Scenario:Jessica - First Step to a New Me
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First Step to a New Me
Ayer is flabbergasted to find his sister with short hair one day. Jessica sits down with him in the Grandcypher's dining hall and explains how this change came about.
Ayer awakens in his now-tidy room and realizes the difference that cleaning up makes.
Ayer: Yawn... Sis didn't drop by today.
A glance at the clock on the wall reveals that Ayer has overslept.
Jessica didn't come by to wake him up as usual.
Ayer: (She didn't come yesterday either...)
Ayer: (Could she... Nah, I'm just overthinking it.)
Jessica: M-morning, Ayer! Nice to see you're finally awake.
Ayer: Yep... Morning, Sis.
Ayer: (She was probably just busy today...)
Jessica: Nice to see you're keen on breakfast today! The bacon is fresh off the grill!
Ayer: Mm-hm, got it.
As Ayer prepares to fill his plate with food, he notices something amiss.
Ayer: Whoa! What's with your hair!
Ayer had grown so accustomed to the long hair of his sister.
To see it cut so short comes as a big shock.
Jessica: Phew, I was almost afraid you wouldn't notice.
Ayer: That's besides the point... What happened? Has someone been bullying you?
Jessica: Calm down, Ayer! It's nothing serious!
Jessica: Maybe you can hear me out while having breakfast.
Ayer: Yeah, wait a sec for me while I grab my food.
With breakfast in hand, Ayer takes a window seat opposite from Jessica.
Jessica: You see, I took a day off from the crew yesterday.
Ayer: Oh... Explains why you weren't around.
Jessica: Yeah, I did a bit of shopping. And also...
Ayer listens intently about his sister's day off.
First Step to a New Me: Scene 2
A day prior, Jessica had gone shopping with Korwa, La Coiffe, and Lamretta. Despite buying new clothes and perfume, she still felt like her same old self. While taking a break at a cafe, the girls' encouragement pushed Jessica to consider getting a new hairstyle.
Yesterday, the crew made landfall on an island replete with shopping facilities.
Jessica: Wow... It sure is crowded out here...
Korwa: This island's gained a reputation for having so many fancy shops in one place.
Korwa: We're lucky (Captain)'s next assignment just happens to be on this island!
Korwa: I'm certain you'll find some sort of inspiration here, Jessica!
Jessica: Mm-hm! I'm keeping my fingers crossed!
Korwa: But first we meet up with the helpers I called on.
Jessica: You're really going out of your way to support me in this effort. Thank you...
Things took an unexpected turn after Jessica discussed her concerns with Korwa days earlier.
Jessica: Change my outfit? You mean like... a makeover?
Korwa: Exactly—a makeover! Seems like the perfect way to find the new you!
Jessica: You might be right! I hadn't considered that option!
Jessica: How exactly do you think I should go about it though?
Korwa: Checking out a clothing shop's selection should give you ideas! Let's go shopping on our next break!
Korwa: It's only when you see the clothing in person and touch the fabric for yourself that you can decide what's right for you.
Jessica: As much as I appreciate this, I hope I won't be taking up too much of your time...
Korwa: Oh, it's no bother at all! I want to be there for a clothing makeover.
Korwa: For occasions like this though, it's best to have a variety of opinions.
Korwa: I'll ask a few friends to see if they can help! Expect good things!
Jessica: Wow, thanks! I'm looking forward to it!
La Coiffe: Sorry to keep you waiting! We got a bit lost in the massive crowds.
Lamretta: I'd heard about this place, but it's that much more impressive to see in person. The girls here are all about the latest fashion trends.
Jessica: La Coiffe! Lamretta! You two are the help that Korwa mentioned?
Korwa: Yep, that's right! I asked them to scope out some good shops in advance for us.
La Coiffe: This is gonna be such a blast!
La Coiffe: La Coiffe, Helper #1, at your service!
La Coiffe: Makeovers are sooo much fun! I'm glad to be part of this! Leave the makeup and perfume to me!
Korwa: And of course, we can't forget Lamretta—the crew's poster girl for a perfect makeover!
Lamretta: Yep, Helper #2 here! I'll help out any way I can!
Lamretta: Really though, it's just a chance for me to hang out with Korwa and La Coiffe.
Jessica: I really appreciate this either way! Thank you so much, you two!
Both Girls: (She's the mature type!)
Korwa: Now that self-introductions are done with, lead the way, you two!
