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Cheerful Clips: Milestones

By wozziewoo

Story Categories:

Views: 409 | Likes: +4

It’s Summer break, but that doesn’t mean nothing exciting can happen.  While most of our cheerleaders are away, at home.  Here is a tale of what goes on for those that are still around.

Here is the link to the previous chapter:

Cheerful Clips: Winding Down

 

 

 

Now, the newest installment:

 

PERFORMANCE REVIEW

Emma’s desk was cluttered, but there was no mistaking the invitation laying on top.  She stared at it briefly.  One of the problems with having her place of residence, also being a place of business, was the mail.  Thankfully, Nikki wasn’t noisy, so there weren’t any issues.  The barbershop itself didn’t really get that much mail anyway… but her sister’s address was clearly in the upper left corner of the envelope.

 

It had been a couple of weeks since the semester ended.  The shop was still open, but it was mostly Heather’s regulars.  Nikki worked her magic with the schedule to provide Heather with some days off and free time.  Heather would say she loved what she did and it didn’t feel like work, but Emma and Nikki wanted her successful and happy for a long time to come.  They didn’t want her to burn out.

 

Emma wanted to have a quick meeting to discuss the shop and use the down time efficiently.  So, when Heather was done with her current client, she and Nikki would head upstairs so they could talk.  When Emma heard the footsteps and muffled chatter, she quickly grabbed the invitation and tossed it into a drawer in her desk just as Heather and Nikki entered.  They were in their barbershop uniforms, while Emma was in a bright blue crop top and green athletic shorts.

 

“Thanks for coming.”  Emma greeted them and indicated with her hand they should both sit in the two chairs.  “I promise this will be brief.  I just wanted to check in with you both and go over a few details about the shop to see if there’s any changes we need to make.”

 

“Okay, but before we talk about anything else…  Please do NOT change a thing about these uniforms.”  Nikki declared as she sat down.  “Easily THE most comfortable thing I’ve ever worn.”  She sat back, “I’ve given serious thought to wear this even when I’m not here.”  She turned and winked at Heather.

 

“Well, as you know, it’s Heather you need to thank for that.”  Emma smirked.  “And you’re not the only one who feels that way.  I’ve only heard glowing reviews.”  She smiled at Heather.

 

Heather blushed a bit from the praise.  “Thanks… I just like being comfortable.  I’m glad everyone else feels the same.”

 

“Alright, so the uniforms are a huge positive.  What else?  I heard it got really busy the last few weeks.”  Emma mentioned.  “Is there anything we can do about that?”

 

“Heather already had a full schedule and the two chairs in the main shop were busy the whole time during those last few weeks.  I started to feel bad for the girls, though none of them seemed to mind.”

 

“What about an extra chair?”  Emma proposed.  “It might put extra strain on everyone, but Melissa and Kathy both expressed interest and we do have the space without major changes.”

 

“That could work.”  Nikki pondered.  “It’s just… We have to make sure we stay busy enough.  How do we know that this wasn’t just a fluke?”

 

“Yes, that’s a risk.  But so was starting this in the first place.”  Emma turned to Heather.  “What do you think?  You’ve been quiet.”

 

“Um… I just want to cut.  I’m glad the shop is doing well, though.”

 

“Alright, so let’s all think on it.  We have some time, but a decision will have to be made soon if we want it ready for the fall.”

 

“Sure, but ultimately, Emma, it’s your call.”  Nikki mentioned, “Was there anything else?”

 

“Yeah,” Emma smiled, “Just a few things.”

 

Emma kept it brief and direct. Nikki and Heather listened and chimed in when needed.  It was mostly a review with a few ideas of how and what could change or be improved.  The meeting didn’t take long and Emma didn’t want to take more of their time than was necessary.  So it wasn’t long before she sent them back down.  Heather and Nikki got up and started to head out.

 

“Oh, Heather, can you hang back a second?  I just have another quick question.”  Emma asked.

 

Nikki headed out, while Heather hung back.  Emma reached into her drawer and pulled out the invitation.  “I assume you got one of these and that you’ll be going.”

