Cheerful Clips: Fundraising Weekend

Our favorite cheerleaders are back!  The football team has a bye week but that doesn’t mean the cheerleaders aren’t busy.  It’s fundraiser weekend!

 

If you are new to the story, be sure to check out some previous adventures here:

 

https://www.hairstorynetwork.com/stories/67247-2/

 

or the most recent story:

 

https://www.hairstorynetwork.com/stories/cheerful-clips/

 

 

When you’re ready please enjoy the next installment:

 

 

 

HEATHER

It was the halfway point of the season, and the football team was a perfect 6 and 0.  All of the games featured dominant wins, with the victory not even in question by halftime.  Everyone enjoyed the season so far and they wanted to keep the momentum, but the team had reached its bye week.  Even though the cheerleaders didn’t have a game to prepare for, they had a busier week than usual, and they were excited.

 

On Friday night, the team would gather at the barbershop, as usual.  However, in lieu of the typical meeting, the team would take turns in Heather’s chair to get their heads shaved for the fundraiser.  The entire event would be livestreamed, and viewers would get to pledge money to watch and offer input.  Participation by the team was voluntary, but the vast majority were eager to participate and had been looking forward to it for weeks.

 

Heather had only been cutting hair for less than a year, but in that time, it had become her primary focus.  She started off mainly doing buzzes and shaves.  It was easy and what most interested her.  Over time, as her skills evolved and her passion intensified, she expanded to all kinds of hair styling and cutting.  However, she’d always hold a special spot in her heart for the total shave.  As much as she loved a good transformation, she even found pleasure in just a simple shave, or the elimination of a days’ worth of growth.

 

Last year, when they held this event, Heather was a reluctant participant.  Even then, she didn’t sit in the chair.  Instead, she stood behind it.  The head shaves were the easy part.  If that was all that was expected of her, it would not have posed any problem.  However, it was the performance for the camera and viewer engagement that tripped her up.  But not anymore.  As time went by, Heather got used to her new lifestyle and she adapted to all its aspects.  While she still wasn’t a natural in front of the camera, she learned how to engage her clients and make things interesting.

 

Heather didn’t always understand the appeal of everything she did, or the interest others had in it.  But she knew what she liked, and since she liked her teammates that was all that mattered.  So, she planned to treat this just like any other time one of the girls was in her chair.

 

JANIE

To say that Janie was enjoying her sophomore year would be an understatement.  She was thriving, her best friend was the captain of the cheerleader squad, and she couldn’t be happier for her.  And of course, there was her hair.  It was easily the feature that separated College Student Janie from her previous self.  When she first arrived, her hair fell to her waist, but that didn’t last long.  Within just a few days of arriving on campus, her hair was shorn into a short pixie style modeled after Miley Cyrus from her Wrecking Ball era.

 

Janie loved her hair short and when Anna first proposed the team shave their heads as a fundraiser last year, Janie jumped at the chance and was the first to sign up.  Since that time, she knew that short hair was her future, and she wouldn’t shy away from anything.

 

When she arrived back on campus a few months prior, her hair was a shaggy mess.  After a visit with Heather, she was the proud owner of a faded buzzcut with designs shaved into the side.  Over the past couple of months, Janie had changed her look several times.  She enjoyed the experimentation, but now it was time to shave her head again.

 

Janie skipped into the back room of the barbershop and sat down in Heather’s chair, grinning from ear to ear.

 

“As much as I’ve enjoyed all the amazing designs you’ve given me, it’s time to say goodbye.”  Janie slowly turned her head from side to side so that the camera got a clear view of her hair.  “At least for now.  It will grow back.  Maybe.”  Janie paused in between each thought, as she evaluated what she said, then burst out laughing.  “I guess I’ll leave it up to you.”  It was unclear if that last part was directed at Heather or the viewers behind the camera.  Heather knew not to ask, and Janie didn’t elaborate.

 

“Well, Janie, whatever you decide, I’m happy to oblige.”  Heather replied, as she held the clippers over Janie’s head.  “But for now, it’s time for all that hair to go!”  Heather smiled as she turned the clippers on.

 

Janie squealed with delight and kicked her feet as the clippers unceremoniously dragged across the top of her head.  “Last year I had no idea what to expect.  I knew I wanted it done but it was all so new.  This year,” she paused as Heather continued to pass the clippers over her head and cackled, “I’ve been counting down the days.”  She rubbed her hands together and smiled at the camera.

 

“You’ve got a great head for it.”  Heather complimented as she removed the last remnants of Janie’s hair.

 

“Who knew?”  Janie remarked.  “I went home over the summer break.  And it was certainly interesting to interact with all my former friends from High School.”  Janie paused for a moment.  “When I say former friends, I don’t mean that we’re not friends anymore… but that we were friends while in High School and didn’t stay in close contact afterwards.”

 

Heather put the clippers down, walked over to the counter, sprayed the shaving cream into her hands then walked back to Janie as she lathered her hands together.

 

“Most of them still had the same long hair they had throughout High School.  A few had gone a bit shorter, but nothing majorly different from how they looked in High School.”  Janie continued as Heather started rubbing the cream all over Janie’s head.  “Oh, I love this part.”  She smiled, “And then there’s me!  The pixie I got when I first cut my hair would have been dramatic enough, but I was bald when I went home over the winter break.  I didn’t go out that much then.  And it was cold, so when I did go somewhere and was usually fairly covered up.  But before the summer break, I had only started to regrow my hair about a week before I went home.  So, this time was much different…”

 

Heather listened to every word as she started to scrape the cream away from the top of Janie’s head.  She nodded with understanding.  “I haven’t actually been home since I started here in freshmen year.  I’ve barely even left the campus, outside of that weekend getaway and a week right before the start of this semester when I went to visit Betty.”  Heather relayed.  “And the competitions, but that doesn’t count because it was a team thing.”