La Coiffe: Sure thing! But first thing's first! Do you have an image of yourself in mind, Jessica?
La Coiffe: Are you going for a girly look? Or a more mature look?
Jessica: Sorry, I haven't really thought that through...
La Coiffe: Not a problem! We'll just pop into the first shop that looks good! Well, let's get going!
Korwa: Way to keep it simple! Can't wait to see the places you chose!
And so begins Jessica's journey of self-discovery.
Jessica: I'm finding it hard to stay focused on a single thing...
Korwa: I guess you don't come to big shops like this often?
Jessica: The last time was when I picked out a yukata.
Jessica: But yeah, it's definitely been a while since I stepped into a women's clothing shop.
Korwa: All the more reason to enjoy yourself! By the way, anything catch your eye yet?
Jessica: I spotted some items that might look good on me, but...
Jessica brings a few pieces of clothing to Korwa.
Jessica: I get the feeling this isn't any different from the usual me...
Korwa: Lovely! Knowing your preferences is already a big step!
Korwa: Try these on! You might find that they present you in just enough of a different light!
Jessica: Hm, you think so?
Korwa: Absolutely. Finding clothes that are perfect for you may as well be a once-in-a-lifetime encounter.
Lamretta's Voice: Gah! The really nice dress that was just here is gone!
Jessica: L-Lamretta...
Korwa: You see? When you pass on something you might want, it won't always be there later.
Korwa: Might as well spare yourself the potential despair of such a depressing bad ending.
Jessica: You have a point... I'll be right back!
Korwa: Mm-hm. And I suppose I should help Lamretta look for another dress...
Jessica: I ended up buying the clothes...
La Coiffe: Jessica, Lamretta, you two were absolutely adorable in the fitting room!
Jessica: Ehehe... Thanks!
Jessica: I'm glad you found something for yourself too, Lamretta!
Lamretta: Korwa is amazing... She found something better than what I initially had my eyes on.
Jessica: (The clothes I went with aren't too different from my usual look though...)
Jessica: (As cute as they are, I'm not sure if they're enough for the makeover I'm looking for...)
With new clothes in hand along with a smidgen of uncertainty, the group makes for the next shop.
They come to a place specializing in perfumes and cosmetics.
La Coiffe: Do you have a preferred fragrance, Jessica?
Jessica: Hm, you know... I've never really thought about that.
Jessica: The perfume I'm currently using is a hand-me-down from my mom. Since I've gotten used to it, I find it really soothing.
La Coiffe: Let's see... A light, soothing vanilla fragrance! Lovely!
La Coiffe: I'll introduce you to a few brands along those lines!
Jessica: Thanks! Also, I wouldn't mind trying something that's a bit out of my comfort zone.
La Coiffe: Great! Hm, I'm not sure a pungent spicy perfume would be a good match...
La Coiffe: For someone with a mature personality like you, I'm thinking maybe a touch of citrus could work!
Jessica: You think so? I'd love to try it out then!
La Coiffe: A vanilla fragrance with subtle citrus notes—you smell wonderful, Jessica!
La Coiffe: The fresh, balmy scent couldn't suit you better!
Lamretta: If you could turn this scent into a cocktail, I'd drink it in a heartbeat—
Lamretta: Ah! I mean it's so nice that even I feel refreshed!
Jessica: None of the other perfumes I tested work for me though...
Jessica: Sorry for the trouble you went through picking them out, La Coiffe.
La Coiffe: Hey, don't worry about it. I found a decent one for myself.
La Coiffe: Besides, putting on perfume that doesn't agree with you isn't doing yourself any favors.
Lamretta: You can't exactly block the scent after all, so definitely go with something you find pleasant.
Lamretta: Anyhoo, I love the perfume you have on right now, Jessica.
La Coiffe: Heheh. I recommend it with flying colors!
Jessica: (As nice of a fragrance as it is, I can't deny I'm a bit disappointed at myself for not choosing something entirely new...)
Jessica: (Is this makeover really going to work out for me?)
Korwa: Okay, why don't we stop by a cafe for a break? To rest our weary legs!
Lamretta: Agreed! I'll show you guys a good place!
La Coiffe: Ooh, Lamretta's leading the way! Does that mean we'll be going to a bar in the middle of the day?
Lamretta: C'mon, La Coiffe, you came with us when we scouted the place out! It's a ritzy cafe!
