The Perfection Trials

Alex snorted at the small “show time,” but hugged the binder close. “I think I could get away with putting it on.”

“Do it,” Sadie said, gesturing towards the bathroom. “This is your moment.”

Alex grinned and rushed into the bathroom with their binder.

Sadie sat down on the edge of the bed and pulled out all the clothes. She’d look forward to changing into them after a shower. It’d been a while since she’d had clean clothes. She felt along the hem of the other articles of clothing and found an additional tracker in the right leg of her pants as well as around the waist. Clearly they expected her to only look for the one. But she was smarter than that. Smarter than them.

Alex stumbled out of the bathroom with no hoodie and a flat chest. Their shirt was a faded and stretched grey t-shirt, their arms were littered in small, circular scars.

"Look, Sadie!" Their grin was the biggest it has ever been, teeth all slightly crooked and imperfect.

Sadie grinned back. “You look so good, dude! How’s it feel?”

"This is the best feeling ever!" Alex bounced on xer heels, grin only growing wider and wider. "I can't believe how good I look!"

“You look amazing,” Sadie said with a grin. “I’m so happy for you.”

"Thank you!" Alex went in to hug her but quickly froze and crossed their arm.

Sadie hesitated, looking at them. Well now this was awkward. She opened her arms invitingly. “You can hug me, if you like. It’s okay.”

Alex smiled and hugged her gently. “Thank you.”

“Of course.” Sadie returned the embrace, letting them decide how long it was going to last.

Alex stepped back, not wanting to make her uncomfortable. “I felt the chip in it. I’m sure we could take them out and put in our shoes or something. Some place more removable.”

Sadie nodded. “I figure may as well leave them in place for now. Just need to know where they are in case we need to run, you know? They have two in the pants. Sneaky jerks.”

“Check the socks. I found more there.” Alex admired themselves in the full length mirror, trying not to look too stupid.