 

“That’s crazy!  Don’t you miss your family?  Don’t they miss you?”  Janie asked, “And your friends…  Don’t any of them have anything to say about your new look?”

 

“They might.”  Heather grew silent, as she continued to make fast work of Janie’s head.  “If they even know…”

 

Janie was taken aback by this revelation.  She knew Heather was around a lot, and she barely talked much about her life away from school and the team.  But she never really realized that Heather was so isolated from her previous life.

 

“I’m such a different person, now.  I don’t see a reason to go back.  I much prefer it here with all of you.  I’m sure my family is happy and doesn’t miss me.”  Heather made her second pass over Janie’s head.

 

Janie just sat there in stunned silence, unsure what she should say.  Things had taken a strange turn.  She knew this would warrant a follow-up, but it didn’t seem the right time.  It wasn’t long before Heather finished.  Janie got up and looked straight into the mirror.  “Welcome back, beautiful.”  She looked over to Heather, “I really do love this look!”  She walked over to Heather and offered a hug.  Then whispered into Heather’s ear.  “Let’s talk more later.”  She winked at her and exited the back room, rubbing her freshly shaved head.

 

MELISSA

Melissa loved being bald.  It would have been an absolute shock to anyone who knew her before she cut off her hair.  It even surprised her at first, but it was the truth.  Previously, her long, perfectly straight, bleached blonde hair hung well down her back and she would spend countless time, money and effort on it to make sure it was always in immaculate condition.  The hardest thing she had ever had to do was when she decided to cut it to her shoulders.  She really didn’t want to but reluctantly did so in an effort to fit in with the rest of the team, whose hair was all already significantly shorter than that.

 

Ultimately, the team wasn’t satisfied with short hair.  Once they started to shave their heads, it was almost too much for Melissa.  To say the idea repulsed her, would be an understatement.  She was barely able to be in the room when the topic came up, and she refused to acknowledge or endorse any of her teammates along the way.

 

Somehow, just before the team left for the first round of its competition, Melissa managed to find the strength to part with the rest of her hair.  It certainly helped that her crush was rumored to be into bald girls, so she hoped that the move would earn her the desired attention she craved.  She was prepared to hate the look and suffer through it, but she was surprised when the opposite happened.  Since that day, she hadn’t looked back.  In fact, she cherished her bald look and had no desire to ever grow her hair out even a little.

 

Melissa apologized to her team after her change of heart and had been the biggest bald advocate ever since.  She has expressed numerous times how much she wished she had done it sooner and regretted that she did not participate in the team’s fundraiser head shave the previous year.  So, when the team began to plan another fundraiser this year, Melissa knew she’d make right and wanted to participate no matter what.

 

“Oh, my God!  This is torture!”  Melissa exclaimed to no one in particular, on the verge of tears.  She was sitting at the kitchen table with a bowl full of cereal in front of her.

 

“What’s the trouble?” Kathy asked, sitting across from her and buttering a bagel.

 

“My hair!”

 

“What about your hair?  It’s looking good.”  Kathy complimented.

 

“The fact that I even have any!”  Melissa pouted.  “Look how long it is!”  Melissa rubbed her barely existent, less than a ¼ inch of hair.

 

Anna, who was on the other side of the kitchen washing a dish, turned toward Melissa and burst out in laughter.  “Melissa! You’re kidding, right?  Your hair is SHORTER than mine!”  Anna typically wore her hair in a #1 buzzcut but had let it grow slightly the past few weeks in anticipation of the team’s head shave fundraiser.  “Besides, no one is FORCING you to participate.  If it’s really bothering you that much, feel free to shave it off any time.”

 

It was Wednesday morning, and the head shaves would be taking place Friday night.   While Heather was still willing to accommodate anyone who still wanted a touch up before the fundraiser, most of the girls opted out so they would have a bit more length before the shaves.  This was entirely voluntary, but everyone who participated last year enjoyed it and those that didn’t felt they missed out.  Especially Melissa.

 

“No, I’ll wait.”  Melissa pouted.  “I’ve gone this far.  I might as well see this through.  You guys all seemed to have such fun last year.”  She looked over to Kathy.  “You should totally join us, Kathy!  I promise it will be a much better experience for you this time.”

 

“No way!  Once was already way more than enough.”  Kathy sat back, clutching her hair nervously.  “This is already plenty short enough for me.  I want it longer, not shorter.”  Kathy, whose hair had continued to grow throughout the semester and was now nearing her chin, and on its way to a bob, shook her head.

 

Finally, Friday night arrived, and Melissa was positively giddy.  She skipped everywhere she went and had a smile plastered across her face.  She counted down the hours, and then the seconds until she could be bald again.  It was mere seconds after Janie left the back room that Melissa scurried in.

 

“Hey Heather!”  Melissa walked over and gave a quick hug to her friend, before plopping down in the barber chair and let out a deep sigh.  “I never thought I’d be so happy to sit in this chair again!” she squealed in delight.

 

“Nice to see you so happy, Melissa.”  Heather ran her fingers over the short tuffs of hair sprouting from Melissa’s head.

 

“Yeah, surprise! I’m not really a natural blonde.”  Melissa confessed.  “I wasn’t sure it would matter anymore, but I guess the secret’s out.”

 

“Oh, Melessa.”  Heather giggled.  “You should know, your hair can be any color you want it to be.”  She paused for a moment.  “Of course, that would actually require SOME hair on your head.”  She headed over to the counter and picked up her clippers, then headed back towards Melissa.  “Been a while since I’ve needed these on your head.”

 

“I know!”  Melissa rubbed the scruff on the top of her head.  “Ugh, and hopefully, it will be the last.”  Melissa pulled her hand down.  “Thanks for the offer on the color, but I don’t plan on ever having my hair long enough to warrant needing that.”  She smiled, “It’s the bald life for me.  I want this head smooth and shiny.”

