After a few more rounds of superhero posing and giggles, Macy caught sight of a small vintage section tucked near the back of the store. Her eyes lit up with curiosity.
“Ooooh, Jess! Check these out!” Macy called, pulling two retro-style dresses off the rack. “Aren’t these, like, totally adorable?”
Jess walked over, brushing some stray hair from her face. “What is that? A... polka-dot apron?”
Macy held up one of the dresses—a baby-blue, knee-length frock with a full skirt, puffed sleeves, and a matching white apron. “It's so retro! Like, full-on 1950s housewife vibes. We have to try these on!”
Jess groaned. “Macy, seriously? First the maid outfits, then the superheroes, now this?”
Macy just grinned and shoved the dress into Jess’s arms. “Live a little, remember? Besides, it’ll be cute. Just try it on with me. One more outfit and we’re done.”
Reluctantly, Jess followed her back to the dressing rooms, muttering under her breath, “This better not become a trend…”
Once inside, she stripped and stepped into the new outfit. As she smoothed the fabric and tied the apron neatly around her waist, something felt... odd. The dress was light, prim, almost too neat. But at the same time, it felt right. Like she had worn this before. Like she should be wearing it.
“Are you ready?” Macy’s voice called.
Jess opened the door and stepped out.
Macy twirled in her own red polka-dot version of the outfit, holding a frilly oven mitt like a prop. “What do you think?” she asked, beaming.
Jess blinked. “You look lovely, dear,” she said automatically—then paused, frowning. Wait… why did I say it like that?
Macy giggled and smoothed her apron. “You too! You’re totally giving me June Cleaver vibes right now!”
Jess looked down at herself and adjusted her collar, fidgeting with the hem of her skirt. Her posture had straightened, her hands folded neatly in front of her apron. She was smiling softly—demurely. “Well, thank you, darling,” she replied. Then her eyes widened. “I mean—uh, thanks. I guess.”
Macy didn’t seem to notice the slip. Instead, she was already pulling a faux tray of cupcakes from a nearby prop shelf and pretending to serve. “Wouldn’t it be so fun to do a vintage party like this sometime?” she said cheerfully.
Jess, meanwhile, was starting to feel strange. Her voice had softened. Her movements had grown more delicate, more… practiced. “I suppose that would be delightful,” she murmured, brushing imaginary flour from her apron. She clasped her hands neatly behind her back and took a small step toward Macy. “We could bake something simple. Maybe a nice pot roast for the boys after a long day at work…”
She froze. What the hell am I saying? she thought. But instead of reacting, she just smiled more and nodded politely.
Ryan and Billy watched from the back, eyes wide.
“Dude,” Billy whispered, “she’s totally turning into, like, some old-school mom.”
“Yeah. And it’s not just the clothes—look how she’s standing! And talking! That thing must be messing with their minds too.”
“You think Macy notices?”
Ryan narrowed his eyes. “Nope. That ‘awareness off’ setting is doing its job. She’s just vibing. But Jess… she’s fighting it. Kinda.”
Billy smirked. “So what now? You want to keep this housewife fantasy going?”
Ryan grinned mischievously. “Yeah, Let's See How They React To Some Guys!"