 

Heather nodded slowly.  She was about to open her mouth to say something when Nikki popped her head back in.

 

“By the way… I know about my birthday party, if that’s what you’re discussing.”  Nikki chimed in.  She turned towards Heather, “You’d better be there.”

 

Emma put the invitation back on her desk.  She looked over at Heather and then to Nikki.

 

“My sister is bad with secrets, and my niece is even worse.”  Nikki explained.  “You only turn 30 once.  I organized her party a few years ago.  I don’t have all the details, but I promise I’ll act surprised.”

 

Emma shrugged, threw up her hands, and Nikki led Heather out of the room and back down the stairs.

 

GETTING READY

It had been just over six months since Jackie committed to her short hair.  There had been no doubts, no regrets, no second guesses.  She had faithfully kept it up with regular visits to Heather.  She calculated that she had had her hair done by Heather more in the past six months than all her time in high school and college combined.  She expected that to continue for a long time to come.  She was obsessed with her short hair and always made sure it looked sharp and on point.  It was new territory for her, but she was committed.

 

“Tonight should be fun.”  Jackie declared from Heather’s chair.  “Are you excited?”

 

“Yeah, I always like when I get to spend time with Nikki.”  Heather answered directly, as she tended to Jackie’s hair.  “Same as usual?”

 

“Mmhmm,” Jackie nodded in confirmation.  She was dressed in a casual crop top and jeans with short heels.  She had just come from work, and after her visit with Heather she would head upstairs with Emma to get ready for the party.  Meanwhile, Heather would head back to the house and do the same.  Then the three of them would head over to the party together.  “Plus, it’s always fun to have an excuse to dress up.”  Jackie took a moment to look at herself in the mirror, as Heather started applying the dye to her head. She exhaled, “You know, I haven’t really had a good excuse to dress up for a night out ever since I got this new hair.”  Then she chuckled, “Although I guess it’s not so new anymore.”

 

While Jackie’s hair processed, Emma stopped by.  She used to get her head shaved regularly by Heather, but recently she had developed a routine to maintain the look herself.  However, on special occasions, it was still nice to sit down for a fresh razor shave.  Then Heather dealt with her own shave.  She had become extremely proficient at her own headshaves.  Her incredible flexibility helped with that.  Then after a quick rinse, Jackie was back in the chair for her dusting.  To say Jackie loved her hair would be an understatement.  As Heather finished up, Jackie admired herself in the mirror and smiled.

 

“You know, if there was ever any doubt about my future commitment to this look… I recently ditched my favorite hairdryer.”  Jackie stood up.  “I’ve had that thing for over a decade.  It’s gotten me though so much.”  She sighed.  “But I haven’t used it is over six months…” She reached her hand up at her already dried hair, “and it seems unlikely I’ll have much use for it going forward, so… yeah.”

 

“Well, it definitely suits you.”

 

“I know, right?”  Jackie continued to admire herself in the mirror, “I really wish I had done this years ago.”  She turned towards Heather, “Anyway, I need to get upstairs and finish getting ready.”  She bent down and hugged Heather as she headed towards the exit.  “Thanks again Heather, I’ll see you in a few.”  Then disappeared out of the room.  Heather quickly cleaned up and then headed out herself, back to her room, to get ready to go out.

 

About twenty minutes later, Emma and Jackie stood outside the barbershop as Heather approached.  She was in a tiny sparkly silver bandeau top, matching micro skirt, and towering heels.  She loved the heels, not to mention the fact that they gave her the extra height she craved.  Jackie matched her fiery red pixie with a tight cocktail dress and matching pumps.  Emma was in a green sleeveless blouse and tan dress pants.  The three of them headed off to Emma’s car and they took off to the party.

PARTY PERFECT

Rebecca was furious.  “You knew!  How could you know?”

 

“How could I not know?”  Nikki couldn’t help but giggle.  “You’re really bad at keeping secrets.”

 

“Nicole!”  Rebecca protested.  “Really?  I tried so hard.”

