Ozymandias Academy

Part 3

After the dance, Linda took it upon herself to give Elle a complete makeover. Elle intensely regretted feigning interest in the new scarf Linda had gotten for her, although she did genuinely like it. It brought a little something extra to her style that she couldn't deny was exciting. But most of Linda's plans for her included colors and - heaven forfend - sparkles. Which Elle just couldn't handle. She lost it when Linda placed a large ornamental flower clip on her hijab.

"Okay, Linda, look. I appreciate what you're doing for me, here. But this is just a little bit too much." Elle removed the flower and looked down at it with disgust. It was just so large and pink. How would anyone take her seriously dressed up like this? She supposed people really liked Linda, but that seemed to be more related to her personality than the way she dressed. And besides, Linda's personality matched this kind of style, while Elle's decidedly did not.

"You mean you don't like it?" Linda pouted. Elle tried to come up with a polite excuse, but Linda perked up almost immediately and went on. "Oh well. I can still show you some things about shoes, how to fix your hair -"

"Really?" Elle raised an eyebrow at her.

Linda smiled awkwardly. "Oops. Sorry. Not that one. But if you don't want to talk about clothes anymore, I can teach you how to talk to boys, like how to flirt and stuff. Ooh, and I can show you how to be good at sports -"

"Wait. I don't see what sports has to do with anything," Elle said. She was getting more confused by the minute. "Boys, though, that makes sense."

"Oh good! You're right, that would definitely be helpful. I saw you at the dance, you're kind of hopeless." Linda let out a short laugh. "This will definitely put you on the fast track to becoming more popular. It's all about being able to talk to anyone at any time."

"I hate talking to people," Elle mumbled.

"That's what I'm here for!" Linda trilled. She was a little too excited about the prospect of whipping Elle into shape. "The first thing to do is always seem interested in what they have to say. Lean in, and smile, and make sure to show your teeth." Linda demonstrated, leaning forward and resting her chin on her hand, elbow braced on her leg. She then revealed her blindingly white smile.

Elle rolled her eyes. "That's all fine, but when does the actual talking come in? And what am I supposed to do if I'm standing up?"

Shrugging, Linda straightened her back. "I guess just be yourself when it comes to talking. Well, maybe not yourself. Try to be me!"

"Oh, perfect." Elle rolled her eyes again, but she knew Linda was only trying to help. Still, she had had it with the makeover. "Look, I've had a really nice time with you, but I have to go."

Linda frowned, giving Elle her trademark sad blue eyes. "Go? Go where?"

Unfortunately for Linda, Elle was immune to the look. "I promised Jenna I'd hang out with her at 1."

Scowling, Linda folded her arms and sat back in her chair. "Why do you spend so much time with her anyway? She's not even a Wizardry student."

"She's my best friend. We've known each other for ages, and since we don't live together anymore I hardly ever see her. I miss her," Elle explained.

Linda made another face, but waved Elle off with a hand. "Yeah, yeah. Go have fun with your friend. I'll just have to entertain myself on my own."

"I'm sure you'll survive without me." With that, Elle picked up her bag and shut the door behind her.

"What's she done this time?" Jenna asked. She loved her friend, she really did, but she couldn't exactly understand how having a roommate who seemed obsessed with you was a bad thing. Her own roommate was hardly ever home, and she spent a lot of time reading her textbooks and wandering around the Academy, exploring.