“We’re going to have to take this off for a few moments,” she said as she slid the robe off my shoulders. “But don’t worry, no one is watching.”

I scanned the room. Nettie was right. Calla and I were the only girls left in the room, following our always-last destinies. Again, I was struck by how quickly I was bonding with Calla, not even caring at all about standing there in front of her in just a flimsy slip. She watched Nettie take my measurements as if she wanted to be sure everything was done correctly.

“All done,” Nettie said. “See there. That wasn’t so bad.”

“No, ma’am,” I said in a quiet voice, falling easily into my role. “Thank you.”

“Why, you’re welcome as punch on a sunny day,” Nettie said. “You two go ahead and get dressed now. After you finish your tea, head over to get your manicures. They’ll be waiting for you.”

Calla was all smiles when we left the room, just as the other pair of quasi-sisters had some twenty minutes before. I tried to follow her lead, but my happiness was forced. Calla didn’t notice. She floated on air as we walked down the hall and into another feminine domain.

Another pair of sisters were exiting as we entered, leaving just Calla and me in the sterile, clinic-white room. I glanced over to her and felt an odd connection, a need to protect this innocent girl who, before I arrived, was alone and always last. This time when I smiled at her, it was genuine.

The next several days found us moving from room to room as we were pampered with head-to-toe beauty treatments. When we weren’t preparing for the ball, we rotated through various home-making activities. All the girls were coached on cooking, cleaning, and sewing. We were encouraged to share our talents with each other as well. One afternoon, Calla spent several hours teaching me how to knit. The result was an oddly shaped headband Calla had said I’d need for the winter. Emerald green, of course.

Calla and I spent every second together over the next several days. We talked late into the night as if we’d been lifelong friends. She beamed each time she told me how proud she was to be my big sister. I didn’t know how old Calla was, but I was happy to allow her to play the part and take the lead in everything I did while in The House. Over time, I grew to really care for Calla. I felt that would have happened if we’d been together out of choice instead of being forced together.

Six days after my arrival, the residents of The House forgot all about having, “some decorum.” Squeals started well before breakfast, continuing long after lunch as small gifts were delivered to the girls, sent by their One.