 

“I know and I applaud your effort, but it was an uphill battle.”  Nikki admitted.  “I did the same thing for you a few years ago.  You tried hard, but why else would you need a list of my friends and their addresses?  Plus…” Nikki smirked, “I love my niece.”

 

Rebecca gasped.  “Milly!”

 

A young girl of about five ran over.  “Haffy Bifthday, Aunt Nicole!” Amelia looked up at her mother and aunt.

 

“Aw, thank you, sweetie.”  Nikki bent down and hugged her niece.

 

“Amelia, dear… did you tell Aunt Nicole about her party?”

 

“Yes!”  Amelia said confidently, as she smiled, clearly very proud of herself.

 

Rebecca looked at her daughter, then at her sister.  She smiled and then buried her face in Nikki’s shoulder.  “I can’t even get mad at her…”  She released her hold on her sister and bent down to Amelia and hugged her.  “Okay, go back with Grandma.”  She let go and Amelia ran off.  As Rebecca stood back up, she caught Heather “dancing” out of the corner of her eye.  “You should go be with her.”

 

“I will.”

 

“You really are crazy about her, aren’t you?”

 

“I am.”

 

“You’re welcome, by the way.”  Rebecca smirked.  “Unintended maybe, but still, I’ll take the credit.”

 

“For what?”  Nikki snapped towards her sister.

 

“Well, you know I was a long-time client of Evan’s.  I got you two to meet.  Otherwise, you never would have cut your hair, you never would have met her.  So, if it wasn’t for me…”

 

“I suppose in your convoluted mind that makes sense.” Nikki looked at her sister, she reached at her shoulder grazing blonde hair.  “How long you letting it grow?”

 

“I don’t know.  I’ve had it short for so long…”  Rebecca confessed.  “I figure I’ve got a few good solid years left, where I can wear it long… I’ll cut it eventually, but when I do it’s gonna stay short, so.”  Rebecca confessed.  “Mark’s never seen it long.”

 

“I’m aware.”  Nikki smirked.

 

“I’d actually been thinking about it for a while.  But Evan –” Rebecca reached back and scratched her head.  “So, when he left, it just seemed like the right time.”  Rebecca turned back, Heather had moved to a different part of the room with Emma and Jackie.  “Anyway, your girl is on the move.  I WILL NOT be responsible for you missing your shot.”

 

“Chill, Becks,” Nikki laughed, “I appreciate the encouragement, but everything will be fine.”

 

“She really has no idea?”

 

“Not that I’m aware of.”  Nikki answered, “I’ve been very careful, we’re just friends and she just got out of a relationship.  I’m not rushing anything.”

 

“But this is your party and you shouldn’t be hanging around with your older, ‘wiser’ sister anyway.”  Rebecca gently shoved Nikki towards the rest of the guests.

 

“Is everyone having a good time?”  Nikki asked, as she snuck up behind Heather as she wrapped her arms around her friend.

“Nikki!”  Heather exclaimed as she looked up and back.  She leaned slightly back and smiled.  “This party is great.  Thanks so much for including me.”

 

Emma and Jackie looked at Nikki and Heather and couldn’t help but laugh.

 

“Heather, there’d be no party without you.”  Nikki smiled.  She slid into the booth next to Jackie, as Heather sat down next to Emma.  “If I made a list of the people that I wanted to spend my birthday with, you would be at the top of the list.

 

“Aw, well…” Heather blushed a little, “We spend most days together.”

 

“True.  All the more reason to spend time together tonight!  I haven’t seen you all day.”

 

“Well, I have a surprise for you.”  Heather mentioned.

 

“You didn’t have to get me anything, your presence is present enough.”  Nikki admitted.

 

“Oh, well, I didn’t GET you anything, but I think you’ll like it.”

 

“I can’t possibly imagine…”  Nikki grabbed Heather’s hand and pulled her back onto the dance floor.

 

“Do you have any idea?”  Jackie asked Emma as they both looked on.

 

“I’m not entirely sure, but I might have an idea…”  Emma grinned as she casually brushed her hand across her bare scalp.  “I don’t think Heather is coming home with us.”  Emma winked.

