As John looked into the mirror with Ruth, nothing could prepare him for what awaited. Both were left completely stunned. It was less looking into a mirror and more akin to staring at a TV screen. They were there but not quite the same, plus the location was most certainly NOT Jamie's bedroom.
In the mirror, the two were inside a circus tent as numerous others passed by them. Ruth could see people getting snacks and buying souvenirs at the stands. They were clowns, though not identical in any way. John was sporting a multicolored, plaid patterned tuxedo, complete with overly large bowtie, pants, and white gloves. A big goofy red smile was painted over his mouth while a red orb held steady on his nose. Thin black lines served as his eyebrows. The top of his head was completely bald while long strands of red hair came down from the sides, reaching his shoulders. Orange freckles scattered across his face while his cheeks bore red circles. On his feet were a typical pair of long floppy shoes, each with a smiley face on the top cap. On the left side of his suit was a pin showcasing what looked to be a logo, though John could not read it.
"Whoa..."
Moving his arms and legs, John was in awe as his reflection did the same. Unlike Jamie, John was more curious than unnerved. His reflection did not possess glasses so when he went to adjust his own the other might as well have adjusted an invisible pair. As John studied his clown doppelganger, Ruth went about doing the same with hers. She seemed to follow a theme. Her costume was slightly mundane compared to John's extravagant attire. Unlike John, she still retained her original blonde hair though it was greatly extended, reaching her back. She wore a black and yellow striped turtleneck sweatshirt, which gave way to a three-layered black skirt with yellow trimmings. Her legs followed the trend with black and yellow striped stockings that gave way to black and yellow ankle cuffs and black floppy mary janes. The same cuffs also occupied her wrists as black gloves covered her hands. Her face was not as excessive as Jamie or Johns. White skin notwithstanding, she bore only black on her lips and an average-sized black ball on her nose. One big difference was her glasses. Unlike her dainty little wayfarers, her reflection was sporting large round blackened shades. A headband with bobbing antennas was worn on the top of her head. Finishing off the costume was a pair of clear plastic insect wings, fastened to her back (how that worked, Ruth had no idea).
A bee clown. She didn't know how to feel about it. Like John, she also had a pin on her costume but couldn't read it. Glancing at her, John whistled.
"Looks good on ya, Ruth!"
"Oh, shut up!"
--------------------------------------------------
As Jamie stared into the bathroom mirror, fear and anxiety had taken hold. She looked at it, the growing, pulsating red...thing that was once her nose. It hurt like hell when touched and it stung like a bastard when she took in deep breaths.
Just what the heck is going on?
Jamie had the sudden urge to cry right now. By all accounts, she should call a friggin doctor but refused. She was still young and self-conscious. The thought of walking in a hospital while everyone stopped to gawk at her bloated schnoz was more terrifying to her. She could see the skin crackling and breaking. As Jamie pondered on what course of action to take, a growing tightness in her nostrils gave her pause.
She was going to sneeze.
There was no avoiding it! Covering her face, she braced herself as the air cocked her head backward and pushed her forward.
*HONK*
The hell?
There was no more pain. Jamie could feel her nose, though it felt nothing like before. It was smooth and felt like a cross between plastic and flesh. Slowly lowering her hands she soon saw a large red ball where her nose used to be. Not only that but a large red smile was now over her lips, outlined in thick black. Jamie then watched in horror as her facial muscles affixed themselves into a permanent grin. She was smiling, showcasing her teeth and happy face to the world. She didn't feel like she was smiling but she was.
"What's happening to me?" She said. The tone in her voice, however, came out as more amused than fearful.
She then screamed.