's smile grew wider. "I know! That's why I figured it would be better if you borrow some of mine. It'll be fun!" she said, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Tamy couldn't help but grin back. The idea of spending more time with Laura, trying on clothes, clothes that fit and were age appropriate, and really diving into this new side of herself made her heart race with anticipation.

"I'm in," Tamy said, her voice filled with excitement. 

****

Laura's room was exactly what Tamy had imagined—utterly girly and a perfect reflection of Laura's personality. Cheerleading trophies lined one shelf, a vanity with neatly arranged makeup sat by the wall, and scattered throughout were a few teddy bears and Barbies, seemingly placed with care. But what really caught Tamy's attention was the rack of trendy clothes: dresses, skirts, shirts, and shoes that seemed to whisper possibilities.

"I'll jump in the shower," Laura said, grabbing a towel. "You go ahead and pick something you'd like to wear in the meantime."

Tamy's eyes wandered over the fabrics, the colors, and the styles, each piece feeling like a new opportunity. She ran her fingers along a soft, silky fabric, then held up a bright pink tutu.

"Hey, Samantha!" Tamy called out. "Can you help me choose?"

"Of course!" came the reply. "What style are you thinking?"

Tamy paused, reflecting on her earlier conversation with Anja. She didn't want to go overboard. She took out her phone and open Samantha's interface "Sam, I something cute, but sober," she typed. "I want to look laid-back but still... put together. You know?"

Samantha took a moment before replying with a suggestion: take the white flowy top and pair it with high-waisted shorts and the light cardigan that sits on the rack. "This will look great on you," Samantha added.