𝒀𝒐𝒖❜𝒓𝒆 𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒆| 𝑹𝒊𝒔𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒌 𝒍𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒆𝒔

𝟏.𝟑

Charlotte and Jane sat side by side at the sewing machines, surrounded by the hum of anticipation in the home economics classroom. The teacher, a middle-aged woman with an air of authority, began her introductory speech.

"We will be studying the essential skills of a modern woman," the teacher declared, her voice carrying across the room. "Cooking, cleaning, rearing children, sewing, and budgeting of the home. What else does the modern woman need to know?"

As the teacher walked around, Charlotte couldn't help but roll her eyes discreetly. The curriculum seemed archaic and limiting to her. She had always yearned for something more, a life beyond the domestic sphere. This class was shaping up to be a disappointing detour from her true passions.

To her dismay, Susan seized the opportunity to mock Jane. With a bright smile, she sneered, "I heard Jane could teach us a few things."

She turned around swiftly to face Jane, her heart sinking at the devastation she saw in her friend's eyes. She reached out and gently grasped Jane's hand, providing a reassuring squeeze. Her kind smile spoke volumes, she really hoped that they could find a way to fix this.

Once the teacher left the room, the sound of bustling activity filled the air as some of the girls eagerly began their assigned tasks. She watched as Cynthia, in her usual spirited manner, quickly shed the apron as if it were the plague. The redhead couldn't help but smile at Cynthia's comic antics, finding solace in her friend's lightheartedness amidst the stifling atmosphere of the class.

Just as Charlotte was about to settle into her own sewing task, she was caught off guard when Olivia, who was positioned directly across from her, spoke up. "You know, you're right, Susan," Olivia said, directing her words toward Lottie. The blonde-haired girl turned her gaze toward Olivia, her expression a mix of confusion and curiosity. "I think Jane could teach us a few things about those kinds of girls."

The remark from Olivia sent a wave of perplexity through her mind. What was she insinuating? She glanced over at Jane, whose face displayed a mix of concern and uncertainty. Susan, on the other hand, wore a victorious smile, clearly reveling in the attention her earlier comment had garnered.

Before she could voice her confusion, Olivia continued, standing up from her seat and leaning closer to Susan, as if sharing a secret. "I have a cousin in New York who knows Jane," Olivia whispered, loud enough for most of the girls to hear. The tension in the room grew palpable as the attention turned toward Olivia's revelation. Charlotte and Jane exchanged puzzled glances, unsure of what was unfolding before them.

As the hushed whispers and speculative gazes circulated among the girls, Charlotte felt a mixture of concern and protectiveness towards Jane. She had just met Jane however she did hope to be Good Friends so to see her potentially being targeted or misunderstood was disconcerting.

Olivia continued her animated explanation as she made her way towards Nancy and Cynthia, who wore mischievous smiles on their faces, seemingly in on the plan. Lottie observed the trio curiously, her confusion deepening. What were they up to?