Second Story

The Second Story is Costumes

Synopsis
Costumes is a novel that focuses on the lives of married couple Gen and Chase Kingston. Despite having been together for over 5 years, Gen still feels as if her husband's family rejects her due to her darker skin, causing a rift in her relationship with both Chase and his family. A new cutting edge procedure has just come to market, in which people can allegedly permanently dye their skin color that of a skin cell donor. Gen immediately begins fantasizing about how much easier her life would be if she were lighter, so she presents the idea to her husband. Chase tries to convince Gen that she doesn't need to change and that the rift between her and his family is entirely imaginary. Regardless, she is committed to getting the procedure, causing numerous fights between the couple that almost lead to them separating. Eventually, she undergoes the recoloration procedure, and shortly after discovers she is pregnant. Gen and Chase decide that if their child is a boy they will name him Michael, and if it is a girl they will name her Louise.

Key Characters

 * Gen Kingston: The protagonist of the novel who wants to undergo skin recoloration.
 * Chase Kingston: Gen's husband, who does not initially support the procedure his wife wants to get but eventually comes around.
 * Thomas and Faith Kingston: Chase's parents who are not accepting of Gen, but also have a history of disliking all of Chase's girlfriends.