 

“No!” Jackie gasped.

 

Emma just smiled and shrugged.

 

DISAPPEARING RAINBOW

A few hours later, Nikki was in her bathroom.  She had just gotten out of the shower and had a towel wrapped around her body.  Her multicolored rainbow hair hung limp on her head.  She stared at herself in the mirror and sighed.  Then she splashed some water on her face, turned to exit the bathroom and froze.

 

There was a chair in the middle of the floor with a towel underneath.  Heather stood behind the chair with her clippers and a giant smile on her face.

“Surprise?”

 

“Heather?  Does this mean what I think it does?”  A small smile started to form on Nikki’s lips.  Nikki slowly started to make her way towards the chair and sat down.

 

“Happy Birthday!  Time to shave your head!”  Heather answered enthusiastically.  “That is what you want, right?”

 

“Oh Heather, you have no idea.”  Nikki could barely contain her excitement.

 

Heather froze.  “Oh, I’m sorry, we don’t have to –”

 

“NO!”  Nikki cut Heather off.  “Heather this is exactly what I want.”  Nikki began to tear up.  “I was trying to say that is the absolute most perfect gift you could have gotten me.”  Nikki smiled lovingly at Heather.  “Please proceed.”

 

“Oh, OK…”  Heather smiled.  She grabbed her comb and ran it through Nikki’s hair, which didn’t take long, as Nikki had just come from the shower, and her hair was getting shaved off anyway.  So, it didn’t take long before Heather reached for her clippers.  She made sure there was no guard attached and set the blade to the shortest setting.

 

Meanwhile, Nikki tried to sit as still as possible.  Her heart thumped loudly.  This was the most she had ever looked forward to a haircut – to anything – in her entire life.  Heather.  Her bedroom.  Her thirtieth birthday.  The anticipation.  The fact that it had been put out of her mind and it was a genuine surprise.  All of it.  It was a perfect moment.  It wouldn’t last but Nikki was determined to soak it all in.  She closed her eyes and let it all soak in.

 

The hum of the blades came roaring to life.  There was a faint tug at the top of Nikki’s forehead right at the hair line.  Nikki felt her hair pull away from her head and tumble down around her.  She grinned.  She hoped it would last forever.  But she knew it wouldn’t.  For a fleeting moment, she missed her previously long blonde hair.  For the first time since she had cut it off, she wished it was still there on her head.  But only so there would be more for Heather to remove.  She completely surrendered to the moment.

 

Heather understood the assignment.  She knew how much Nikki had wanted this.  She wanted Nikki to fully enjoy the experience.  Heather went slowly.  One pass over the top of Nikki’s head was about all it would take.  But there was still the shave.  Heather would offer as many passes as Nikki wanted.  But she needed to be careful any time it was more than two.  Heather would never forgive herself if she nicked or blemished Nikki in any way.

 

The tiniest hint of stubble was left.  That wouldn’t do.  Nikki’s head needed to be totally smooth.  Shiny.  Heather turned off the clippers and put them down.  She reached for the shaving cream and squirted a generous amount right onto Nikki’s head.  Heather then began to massage the cream on her head.  Once Heather had the cream well spread out, she reached for the razor.  She placed the razor at the top of Nikki’s forehead and then…

 

Nikki lost it.  She was in heaven and never wanted it to end.  She was no stranger to the shaving cream and razor.  Heather had been shaving the sides of her head for about a year.  Yet somehow this was different.  This was otherworldly and an experience like none other.  She closed her eyes and took it all in, trying to contain herself.  She failed.  A soft, yet audible moan escaped from her mouth.  She had built this moment up in her head, yet it managed to exceed her expectations.

 

Heather took her time.  She had nowhere else to go nor anywhere else she’d rather be.  Nikki was her best friend and had waited a long time for this moment.  Heather wanted to make her happy and wanted her to enjoy it.  She made slow deliberate motions, dragging the process out as long as possible.