 

Heather stood behind Melissa and turned the clippers on.  Then without warning she plunged the clippers through what little hair there was on Melissa’s head.  Heather moved quickly.  She loved what she did and all her teammates, but she had a long night in front of her, so it was all business on her end, but was also aware of what was at stake, and tried to play it up for the camera and viewing audience.

 

“Don’t you worry about that.  I’ve been doing this long enough, I know what you like.”  Heather made the final passes over Melissa’s head, reducing it to the slightest stubble.  “Although it is a nice surprise to see you dress this way again.  I take it Franklin approved?”

 

Besides her previously, long bleached blonde hair, Melissa used to be known for her apprehension to clothing and often wore as little as possible.  Ever since she got together with her boyfriend, Franklin, he preferred her to cover up as much as possible and she has willingly gone along with it.  So, when Melissa walked into the back room in an athletic tank top and shorts, it was quite a switch from what the team had gotten used to seeing from her.

 

“Well, it is a team event.  He knows how we dress.  I could have put on my uniform but I’m saving that for tomorrow.”  Melissa avoided a direct answer.  Heather began to rub the shaving cream over Melissa head.  Melissa leaned back and closed her eyes, as she let out a soft purr.  “Ahhh… How I’ve missed this.”  A slight smile formed on her face.

 

JESSIE

Jessie wasn’t bald but she might as well have been.  After a year of trial and error, she had finally found her look.  A very short, platinum blonde #2 buzz faded to the skin.  Granted, that was only when she actually had hair.  When she first cut her previously long, straight, bra strap length brown hair, she discovered that her hair was actually quite wavy and the idea of shaving her head completely freaked her out.  Now, she never let her hair get long enough to exhibit any of its natural wave.

 

“I’ll miss the blonde, but I don’t mind the lack of hair.”  Jessie stated matter-of-factly the day before her head was to be shaved.  “I never would have imagined those words coming from my mouth.”  She smiled.

 

“Wow, I still can’t believe it.”  Madison ran her hand down her ponytail.

 

“Get used to it, almost the entire team will be bald by the end of the night.”  Jessie continued.  “I will say it helps that the entire team does it together.”  She paused for a moment to reflect.  “Honestly, though, at this point it wouldn’t matter.”  Jessie rubbed her platinum buzz.  “Last year, I definitely didn’t think I’d do it…”  She stopped and looked directly at Madison, “And my hair WAS quite a bit longer then.  But most of the team did it, including my sister, so the decision got easy.  Plus, it eventually got me to blonde, which was something I thought about even before I cut my hair.”

 

“So, I’m going to be the only one on the team with any hair at all?”  Madison whined at the thought.  She had already gotten used to that fact that she had longer hair than the rest of her teammates, but there was a big difference between SOME hair and NO hair.

 

“Pretty much.”  Jessie answered.  “Well, I don’t think Kathy will participate.  She had her head shaved last year as a result of a bet when she wasn’t on our team and is still growing her hair out.  So, she WAS bald at one point even if she won’t be for the fundraiser.”

 

“And you’re sure it’s okay, if I don’t do anything?”  Madison asked timidly.  She already stuck out on the team.  She still wanted to feel comfortable around the team, even though she had no intention of shaving her head.

 

“Madison, let me be honest with you.”  Jessie confessed.  “This team is a family, as you know, and we back everyone’s decisions.  You have our full support, and I hope everything you’ve seen the past couple months proves that.”  Jessie paused, trying to find the words for what she wanted to say next.  “But we can’t control how people respond outside of this house.”  She leaned back in her chair and grazed her hand over her head.  “If you were to be on a different team, you’ve got the classic ‘cheerleader look’.” She used air quotes on that last part.

 

“But that’s not our team, at least not anymore… Personally, I admire your dedication, and I know Melissa has already agreed to help you out for as long as you decide to keep your hair.” Jessie continued. “I think she sees a bit of herself in you and remembers what it was like for her last year.  I think most of the girls feel the same way, so please don’t feel any pressure from any of us.  And if you hear differently, let me know.”

 

Madison got up and walked over to Jessie.  Madison gave Jessie a hug and whispered into her ear, “Thank You.”  Then they both said good night and parted ways.

 

The next night couldn’t come fast enough for Jessie.  It still surprised her how excited she was, but she also admitted how much easier it was the second time around, now that she had an idea of what to expect.

 

Jessie walked into Heather’s back room right after Melissa left.  Melissa was positively giddy and skipped past her excited to be back to her bald self.  Jessie couldn’t help but be bemused by how much Melissa had changed in the past year.  The whole team, really.  She quickly sat down in the chair.

 

“Bye, bye blondie.”  Jessie grinned, waving at the mirror.  “I’ll see you again soon.”  Jessie turned and looked at Heather.  “As SOON as it starts to grow back.”

 

Heather nodded in understanding, as she picked up her clippers and turned them on.  Heather was in a groove, and it did not take her long to remove what little hair Jessie had.  Jessie had really embraced her new style, and it suited her well, it was almost a shame to shave it off.  ALMOST.

 

“So, how soon will that be?”  Heather knew the situation was different this time.  Last year, they had done this before the final game of the season and then kept it up for several months until their competition.  This year, it was only the halfway point of the season, and the team was under no such restraint.  However, they all collectively agreed to keep it up through the end of the season.  After that it was up to each individual cheerleader.

 

“I’m not entirely sure.”  Jessie causally remarked.  “I need to talk with my sister.  It wouldn’t surprise me if I went home for break bald and then started to grow it back.”  Jessie hesitated for just a moment.  “But then, I’d end up waiting until I came back for you to bleach it.  I don’t know if I’d want to go that long.”

 

“You could always keep it up while you’re home.”  Heather said as she put down the clippers and lathered her hands for the next step.  “Jenny’s gotten a lot of practice with the razor, I’m sure she’d help you out if you asked.”