Lamretta: Phew! We sure came away with a big haul today, huh?
Lamretta takes a good look at the bevy of shopping bags they've stacked onto a corner seat.
Jessica: Yeah... I'm just sorry I have trouble making up my mind on what exactly I'm looking for.
La Coiffe: It's nothing to apologize for! That's what shopping's all about!
Korwa: Trying to figure out what you want is part of the fun.
Korwa: Besides, you did find yourself a charming new set of clothes and perfume!
Jessica: Oh, I'm definitely pleased about that! I'm just not sure it's enough for a makeover...
Jessica: If I could just be absolutely sure that this is going to become the new me... But I'm being kind of wishy-washy about it...
Jessica: I guess I can't really change myself so easily...
Unable to stand seeing Jessica like this any longer, Lamretta speaks up.
Lamretta: Jessica, getting a makeover doesn't mean you have to become an entirely new person.
Jessica: Huh?
Lamretta: You're out here shopping with us today because you want a makeover, right?
Lamretta: The fact that you're taking action instead of just talking about it shows that your transformation has already begun.
Lamretta: If you ask me, taking that very first step is the most integral part to change.
Jessica: Lamretta...
Lamretta: I went through a phase where I cut off all contact with my parents. Yeah, I'm not proud of it...
Lamretta: But thanks to the crew, I worked up the courage to finally face my parents and talk things out.
Lamretta: Nowadays, I send them a letter along with a little souvenir once a month! The old me never would've come this far.
Lamretta: Yet I'm still a big drinker. So you could also say I haven't changed all that much!
Lamretta: Anyhoo, I think it's perfectly fine if you're still largely the same.
Lamretta: Having already taken that first step, more changes will follow soon enough... At least that's what I think.
Lamretta: Oh sorry, I didn't mean to get serious all of a sudden! Guess I'm still the same old me in many ways!
Nodding in agreement, Korwa chimes in.
Korwa: Some people change to adapt to a new environment—whether it be a new job or a new residence.
Korwa: But like Lamretta was trying to get at, that's not the only way to change.
La Coiffe: To give another example, you can change your hairstyle and replace your entire wardrobe to give off a completely different impression...
La Coiffe: Or you could change the small accessories and put on slightly different perfume and makeup...
La Coiffe: Even the smaller changes that don't stand out too much—if done intentionally—are a brave step forward in my opinion!
Korwa: Exactly! The point is, makeovers come in all types!
Jessica: I see...
Jessica: I might've been in too much of a rush...
Jessica: Trying my hardest to keep up with something that's constantly changing...
Jessica: But hearing everyone's thoughts made me realize it's okay to let loose a bit.
Jessica: Maybe it'll be easier to pinpoint what exactly I find lacking if I think calmly about it.
Korwa: Haha, that's the spirit! Hope you're all ready for round two of the day once we put a little something in our stomachs!
Lamretta: While we're here though, maybe we can try the specialty pancakes. It's nice to have something different once in a while!
La Coiffe: Nice idea! Anything else you wanted to eat, Jessica?
Jessica: Hm, let's see—
Jessica peers at the menu, its glossy surface casting a reflection of her own face.
It is then that she comes to a realization.
First Step to a New Me: Scene 3
Jessica had ended her day out with the girls on a high note, having gotten her hair done. Ayer compliments Jessica on the new look, marking a renewed relationship between brother and sister.
As the girls enjoy their respective pancakes, Jessica raises a question.
Jessica: If you guys don't mind me asking, I was just wondering...
Korwa: Sure, ask away!
Jessica: What do you think of me cutting my hair? As in, what if I just go with short hair?
The Girls: Ooh!
Jessica: It'd probably look strange, wouldn't it? I've had long hair my whole life after all...
Korwa: No, no, we were responding to what a great idea it is!
La Coiffe: I'm in full agreement. A new hairdo is a staple of makeovers.
Lamretta: That, it certainly is. Wasn't it always a lot of work keeping your long hair in good condition?
Jessica: Sure. But I figure maybe that's a habit worth breaking too now that I've heard all your thoughts.
Jessica: I've been wanting to change for a while now but was never able to go through with it...
Jessica: I just needed that extra push, which I think I have now...
Jessica: Of course, I'm still a bit uneasy about it. What do I do if it looks weird...
Korwa: I know the feeling. But if short hair does feel weird, you can always grow it back.
Korwa: Besides, my instinct as a fashionista tells me you'd look great with short hair. You can quote me on that.