 

Both remained silent as Heather concentrated on her work.  Nikki kept her eyes closed as she felt every stroke of the razor.  Her breath got slower and more rhythmic.  She became aware of every beat from her heart.  She imagined what life would be like if Heather did this all the time.  Nikki completely zoned out.  It could have been minutes it could have been hours.

 

“Nikki…?  I made two passes already.  I can do a third if you want, but there’s really nothing left.”  Heather broke the silence.  “You’re not quite done yet, but I just wanted to check with you before I go any further.”

 

Nikki took a moment as her awareness came back to her.  She could feel the coolness across her bare scalp.  She couldn’t wait to see and feel her new look, but she knew she needed to wait until Heather was totally finished.  That would only make the reveal better.

 

“Whatever you think,” Nikki finally answered.  “You know I haven’t made a hair decision since it was all cut off.  I’ve given you full control of my head and that’s not about to change NOW.”

 

“I made the decision, but it’s your birthday and I want to please you.”  Heather smiled at Nikki.  “You look really good, Nikki.  I hope you like it.”  Heather grabbed her spray bottle and squirted the oil onto Nikki’s head.  “Time to give you some shine.”

 

Nikki smiled.  Somehow, Heather knew exactly what to say at that very moment.  “I know I’m going to love it.  Thank you.  You please me greatly.”

 

“All done!”  Heather excitedly reached for Nikki’s hand and helped pull her out of the chair.  Nikki hurriedly made her way back into the bathroom while Heather stood just outside.

 

Nikki stared at herself in the mirror.  She had just done this a short time ago, but the image staring back at her could not be more different.  This time there was no sigh.  Just pure elation.  Nikki had imagined this moment for months.  The anticipation.  There was no way the actual experience would live up to what she had crafted in her own mind.  Except that it exceeded it.  She turned toward Heather and bent down to hug her.

“I LOVE YOU!”  Nikki meant it but didn’t mean to say it.  “IT!  I love IT.”  She quickly corrected as she pulled slightly away.  “Heather, this is so great.  I am so happy right now.”  She reached her hand up and rubbed her hand across her bare skull for the first time.  She felt a charge surge through her entire body.  She pulled Heather closer to her and kissed her on the check.  “Thank you, Heather.”

 

“I’m just glad you like it.”  Heather grinned.  She liked Nikki and always sought her approval.

 

“Heather, I like you and everything you do.  You know I think you’re an amazing human being,” She rubbed her head with one hand while she rubbed Heather’s with the other.

 

“And now we match.”  Heather giggled.  She looked up at her much taller friend.   “Well, our heads anyway.”

 

“We do.”  Nikki started to tear up.  She was so overcome with emotion.  “We really do.”  As if Nikki didn’t already have crazy feelings for this girl.  She had managed to keep them at bay all this time.  This was a test.  One she was determined to pass.

 

FAILURE

Nikki woke up to a blaring alarm.  She turned over and looked at the empty space next to her.  She smiled as she rubbed her totally bald head.  Then she took a few more minutes before she got out of bed and made her way into the bathroom.  She enjoyed the feel of the water raining down on her bare scalp.  It had been two months since Heather first shaved her head and Nikki had never had a moment of regret or doubt.  She got dressed and headed to the kitchen and started to make breakfast.  A few minutes later, the front door opened.

 

“Hey Poppet, did you have a good run?  Breakfast will be ready in ten minutes!”  Nikki shouted out.

 

“Uh huh, I found a new route that I want to explore.”  Heather entered the kitchen.  She reached into the fridge and grabbed a bottle of water.  She took a big gulp, then kissed Nikki.  “Let me just get myself cleaned up, and I’ll do that proper.”  Heather grinned at her girlfriend as she headed off to the bathroom.

Even if Nikki had failed her test, it had worked out quite well for both of them.  It started off slow at first.  Nikki and Heather had always been close since the day they met.  When Nikki showed up at Evan’s salon, she expected a major haircut.  What she didn’t expect was to immediately fall for the cute girl who assisted him.  They hit it off and became fast friends.  For a while, Nikki was satisfied just being around her and spending time with her.  When Heather entered a relationship with one of her teammates, Nikki was happy for her.  Still, she supported her friend and was always there for her.

