On Wednesday, two days later, Jade was in her dormitory having hysterics. In just half an hour, she was going to try out for Choir. She hated drawing attention to herself, and singing loudly in public was definitely classified as drawing attention to herself. Why had she chosen such a dusty old song? She could have picked something modern, or even a classical but popular piece. But no, she just had to go with the five hundred year old madrigal.

The door burst open, and Alana and West came in.

"Alright, let's go, up and at 'em," Alana blared, pulling Jade out of bed. "You've got an audition to get ready for."

"I've changed my mind. I'm not going to audition." She made a move for her mattress, but West grabbed her and lifted her to her feet.

"Yes, you are! You've been stressing and practicing nonstop for the past two days- don't think I haven't heard you singing in the shower," said West, handing her a piece of toast. "Now get up."

"I am telling you, I'm not going!" Jade threw the toast onto her dresser and tried to pull her pillow over her head. Alana seized it and tossed it onto the dresser as well, knocking the toast onto the carpet. "And now I'm going to have butter stains on the rug..."

"You are going to audition. You're great, really Jade. Now, let's get you dressed." The two proceeded to raid her wardrobe, flinging sweaters and socks, skirts and dresses to the floor. Their running commentary both offended Jade and made her giggle.

"Ugh, so many sweaters!"

"Does she need this many socks?"

"One cute skirt, just one cute skirt-is that really too much to ask?"

"Ooh, this tie is kind of cute."

"Does she own anything that's not jeans?"

"This sweater will match her eyes!"

"Do you think she could balance in heels?"

"Can't hurt to try."

"She's so obsessive about organizing her clothes."

"Here we go!"

"And with this?"

"Perfection."

Alana and West turned to Jade, holding a variety of clothing. "I think you should wear this," said West, producing a plain white button-down and a green tie with little polka dots.

"And this," said Alana, handing her a fitted green sweater with a V-neck.

"And these," West added, for a pair of green knee-high socks.

"With these." Alana held up a pair of black Mary Jane shoes with heels.

"And don't forget this," West said, finishing off Jade's horror with a pleated, short black skirt. Jade had purchased it on a whim from the official Eaglesclaw Uniforms Store a few months back, but had never had the courage to wear it, or even try it on.

"Are you guys crazy?! I can't wear that. They'll think I've gone insane." If Jade had a choice in the matter, she would have chosen something simple, like a pair of jeans and her button-down and tie. She would have tied a second tie in her hair to keep it out of her face, and used no makeup at all.

"No, they'll think you're gorgeous. Just try it on," Alana said, exasperated. They ushered Jade into the bathroom, and she and West giggled behind their hands.

When Jade emerged, Alana's jaw dropped, and West whistled softly. She looked amazing. The sweater hugged her figure, and the tie and peek of collared shirt made her look preppy and intelligent. She was a good three inches taller in her heels, and she seemed brighter and more confident all around in her skirt. Her robe was no longer shrouding her like a nun's habit. Her long hair was wild and curlier than ever, like a lion's mane around her shoulders.

"I feel like a phony," Jade said, glancing down at herself.

"No, you look amazing," Alana said, giving her best friend a thumbs-up. "Wait until Jack sees you in that!" Jade had harbored a crush on Jack, a fourth year from Merdock, as long as they had known her.

"Now let's go audition!" West whooped, slinging an arm around Jade's shoulders. The two of them marched out to auditions, Jade wobbling slightly in her heels.