 

“That’s true.  I hadn’t really thought about that.”  Jessie shrugged.  “I don’t know, I guess we’ll have to see how it goes.”

 

SHANDRA

Shandra was an amazing athlete.  No one should ever debate if cheerleading is a sport or if cheerleaders should be considered athletes near Shandra.  They would get schooled and never doubt it again.  However, she would also be the first to acknowledge that appearance and looks played a role.  She knew what sold and she always put a lot of work into her appearance.  That was one reason why she had such difficulty with all the upheaval going on with the team, and why she was so resistant to the team’s lack of hair trend from last year.

 

Shandra also tended to be a bit standoffish, gruff, and she knew it.  She knew she wasn’t always the easiest person to get along with, but she always had the best of intentions and didn’t always do it on purpose.  Above all, she always tried to put the team first and did what she felt was best for the long term.

 

Shandra had a rough Junior year.  She sacrificed her hair to stay on the team.  She felt humiliated and conflicted because doing so went against everything she knew and believed.  Once she had her freedom back, she vowed to grow her hair back and restore the ‘proper’ order to things.  And that is precisely what she did, until something unusual happened.

 

Shandra was always a practical person.  She was usually able to reason most things and made choices and decisions based off of desired results.  If something didn’t make sense to her, she weighed whether it was worth doing.  She tried to be methodical in her approach to all aspects of her life.  So, as summer went on and her hair began to grow, she found herself asking why.  Suddenly, it all seemed so meaningless.

 

“What purpose does hair serve anyway?”  Shandra pointed out.  “We actively, tweeze, pluck, wax and otherwise remove all traces of hair from the rest of our bodies, yet somehow, the hair on the top of our head should be different?”  Shandra sat back as she continued to recount her tale.  “So, guys find it more attractive?  I’m not even sure if that’s true!”  She brushed her hand across her head and smiled.  “This is certainly way easier to deal with, plus it’s a lot cheaper and less time consuming.”

 

A small crowd had gathered around Shandra in the living room, as she explained her new philosophy.  It was a completely different perspective than what they were used to hearing from her, but it was hard to argue with her.

 

“So, one day, I woke up and just realized I didn’t want it anymore.  I went to the local barber shop and had it all shaved off.  As I sat there, I had no regrets.  In fact, I felt empowered.  When the guy was done, I thanked him and said I’d be back again in a few weeks.  I was and I haven’t looked back since.”  Shandra smiled, which was a rare sight.

 

“Honestly, I wasn’t sure what the team had in store for me, but that was the furthest thing from my mind at the time.” Shandra continued.  “I will say last year, my hair choices were not my own, but now this is truly the look I want for myself going forward.  Ever since I made this choice, I have felt stronger, more confident, and more beautiful than I ever did with my hair long.  And as a Thank You to the team, I will happily shave my head when everyone else does.”

 

When Shandra’s turn arrived, she confidently walked into the back room and sat down in Heather’s chair.  She knew what was about to happen and she was ready for it.  This time things couldn’t be more different from her experience a year ago, but there was one very important aspect she needed to get right.

 

“So, Heather, I owe you a huge apology.”  Shandra began.  “You are an absolute rockstar and I haven’t treated you right from the beginning.”

 

“You called me Heather!” the young barberette exclaimed.

 

“It’s your name, isn’t it?”

 

“It’s always been my name, but that’s never stopped you before.”  Heather countered.

 

“Yeah, well, I’m sorry.  Your name is Heather and that’s what I’ll call you from now on.”

 

“So, no more ‘runt’?”  Heather inquired about the name Shandra used to refer to her by, as she passed the clippers over Shandra’s head.

 

“You weren’t much of a fan, were you?”

 

“At first, it was nice to have your attention.  But then, it seemed like you were making fun of me.  I don’t really have a lot of control over my size.”

 

“You’re so tiny!”

 

“Shandra…”  They were having a moment, and Heather worried it was about to be ruined.

“Yeah, I know, but hear me out.”  Shandra held up her hand, in an attempt to get Heather to listen to her and focus.  Heather paused for a moment and turned off the clippers.  “You’re Tiny, but Mighty.  Over the past year I’ve watched you transform.  I’ve seen the person you’ve become.  I’ve watched as you’ve shed that old version of yourself.  Now I see this strong, confident, vibrant, young WOMAN.  Long gone is that long-haired meek, shy, little girl that I first met.”

 

“Thank You, Shandra…  That really means a lot, coming from you.”  Heather tried not to blush and fought to hold back tears.  She no longer idolized Shandra in a way she once had, but her words still had impact.

 

“There’s nothing ‘runt’ about you and I regret ever calling you that.  The truth is I greatly admire who you are.  I’m maybe even a tiny bit envious.”  She paused for just a quick beat.  “But if you ever tell anyone, I’ll deny it.”

 

“Well, I won’t say anything, but…” Heather grinned and pointed toward the mirror, where the camera was.

 

Shandra followed the direction of Heather’s hand, and after a quick moment realized what she had just said to such a large audience.  Her jaw dropped as she quickly turned towards Heather who shrugged.  Shandra turned around and sat stone-faced in silence for a moment.  Then readjusted herself, sat up straight, smiled directly at the camera and winked.

 

TABITHA

Tabitha was a tad nervous.  She had never been bald before.  In fact, until a few weeks earlier, her super curly mass of hair had never been anything less than at least halfway down her back.  However, that all changed when she finally buzzed it all off.  Following the example of Shandra, she asked Heather to remove the bulk of her lion’s mane hair.

 

Now, sporting a teal #3 buzzcut, Tabitha had never been happier.  For the first time in her life, her hair was no longer a top concern.  She enjoyed the ease of ‘wash and go’ hair and loved the new aerodynamics of her head.  Tabitha put her newfound extra time to good use.