 

As time passed, they continued to grow closer.  Heather considered Nikki her best friend.  Nikki felt the same but hoped for more.  She knew she had met the girl of her dreams.  She thought Heather was perfect in every way that mattered.  So, when Nikki’s thirtieth birthday rolled around, she had gotten used to being in Heather’s orbit and admiring her from a short distance.  Then Heather shaved her head.  What Nikki hadn’t counted on was the deeper closeness and intimacy involved.

 

The cheer house was empty and Heather had little responsibility outside of the barbershop.  Nikki and Heather already enjoyed spending as much time as possible together – so they did.  Heather had already slept over before on occasion, so it really wasn’t a big deal.  What changed the situation a bit more was Nikki’s shaved head.  Nikki was used to the cream and the razor.  The bare sides of her mohawked head had been meticulously maintained.  Heather shaved them several times a week at the shop.  Now, her head was being shaved daily.  In her bedroom.  It became a private moment between the two of them.  Still, Nikki managed to control herself.  She kept her emotions and feelings in check.  Until she slipped.

 

It was a little over a week after her thirtieth birthday.  Heather had stayed over every night.  Heather had shaved her head every night.  Nikki had thanked her with a hug and kiss on the cheek every night.  Then, the kiss wasn’t on the cheek.  It wasn’t intentional, but after it happened, Nikki didn’t regret it.  Heather was a bit taken aback but didn’t react negatively.  She smiled.

 

“That was unexpected.”

 

“Sorry.  I didn’t mean to…”  Nikki got a bit flustered.

 

“Don’t apologize.  I kinda liked it.”  Heather kissed Nikki back.

 

It was quick.  It was sweet.  But it was deliberate.  So, the kiss became a part of their ritual.  Nikki now knew how Heather would respond.  But it was contained and it was only after Nikki’s headshave.  It only took a few days, but the shift was noticeable.  Surprisingly, it was Heather who acted first.

 

Heather stayed over every night.  It still felt occasional even if it was quickly becoming routine.  Heather continued her run every morning, which meant she woke up early.  She carefully and silently got changed and slipped out of the bedroom so she wouldn’t disturb Nikki.  After almost two weeks, Heather wasn’t so careful.  She was about to leave the bedroom when she looked back at a peacefully sleeping Nikki.  Heather walked over and carefully placed a soft kiss on Nikki’s forehead.  Then, she turned to leave.  Nikki stirred as her eyes struggled to open.

 

“Hey…” She managed to get out, still mostly asleep.  “Did you just kiss me?”

 

“Yeah, sorry.  I was about to head out.  You looked so peaceful.  I didn’t want to bother you, but-”

 

“Come here.”  Nikki sat up on her side, supporting herself on her elbow.  “Never apologize for that.”

 

As Heather came closer, Nikki pulled her in.  Then, she cradled her head between her hands and planted a long passionate kiss on Heather’s lips.  Her arms slipped from Heather’s head and down her body as she cradled Heather in her arms.  It didn’t take long before Heather’s arms wrapped around Nikki.  From that point, they kissed more frequently.  It was always welcomed and reciprocated.  But they kept things to themselves and contained their relationship to when they were alone or at Nikki’s apartment.

 

Nikki had already gotten more out of Heather than she ever dared hope…  Maybe it was a sign there could be more.  Could a full-blown relationship with Heather be on the horizon?  Did any of this have to do with her bald head?  She couldn’t be sure, but if a romance with Heather was in any way associated with her shaves, she would happily stay bald forever.

 

A few nights later, Nikki was in the chair for her head shave.  She didn’t miss having hair at all.  Whether she genuinely felt that way or she was influenced by her feelings for Heather she couldn’t be sure, but she didn’t care.  She was happy and that was all that mattered.  She was satisfied yet, still wondered if there could be more.

 

“Hey, Heather…”  Nikki started as Heather began her second pass over Nikki’s head.  “I love you.”

