Bright Eyes and Purple Threads
an excerpt

Chapter 1: When Temperance wore a dress to school

August 25th - 7:15 AM - Temperance
My heart pounded as I walked through the open-air hallways. I'd studied maps, even come out a few days before classes started, so I could find my way around. The folded piece of paper I'd slipped into my shoe poked me with every second step, but I didn't dare take it out. What if I forgot my combination? Aside from my shoes, my clothes were comfortable enough. I had my best stays on for support, and my sleeves were just past elbow-length. The air circulated almost pleasantly under my skirts.
A thick group of people had congregated near the lockers at the center of the grounds. I tried to walk around, but they moved as I did. So I had to force my way through. The students talked and joked; they'd already formed friendships. Not surprising, given that they'd grown up going to school together.
The bell rang, an electric sound resounding through the school. My heart skipped until I recalled that meant a minute until class. I held tightly to the leather strap of my book bag, and sprinted, my skirts billowing behind me. I reached room 124, threw the door open, and leapt through. The hems of my wide skirts caught in the doorway, and I realized that my plans for a grand hooped dress may have been a touch ill-conceived.