 

“Were you scared at all?”  Tabitha inquired.

 

“To be honest, I don’t remember much.  I kind of put myself in a trance.”  Heather answered her new running partner.  “But you already did the hard part.”

 

“Yeah,” Tabitha ran her hand over her head.  “And I love it.”  She smiled, “Oh, I know I’m going through with it, it’s just –” Tabitha stopped in her tracks.  “I’ve dreamed of this.  I’ve always hated my hair and wished I had done something sooner.  I can say with certainty that it will never get long again.  I love this and it’s been even better then I imagined, but…”  She trailed off and looked down.

 

“There’s a big difference between a short hair style and no hair at all.”  Heather attempted to finish Tabitha’s thought.

 

“Exactly.”  Tabitha looked back up and smiled at Heather, before running off down the path.

 

Tabitha couldn’t believe her good fortune.  Her teammates made things easy for her.  She was happy with her new short hair and would have kept up the buzz cut going forward.  However, the excitement and anticipation surrounding the team’s head-shaving fundraiser proved too tempting to resist.  While it was not something she would have considered before this, it now seemed inevitable that she would join in, and it was all thanks to Shandra’s influence.

 

“I’ll never be able to thank you enough, for encouraging me and holding my hand through this.  I never imagined that I would shave my head tomorrow, but knowing the rest of the team is makes it so easy.”

 

“I’m glad you’ve adjusted so well.”  Shandra answered.  “Just know, you’ll be on your own.  I won’t be there to hold your hand this time.”

 

“That’s okay.  I think I can handle it.”  Tabitha confirmed.  “I’m scheduled to go right after you, though.  Would it be okay if I got in a quick head rub while we pass each other?”  Tabitha asked.

 

Shandra got up from her chair and slowly reached out to Tabitha.  She held her tightly, then reached her hand up to rub Tabitha’s head and smiled.  “Only if you return the favor.”

 

“Of course! You’ll be the first one!”  Tabitha squealed in delight, finally fully on board and with the last bit of her nerves gone.  Suddenly, she couldn’t wait for Friday night.

 

And just like that Shandra was bald again.  Only this time, it was entirely her choice.  Maybe Shandra had finally started to mellow, maybe she wanted to make up for any wrongs from her past, maybe she genuinely enjoyed the experience, or perhaps some combination of them all.  Whatever the reason, she smiled and as she got up and gave Heather a gigantic hug and thanked her.

 

As Shandra made her way out of the room, Tabitha passed her on the way to see Heather.  And as previously discussed Tabitha’s hand was all over Shandra’s head.  Shandra seemed pleased.  As Shandra began to giggle, it made Tabitha smile and rub her own head with her other hand.  Now, she WANTED to be bald and couldn’t wait to get into Heather’s chair.

 

“This is SOOOOO exciting!”  Tabitha exclaimed as she plopped down into the plush leather barber chair.

 

“Nice to see such a positive attitude.”  Heather laughed, noting the difference in attitude that just a few days seemed to make.

 

“Oh, Heather.  I just needed some time.  I knew I’d come around.”  Tabitha brushed off the comment.  “I’ve enjoyed this short hair so much the past few weeks.  I’m ready for the next step.”

 

Heather smirked as she picked up her clippers.  “Okay, Tabitha.  One bald head coming up.”  Heather turned the clippers on, which caused Tabitha to jump slightly.  She then plunged them into Tabitha’s hair and dragged them back, removing everything in their wake.  Within moments, Tabitha’s head had been reduced to mere stubble.

 

Tabitha gasp.  “Wow! I’m bald!”

 

“Not quite yet, but close.”  Heather smirked, as she headed over to the counter and reached for the shaving cream while she put down her clippers.  “It’s a common mistake.  You’ll learn the difference.”

 

Tabitha reached her hand up and started to feel her head.  “Feels like sandpaper.”

 

“I’ll take care of that.”  Heather swatted Tabitha’s hand away as she began to spread the shaving cream all over Tabitha’s head.  “Don’t worry.  Trust the process.”

 

“Oh, I do.”  Tabitha smiled in anticipation.  She sat in silence for a moment as she enjoyed the process and reflected on all that had occurred to her in the past few weeks.  “It tickles.”  Tabitha twitched her nose.

 

“You’ll get used to it.”  Heather reached for her razor and began to swipe it over Tabitha’s head, removing the cream and any remaining hair, leaving nothing but bare skin in its wake.  Heather enjoyed this part and was always quick but also acknowledged that it was Tabitha’s first time experiencing it and wanted her to enjoy every part of it.

 

“Oh, I’m sure I will.”  Tabitha giggled.  “I can’t believe I’m doing this!”  She shifted nervously in the chair.  “My family will probably KILL ME, but it will be worth it.  You’re gonna do two passes, right?” It may have been Tabitha’s first time getting her own head shaved, but she was still familiar with the routine from watching other teammates.

 

“I usually do.”  Heather nodded.  “Especially the first time.”  Heather continued to pass the razor over Tabitha’s head, which was now mostly bare, with just a few patches of cream left to be exposed.  “I’m sure everything will be fine.”

 

“Oh, everything will be GREAT.  Just like everything about this team.  I just have to hope my sister still feels the same.”  Tabitha gritted her teeth.

 

“Well, the most important thing is how YOU feel.”  Heather made her final initial pass over Tabitha’s head, then reached for a towel and began to wipe Tabitha’s head.

 

“I feel amazing.  That’s not a question.”  Tabitha sighed.  “I’ve already cut most of my hair off, and that was a big enough deal.  My entire family is obsessed with their hair.  Their ridiculously long, super curly hair.  Ugh.  I’m so thankful to be done with THAT.”  She smirked.  “Anyway, I figured that once I already cut it all off, I might as well finish the job.”

 

Heather nodded approvingly, as she reached for the cream and began to lather her hands.  “So, any idea how long you plan to keep it this way?”