 

“Aww, that’s sweet.  I love you, too.”  Heather responded without breaking pace.

 

“No, I mean, like, I REALLY love you.”  Nikki paused a moment as she examined what she said and was about to say.  “Romantically.”

 

This caused Heather to slow down.  “Like –”

 

“I would love nothing more than to be your girlfriend, and for you to be mine.”  Nikki just laid it out on the line.  “Heather, I’ve had the biggest crush on you since the day we met.  That day in Evan’s salon…” Nikki’s voice trailed off.

 

“That was my first day.  You set a precedent for my future with all of this…”  Heather gushed.  She had stopped shaving.

 

“Yeah, and honestly, I fell for you the instant I met you.”  Nikki explained, “But I didn’t know you.  Yet.  Of course, the more I got to know you, the more I loved you.  When you were with Betty, I would never dream of intruding.”  Nikki hadn’t planned on spilling her guts, but at this point she was all in so she might as well continue.  “I was happy for you, and content to just be your friend.  I got to spend time with you, and that was enough.  I care for you, so I wanted what was best for you and whatever made you happy.”

 

“But Betty and I broke up.  And she’s not here anymore.”  Heather pointed out.

 

“I know.  After that, I wanted to give you space.  And time.  Your friendship is the most valuable thing in the world to me.”

 

“Nikki, you’re my best friend.  You can and should always be honest with me.  You can tell me anything.  No secrets.”

 

“OK…” Nikki looked at Heather and smiled.  She stood up and guided Heather over to the edge of the bed where they both sat down.  Nikki was still wrapped in her towel, her head full of cream, and Heather still held the razor.  Nikki suddenly felt very nervous.  She took a deep breath.  “Heather, my life is better with you in it.  I love our time together.  Just watching you at the gym, all the time I spend at the barbershop and the salon before that, just knowing you’re back there doing your thing.”  She took a beat.  She carefully touched her head, and smirked.  “Then there’s this.  This…”  She laughed, “This is something I NEVER would have done, if not for your influence.”

 

“Oh, well you didn’t –”

 

“Heather,” Nikki put her hand up, to stop Heather from apologizing.  “Just listen.”  She pursed her lips and put her finger against her lips and then brought it over to Heather.  “I know we’ve discussed it.  I know I wanted it, and I’m glad we waited.  I love this.  I love you.”  Nikki grabbed Heather’s hands and held them in hers.  “I don’t want to live my life without you in it.  We are best friends, but I want more.  I want YOU.”

 

“You have me.”  Heather answered plainly.  “I’m not going anywhere and I love hanging out with you.”

 

“So…” Nikki paused trying to get clarification and make sure they were on the same page, “Girlfriend?”

 

“OK.” Heather smiled and leaned in towards Nikki.  She kissed her on the lips, then slowly pulled away, “Girlfriend.”

 

Things moved quicker after that.  What had been implied was now stated.  What had been assumed was now confirmed.  Betty was great and Heather enjoyed their time together, but she learned a lot from Nikki.  She discovered what being in a relationship really meant.

 

Heather moved more of her things.  Heather was no longer simply stayed over every night.  Nikki made it clear it was just as much Heather’s place as it was hers.  Heather would go back to her room in the cheer house when her junior year started, but she’d always have a place in Nikki’s apartment as well.

 

Things were going great and they had settled into a nice routine together.  Just as Nikki finished putting breakfast on the table, she felt a small presence wrap their arms around her waist.

 

“I love us.”  Heather said from behind.

 

Nikki whipped around and smiled at her girlfriend.  “Best two months of my life.”

 

Heather and Nikki embraced and shared a long passionate kiss.  Then they sat down and ate breakfast.  A short time later they were in Nikki’s car and on the way to the barbershop.  Heather spent most of the trip looking at Nikki and smiling, unable to believe her good fortune.  After a full day at the barbershop, Nikki took Heather to the gym, where she put in a full workout.  Then it was out to dinner and back home.  Nikki would get her head shaved before they both headed to bed.  That was their schedule most days.  And there wasn’t a thing either of them would change about it.

 

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