The morning sun filtered through the thin curtains of their living room window, casting a soft glow over the small, crowded space. Sarah adjusted her worn jacket as she gave her mother a gentle kiss on the cheek.
"Bye Mum. I'll be back before six," she said, forcing a smile.
Gloria Smith nodded, brushing invisible lint from Sarah's sleeve. "Be careful, love. And don't overwork yourself."
"I won't."
With that, Sarah stepped out, the cold Birmingham air stinging her face as she walked briskly to the bus stop. Her boots tapped the pavement with purpose, but her mind was far from steady. Thoughts swirled.
I need to sort out food for the house. Clothes. Hannah's shoes are falling apart. Mum's meds. Regular checkups. Nicholas and Peter's school supplies.
She made a mental list with each step. Beds—we need proper beds. One for Mum, one for the boys, one for me, and Hannah. And me—I need to look different. Feel different. No more frumpy skirts and old cardigans. I need to look like someone who knows what she's doing.
She bit her lip. No one must find out what I'm doing to get the money. Not Mum, not the twins. I'll still be the same Sarah to them. Sweet, obedient, quiet Sarah. Only I'll be different now.
By the time she arrived at the restaurant, she was fully in her head, distracted but ready. Vanessa was already wiping down a table, her sleek ponytail swinging with each motion. She looked up and smirked.
"Took you long enough."
Sarah laughed softly. "Good afternoon to you too."
They hugged briefly, and Sarah looked around to make sure no one was close. Then she whispered, "Can we talk before the rush starts?"
Vanessa raised a brow. "Sure. Everything alright?"
"I want you to teach me. You know... how to attract men."
Vanessa blinked, then let out a soft laugh. "Wait, what? You? wait, you're even wearing a lipgloss wow!"
Sarah smiled shyly. "Yes. But not like—look, I'm not looking to get involved with anyone. I just need to... learn how to be attractive. Confident. You always look so put together, and this is vaseline anyway."
Vanessa folded her arms. "This is a twist. Sarah Smith wants to seduce men? wow! are you sure you're the sarah i know?"
"Not seduce. Just... I need them to notice me. And maybe... you know, offer things. I won't actually—"
"Okay, okay," Vanessa interrupted. "I get it. You want to look like someone worth spending money on without crossing a line. Got it. Let's start with posture. You always walk like you're trying to shrink."
Sarah chuckled nervously. "Because I am."
"Don't. Shoulders back. Chin slightly up. And when you walk into a room, pretend it's yours."
Sarah tried, mimicking her. Vanessa watched, then nodded.
"Better. Now your clothes... girl, we need to talk. Those brown skirts are not it."
"I don't have money to change everything."
"You don't need everything. Just a few fitted tops, a nice pair of jeans, and a good coat. Trust me, a good coat changes the game."
Sarah nodded quickly, absorbing it all. "Okay. What else?"
"Hair. You've got beautiful hair, but you tie it back like you're hiding it. Let it down once in a while. Light makeup—just enough to brighten your face. And your smile? Practice it in the mirror. You've got a good one. Soft but mysterious."
Sarah looked around, suddenly self-conscious. "I feel silly."
"You'll feel powerful later. This isn't just about men, Sarah. It's about presence. If you look like you know what you're worth, they'll believe it."
Sarah paused. "Thank you."
Vanessa shrugged. "Don't thank me yet. Wait until the compliments start rolling in. And when they do, act like it's normal. Like you've always been that girl."
Sarah smiled. Maybe now, I can be.