Pink Girl's Dress Code

ii

"God made man stronger but not necessarily more intelligent. He gave women intuition and femininity. And, used properly, that combination easily jumbles the brain of any man I've ever met."
― Farrah Fawcett

I woke up the following morning feeling more excited than I could remember. I felt a new stir within me. It was as though my true soul was finally beginning to awaken from a long slumber. Warm hope spread through my body like wildfire. I remained still and savored this new feeling of self-awareness. My future now seemed limitless and bright. No more chains. I was not going to be a sheep anymore. Now I was a wolf and nothing was going to stop me.

I jumped out of bed, ran to the kitchen and grabbed a large trash bag from under the sink. I hurried to my bedroom and began ripping clothes off of my hangers. I threw my baggiest clothes in the bag and then began working on my drawers. I was so happy as the bag began to fill up. My past was dead. Gone. Just a dark shadow in my memory.

At ten thirty, I stopped working and got myself ready to go. After a shower and snack, I left the house. The bus ride took thirty minutes and stopped a few blocks from the address Mary Ann had given me. I had never been to this part of town. The houses were large and beautiful. I felt very out of place, like a rhinoceros at a table of unicorns.

"Cory!"

I turned to see Mary Ann in a light yellow sundress. She was waving happily and I felt her mood lift even further. I ran to my new friend but stilled when Mary Ann hugged me. The only girl who's ever hugged me was my mom. I wasn't sure what to do.

"Come on inside," she said. "The girls are waiting for you."

"Wait, what?"

"Oh, I'm sorry, I should have said something yesterday." She took me into the house. I was immediately ambushed by three other girls and drowned in hugs. When I was set free and able to breathe, I took a look at them and came to one conclusion. They were all flawless. They all looked so amazing, I felt as though I was in the company of royalty. One by one, the stepped forward and introduced themselves.

"I'm Carrie," said the blonde girl with perfect glossy hair, and stunning green eyes.

"I'm Nancy," said the tall, blue-eyed red head.

"I'm Daisy," said the slender girl with caramel skin and dark brown curls.

"I'm Cory."

"Mary Ann told us about your unfortunate circumstances," said Nancy.

"And the changes you want to make," said Carrie.

"So we all agreed to help you reach your goal," said Daisy.

"I have to ask if it's really something you're willing to commit to," said Nancy. "It's an every day strive for excellence."

"Being a Pink Girl is not something that should be taken lightly," said Daisy. "And it's not just our appearance we consider important. A Pink Girl should achieve excellent grades, be involved in an extracurricular activity, keep herself healthy and clean, be lady-like, and most of all, a Pink Girl must be her own individual. In your case, all you should change is your look and the way you carry yourself."

"We can help with all of that," said Mary Ann. "So, Cory. Do you want to be a Pink Girl?"

I thought quickly about what being a Pink Girl entailed. The requirements were basic and I already met some of them. I always brought home high grades, and I was on the softball team. I already ate pretty healthily, allowing myself only an occasional junky snack. I looked at Mary Ann and nodded.

"Alright, let's get started!" Mary Ann motioned for the group to follow and she brought the group into her bedroom. My mouth fell open. Her room was so girly and clean. Everything had a place. The scent of strawberry filled my nose. The walls were a light pastel pink and the room was accented with gold and white. "We're going to get the hard part out of the way."