 

“I hadn’t really thought much about it.”  Tabitha shrugged.  “I mean, you’re not even done yet.  Do I have to decide now?”  Tabitha giggled nervously.

 

“Of course not!”  Heather spread the foam over Tabitha’s head.  “There’s no pressure at all.  Just know I’m available to you whatever you want.”

 

“Thanks!  Well, I know it’s staying short.  I never want those curls again.”  Tabitha declared confidently.  “I think I’ll keep it like this when I go home over the break.  This way, in the future, at least everyone can be thankful I have SOME hair even if it’s not as much as they would prefer.”

 

“You shouldn’t worry so much about what THEY prefer.”  Heather rinsed her hands, then looked over to Tabitha through the mirror on her way back over.  “It’s all about what YOU prefer.”  Heather scrapped her razor over Tabitha’s head for the second time.

 

“This! Definitely THIS!”  Tabitha grinned widely as she chuckled.  “I mean, I don’t know if I want to stay bald, but if it’s between that or ever growing my hair long again… Then it’s an easy call.”  Tabitha looked at Heather innocently.  “And I can count on you to keep this looking fresh and sharp, right?”

 

“Of course, you can.  You know I take care of the team.  Whatever anyone wants.”  Heather continued to remove the foam from the top of Tabitha’s head.  “I guess you’ve decided then?”

 

“Well, not exactly.  All I know is I’ll stick with it for a bit, until I go home at least.  Then, I’ll see how my family reacts and then decide from there.”

 

“Sounds like a plan.”  Heather smiled passionately.  “We can come here every morning after our run.”  Heather paused a moment, “If that works for you, of course.”

 

“Does it?”  Tabitha gasped in delight.  “Does it EVER!  Oh, Heather, I am SO IN.”  Tabitha smiled broadly.

 

“You, know I never used to be a morning person and definitely not a runner.”  Heather remarked.  “Our coach, Emma got me into it.  She was still a student then and our captain.  She used to drag me out every morning and I hated it at first, until I didn’t.”  Heather made her last few swipes over Tabitha’s head.  “So, we used to go out every morning for our run, then we’d go to her room, and I’d give her a fresh shave.  Though, we didn’t have this barbershop then.  Now, it’s so much better to just come here.”  Heather reached for the towel and began to rub Tabitha’s nude head.  She then reached for the spray bottle and squirted Tabitha’s head a few times and rubbed the oil in, as she buffed her head.  Then after a minute, she stood back, “Congratulations!  Welcome to the club.”

 

Tabitha slowly stood up and turned her head in all directions.  Her shiny bald head glistened under the ambient light of the room.  She walked towards the mirror, so she could get a closer look.  She felt the breeze of the air around her.  As she got closer to the mirror, her hands shot up to her head.  As she vigorously rubbed her head, Tabitha found herself uncontrollably laughing.  After another minute she turned towards Heather.  “Best club that I’ve even been a member of.”  She then abruptly hurried towards the door unable to contain her excitement.  Upon leaving the back room, she found Shandra waiting for her, along with other members of the team.  As promised, Shandra reached her hand out, which Tabitha gladly leaned her head into.

 

ANNA

Anna was always an easy-going, cheerful person.  She tended to be happy-go-lucky, generally in positive spirits, and among the friendliest cheerleaders on the team.  However, she found herself quite a bit more stressed out than usual.  Being the captain of the team was quite a bit more involved than she originally thought.

 

“Ugh, Emma.  I never realized how much you went through for this team.”  Anna declared to her coach as they sat for their weekly meeting.

 

“It’s certainly not for the faint of heart, but you’re doing an amazing job.”  Coach Emma encouraged her young protégé.  “I know you probably don’t remember, but I struggled a bit at first, as well.”  Emma leaned back in her chair, stretching her arms.

 

“There’s just a lot more going on then I realized.  I just want to cheer.”  Anna sighed deeply.  “It’s a good thing I already have this buzzcut and the team is what it is.  Sometimes I just want to pull all my hair out, if I just had any to pull.”

 

“Hey, you’re a big reason this team is the way that it is.”  Emma leaned forward, as she rubbed her own bald head and smiled.  “And I’d like to personally thank you for that.”

 

“Well, we’ll all be that way in a few days.”  Anna smirked.  “I can’t believe how much Heather has come along in the past year.”  She paused, “I can’t believe she actually has a camera back there… and that she posts on Social Media!”

 

“She actually requested it.  One of the things she mentioned early on was how important it was that there be a built-in camera that she could use.  She specifically mentioned recording and posting on social media.  I was just as surprised as you, but I wasn’t going to question or pry too much, since it was an easy enough ask.”

 

“I still can’t believe she’s got almost as many followers as me.”  Anna sighed.  “I’ve neglected them so much.  I just don’t have the time I hoped to have as in the past.  Thankfully, I have Janie to help pick up the slack.”

 

“You’ve got a great support system.  The entire team loves you and wants you to succeed.  Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.”

 

“Thanks, Emma.  I’ll do that.”  Anna let out a deep sigh of relief as she moved onto the business of the meeting and discussed the week ahead.  It was a short meeting and after a few more minutes Anna left, feeling much more confident than she did when she arrived.

 

So, when it was Anna’s turn in Heather’s chair she was in full-on investigation mode.  She was happy with all the positive developments in Heather’s life and the person she had transformed into, but Anna needed to get to know this new version better.

 

“Hey Heather!”  Anna’s sunny disposition was on full display as she walked into the back room and sat down in the chair.  “Hi everyone!  I hope you’re all enjoying everything.”  Anna said toward the mirror as she waved.

 

“Oh, Anna.  I think things have gone great so far.”  Heather responded.  “Okay everyone, it’s time for our captain and our leader.  The one who started it all.”

