At that moment the door opened and in walked Mrs. Stein, the vice-principle of the school. Jennifer squealed at the sudden interruption. Her hands flew to cover what could not be so easily covered. Mrs. Stein, by comparison did not react in the slightest.
"Ms. Smith," she said curtly, "aren't you going to be late for class?"
"Ahh ... the bell has not rung yet. I still have a few minutes and it isn't far." Jennifer was at a loss for words. For some reason she had thought that anyone who saw her would be shocked by her change.
"You should get going," Mrs. Stein said. "I hope you are not planning on making this a half-day like so many of the other students."
"No. I didn't at first. There is no place for a cheer-leader than at school for Spirit-Day before the big game."
"I see." Mrs. Stein looked Jennifer up and down seeming to notice the two basket-ball halves stuck to her body. "And presumably you have come in here to put on some sort of costume?"
"Costume?" Jennifer was confused, but and idea was also quickly forming.
"Yes, the incredibly obvious costume top, that you are so poorly hiding from me." Mrs. Stein indicated Jennifer's altered form, "Is this a part of your school-spirit?"
"Maybe," Jennifer said letting her arms drop to her sides. "I was just trying on part of the costume to see how it looked. Do you think it violates the school dress code?"
Mrs. Stein was a teacher of many years. She had seen many different and weird things in the halls of high-schools. The one thing that she knew never changed was that teens had a habit of trying to push the boundaries of what was allowed. "Ms. Smith, I would have thought that you would have come to get approval from me or the Principle before deciding to tryout new outfits."
"Oh, certainly, only I just thought of this last night and ..."
"And, aside from the bare shoulders and visible navel, I don't see how this could offended too much."
"Yes. Which is why I was trying it on in the bathroom before letting anyone else see it and ..."
"Will this be a running theme, Ms. Smith? Shall we expect football bras for that game and volleyballs for next week?" Mrs. Stein stood with arched brow looking at Jennifer. What was the answer that would let Jennifer out of this situation.
"No, Mrs. Stein. Not without your express opinion." Jennifer hung her head a little to show she really felt bad.
"Good. Very well, Ms. Smith, you obviously spent a great deal of time on this top so I guess you can wear it through the lunch period. But it should come off for the afternoon classes. Do I make myself clear?"
Jennifer nodded. She tried to not smile as she gathered her things. She tried to not laugh as she left the rest-room. And she tried to not run as Mrs. Stein watched walk to her next class. She passed the door to the room as the bell sounded; safe and with a ready excuse for any prying questions.