La Coiffe: Saying goodbye to long hair you've taken care of your whole life definitely takes guts, but that's just part and parcel of a makeover.
La Coiffe: As an organic stylist, I'm with Korwa on this one.
Lamretta: Yeah, there's a new you in there somewhere that's just waiting to come out.
Jessica: I appreciate the kind words! Okay, my anxiety's all but gone now!
Jessica: I've made up my mind; I'm getting a haircut!
La Coiffe: Whoo! Off to the beauty parlor we go!
Korwa: A beautician I've worked with before runs a shop on this island... Let's pay her a visit when we're done here.
Jessica: Thank you! Ehehe, I'm getting excited just thinking about it!
Jessica smiles bashfully at the other three.
After finishing their meal, they head for the beauty parlor.
Beautician: Ooh, I'm always grateful for another chance to work with you, Korwa!
Korwa: Looking forward to another bang-up job, like you always do!
Beautician: Leave it to me. Well then, Jessica, how short would you like your hair?
Jessica flips through a catalog of hairstyles and points to a specific one.
Jessica: I'm thinking... about this length!
Beautician: Sure! Okay, ladies, I just need a short while with your friend!
The beautician shows the three to the waiting room before getting back to Jessica.
Beautician: Okay, here goes!
She takes a deep breath, then begins cutting away. The persistent snip of her scissors fills the silence.
Before long...
Beautician: Well, what do you think?
Jessica: Wow...
It's like... this isn't me...
It's like... this isn't me...
Jessica gasps at the sight of herself in the mirror.
La Coiffe: That's because it's the new you, Jessica! I'm in love already!
Korwa and Lamretta nod in full agreement.
Jessica: Th-thanks, guys... This makes me so happy... Ehehe...
Korwa: Now that Jessica's got her makeover in order, it's time for round three of the day!
Jessica: Huh? But I'm already—
Korwa: With your new hairdo in place, it'll be that much easier to find clothing that suits you.
La Coiffe: And I'd love to introduce you to makeup that goes well with short hair!
Jessica: Hm... You make good points! Okay then, let's do this!
Lamretta: And lastly, I know a great place to celebrate Jessica's new look!
Korwa: Lamretta, it's a bar, isn't it?
Lamretta: Mm-hm, this is the perfect reason to go to one!
La Coiffe: Lamretta, I don't know about that...
Lamretta: Huh? But why?
Jessica: Sorry, Lamretta, I'm not exactly at the age to consume alcohol...
Lamretta: Oh gosh! You act so mature that I just assumed—
Lamretta: I'm so sorry, Jessica! Please forget anything I said about a bar! I'll bring you to a place that serves great drinks—no alcohol!
Jessica: Now that's something I can look forward to!
The hearty laughter of the four continues on throughout the remainder of the day.
Jessica: And that just about sums up my makeover story.
Ayer heaves a deep sigh after hearing about the entirety of Jessica's day off.
Ayer: So the gist of it is you and a bunch of the girls went shopping. And you got a haircut while you were at it.
Ayer: Whew... You had me worried for nothing...
Jessica: Sorry, I didn't mean to worry you...
Ayer: Nah, I'm also at fault for jumping to conclusions.
Ayer: But why'd you decide to get a makeover to begin with?
Jessica: Well, I noticed how you've been going to the sauna with various crew members lately...
Jessica: I thought maybe I should try something new myself.
Ayer: Hm...
Ayer: Well, for one thing, you definitely look great with short hair, Sis.
Jessica: Really?
Ayer: I'm so used to seeing you with long hair that it feels strangely refreshing, if that makes sense...
Jessica: You don't know how happy your approval makes me, Ayer!
Jessica: Hehe... My hair's not the only thing that's changed though... I wonder if you can tell.
Ayer: Oh yeah? Er, I couldn't tell you on the spot...
Ayer is a bit overwhelmed as Jessica leans forward with eyes full of anticipation.
Jessica: (I was able to hold off from checking in on Ayer this morning... That's progress!)
Jessica: (Letting go to give him more freedom isn't easy, but I'll take it one step at a time—)
Jessica: (My new hairstyle's a start. Now to consider how I'm going to reforge my relationship with my dear little brother!)
Feeling the effects of her makeover, Jessica's usual mornings with her brother turned out a little different today.
The girls who helped her get started on this journey are pleased to see the fruits of their labor.