 

“Well, from everything I’ve seen, I’d have to agree.”  Anna concurred.  “Guess it’s time for me to get rid of this mess.”  Anna rubbed her hand over the hair that occupied the top of her head.

 

“I’d say so.”  Heather smirked.  “I’m not used to seeing you with hair that long.”

 

Anna’s hair was almost a half inch long, which would still be considered incredibly short by most people’s standards, but was quite a bit longer than the usual #1 buzz that Anna had sported ever since she first parted with her hair almost two years ago.  This was mainly due to two factors.  All the girls already had such short hair, so they made an effort to grow their hair a bit in the days and sometimes weeks that led to the event.  Anna found herself so busy with so many other things as she tried to keep on top of all her schoolwork.  She just didn’t have the time that she used to.

 

“I’m not used to it this long.  But I guess you’ll take care of that.”  Anna chuckled nervously, which surprised her because she had no qualms about what was about to happen or being in front of a camera or with Heather…  Yet she felt something nagging her that she couldn’t explain.

 

“Don’t I always?”  Heather responded as more of a statement than a question.

 

“You do and I’m happy to let you.”  Anna wanted to sit back and relax and just enjoy the experience, but she couldn’t.  She had questions and needed answers.  “Heather, you seem so much more relaxed now then you were last year when we did this.”

 

“Well, last year was a lot of adjustment.  I’ve been doing this for a year now.  I’m much more comfortable with everything.”  Heather turned on the clippers and plowed them across the top of Anna’s head.  “I’m in my element.  This is what I do.”

 

“I see.”  Anna nodded knowingly, “And the camera?”

 

“Cameras, actually.”  Heather made sure to emphasis the plural.  “Honestly, I just forget they’re there most of the time and go about my business.”

 

“I remember how you were so against them last time.”

 

Heather just shrugged, as she continued to pass the clippers over Anna’s head.  “You were right though.  I barely need to do anything, and the followers just come.  I don’t know what’s so interesting about me, but I’ve stopped questioning and just go with it.”

 

“I see.”  Anna admitted it was her influence that seemed to start the whole thing.

 

“Well, I suppose there’s something appealing about a hot bald chick in minimal clothes.  I don’t really need to do anything.  But they certainly enjoy the videos.  There does seem to be two main groups, though.  I have a huge following and get tons of views and comments on my workout videos.  It’s just me going through my routine, but people eat it up.  Then there’s the haircut videos, which also tend to be very popular.  There doesn’t seem to be a lot of crossover between the two.”  Heather made her last few swipes, and Anna’s head was freed from the hair that just moments before occupied the area.  “The ones that do though… WOW, watch out!”  Heather chuckled softly.

 

“That’s… great.”  Anna was genuinely happy for Heather but also felt a bit of jealousy, which was a new feeling for her.

 

“I suppose I should thank you.”  Heather began to spread the shaving cream all over Anna’s head.  “None of this would have happened without you.  I’ll never question your judgement again.”

 

JENNY

Jenny wasn’t exactly looking forward to shaving her head again, but she wasn’t not going to do it.  If last year was a spur of the moment decision, then this time was a foregone conclusion.  She was glad she did it and didn’t object to doing it again.  Even though she would readily admit her long hair days were over, she still found she preferred to have SOME hair.

 

In the past year, since she first cut her hair, Jenny had really adapted to her bowl cut.  After a bit of experimentation, she really knew what worked best for her and what she was most comfortable with.  She tended to keep the bottom of her bowl cut relatively short.  It was usually buzzed with no longer then a #3, but most often her preferred length was with a #2.  Though she was fine with a #1 on occasion.  It was the top of her head, where she really had her fun.

 

Jenny had always thought of her hair as super straight while it was long.  But ever since she cut it, she discovered it actually had quite a bit of wave to it.  She had fun in those first few weeks, while she rediscovered her hair and all the fun new things she could do with it.  She would straighten it, slick it back, and even play with its natural wave.  However, ever since she grew it out since her last shave, the wave had gotten more and more pronounced to the point where it has become almost borderline curly.  Jenny found that she greatly enjoyed this newfound texture and preferred to leave her hair in its natural state more often than not.

 

“Alright, let’s do this.”  Jenny declared as she entered Heather’s back room.  She slunk down in Heather’s chair and sighed.

 

“Hey Jenny, is everything okay?  You don’t seem thrilled to be here.”  Heather noted.

 

“Yeah, Heather I’m good.  I’m just really liking my hair lately.”

 

“Ah,” Heather nodded.  “Well, we don’t have to shave it if you don’t want.”

 

Jenny chuckled.  “No, it’s not that.  I’m committed to this, and I know I’ll regret it if I don’t.  It’s just… well, Jessie and I have spent our whole lives as twins, always looking the same.  It’s been so nice looking different and living our own separate lives.”  She sighed.  “But now, it’s back to being twins, I guess.”

 

“Well, then let’s get started.”  Heather grabbed her clippers and turned them on.  Besides Kathy and Madison, who weren’t involved in the fundraiser, Jenny easily had the most hair on the team.  She had the most to shave off and her hair gave the clippers a workout.

 

“I suppose it’s a good thing I like my hair short so much.  I don’t see how it would get long as long as I’m on the team.”  Jenny mused.

 

“What happens after that?”  Heather inquired.

 

“Oh, it’s staying short.  It just may end up being more maintenance than growing it and shaving it.”  Jenny genuinely believed she had found her long-term look.  Admittedly, it had reached the point of how long she could tolerate it.  “When we first cut our hair, I liked that I initially went shorter than my sister.  Even if I knew it wouldn’t last.  And sure enough, she’s kept it almost shaved and with the blonde color.  She might as well stay shaved!”

 

“Well, funny you say that.”  Heather smirked.  “She and I just talked about it.  She thinks she might keep it shaved a bit.  Eventually, she’ll grow it a bit and return to blonde, but she’s concerned about having hair without me around to bleach it.”

