John steps into his house, expecting a storm of questions and accusations, but instead, he's met with nothing but silence, the house seeming completely empty, at least until he hears a soft giggle from upstairs. He follows the sound, his heart pounding in his chest as he imagines the worst.
As he reaches Chloe's room, he finds her standing in front of her mirror, trying on a form-fitting top, one of her old shirts that seems to fit different now. Her hair, now longer and fuller, cascades down her shoulders, and she's checking herself out with an upbeat attitude, a wide smile on her face.
"Hey, John!" she greets him cheerfully, turning to face him. Her voice has a bubbly lilt to it. "I'm just trying on this new top. Don't I look cute? I can't wait to show off at school tomorrow!"
John swallows hard, his mind racing. He needs to find a way to hide Chloe's changes from their parents and Jennifer who should be home any minute. "Chloe, you... you can't stay out here like this!" he stammers, gesturing vaguely at her.
Chloe pouts, her lower lip jutting out in a sulky expression. "Why not? I don't look that bad do I?" With that she looks back at herself in the mirror with a wink, an unnatural confidence surging within her.
John quickly thinks of a plan. "How about you stay in my room for tonight?" he suggests, hoping to buy some time.
Chloe raises an eyebrow at him, a teasing smile playing on her lips. "What, like a sleepover? You're not planning anything naughty, are you, big brother?" she teases, her tone light and playful.
John feels his face heat up at her words. "No! That's... that's gross, Chloe," he stammers, his cheeks burning.
Chloe laughs, nudging him playfully. "I know, I know. I'm just messing with you. Sure, a sleepover sounds fun!"
And with that, John breathes a sigh of relief. He's bought himself some time, but he knows he'll have to find a solution soon. For now, though, he's just glad to have averted a potential disaster. Without wasting any time he hurries Chloe up and helps her gather her things for the night, praying that nobody walks in.