 

“So, she wants me to keep shaving it for her throughout the break.”  Jenny inferred.

 

“Well, you’ve got all that experience courtesy of Candice.”

 

“Yeah, well, that was unexpected.”  Jenny smiled, “But she looks amazing, and I’ve never seen her so happy.”

 

Heather continued to pass the clippers over Jenny’s head, as all her hair fell in big chunks around her, leaving the barest of stubble behind.

 

“I’ll talk to my sister.  I’m sure we can work something out.”

 

BETTY

“Hey Kiddo.  How ya holding up?”  Betty sauntered into the back room.  She wore a very revealing tight V neck crop top and black leggings.  Previously, it had been unusual for her to wear something like that.  She was far from a prude, but also not one to “show off” unnecessarily.  However, Betty was still in an adjustment phase with her new body.  She worked hard to achieve it, so she followed the mantra: ‘if you’ve got it, flaunt it.’  She made her way over to Heather, grabbed her by the waist, pulled her close, and planted a big wet kiss right on her lips as she bent her backwards.

 

After a moment, Betty lifted her girlfriend back up.  With a quick wink, she smiled and then made her way to the chair and sat down.  Heather fluttered her eyelids, flushed, and took a minute to recover.  She loved Betty and cared deeply for her.  They had had a solid relationship, but only recently had been as public with it.  Heather was still getting used to this new side of Betty.  “I’m uh, I’m, ah… doing well.”   She smiled back, “but I’m much better now that you’re here.”

 

“Well, I’m happy to be here.”  She rubbed her head, which sported about a week and a half of growth.  “And I’m excited for you to get rid of this for me.”  Betty tried to be seductive, but it wasn’t her strong suit.

 

It took Betty a while to come around to her current hair situation.  When she first cut it off, it was a much larger adjustment for her than she anticipated.  It was only through Heather’s friendship and their shared vulnerability that she was able to get through it.  They bonded over their lack of hair and became very fast close friends.  That slowly grew into a mutual attraction and finally a solid relationship.

 

She had originally planned to grow it back again, since she hated how she looked with it short.  She had finally grown it a bit into a cute pixie that she thought she could be happy with, when Heather convinced her to shave it completely.  That ended any immediate plans for a long grow out.  While she didn’t love being bald, she didn’t hate it as much as she expected and tolerated it for Heather.  Everything changed over the summer.  As Betty embarked on a self-improvement journey, an unexpected side effect emerged.  She no longer desired to grow out her hair.  In fact, she began to cherish the baldness.  It worked with her new look more.  Now, she felt that longer hair would overwhelm her body and preferred having no hair at all.

 

So, Betty came to enjoy her head shaves and Heather enjoyed giving them.  Heather discovered that when she shaved her own head, it released lust inside her.  She refused to call it a fetish, even though all indications pointed in that direction.  It was the same feeling she got when she worked on Betty’s head.  Nobody else but Betty made her weak.  This turned into an advantage as Betty embraced her shaved head, and the act often took on the role of foreplay and lead to other activities.

 

As Heather regained her composure, she reached for her clippers.  She took a deep breath and turned them on, prepared for what was about to happen.

 

“I’m excited that you’re excited.”  Heather smiled at her girlfriend.  “It certainly is a switch from a year ago.”

 

“I didn’t know any better.”  Betty admitted.  “I promise I will never refuse you the opportunity again.”  Betty smiled and fluttered her eyes in Heather’s direction.  “In fact, I’ll insist on it.  You won’t make me beg, will you?”

 

Heather had to admit that Betty made it hard to concentrate.  She loved this new side of Betty and normally would have been all over her, but Heather had a job to do.  Heather was sure Betty was aware of the cameras and that they were on.  She either didn’t care or was purposely playing things up for the audience.  Heather wasn’t sure which, and honestly, she wasn’t sure if it mattered or if she cared.  Heather turned on the clippers and began the process she had gotten all too familiar with and had done so many times already that evening.

 

“Of course not.”  Heather began.  “You know I’m always happy to help any member of the team with any of their hair needs.  You’re no different.”  Heather knew that she downplayed their relationship with that comparison, but she desperately tried to keep to the task on hand.  While she had grown more comfortable in public around the camera and cherished her relationship with Betty, she wasn’t inclined to flaunt it all over the internet for everyone to see.

 

Betty gasped in mock horror.  “Oh, I see.  So, is that all I am to you?  Just some other teammate?”  Betty pulled Heather in close to her.  “Just play for the camera,” she whispered into Heather’s ear.  “By the way, you’re so hot right now.”  She winked, as she let Heather back up.

 

Heather continued to run the clippers over Betty’s head.  A tiny grin emerged on her face.  It all made sense to her now.  Betty was so smart, and Heather was impressed.  She relaxed as she tried to play along with Betty.

 

“Of course not.  You’re more than just a teammate.  Way. Way. More.”  Heather made quick work of Betty’s head.  The truth was she would have preferred to drag it out a bit more, but she was throbbing and getting wet.  She could cover it for now but would be craving a release soon.  She wanted to please Betty, but she was struggling. Heather made her way over to the counter and sprayed cream into her hands and began to rub them together as she walked back towards Betty.

 

“Damn, it’s hot in here.”  Betty started to fan herself.  “I can’t wear much less then I already have on.”

 

“I’m sorry.  The AC is on.  I –” Heather stopped what she was doing, as she suddenly realized what Betty was saying.  “I mean, isn’t that the idea?”

 

“Oh, Heather… why do you do this to me?”  Betty continued to fan herself.

 

“I, um…”  Heather didn’t know how to respond, so she worked as quickly as she could.  She let Betty do what she was doing.  Heather was no good at this kind of performance, but it only made it harder for her to focus.

 

Betty giggled as Heather massaged her scalp, “Heather… that tickles!”  Betty grabbed for Heather as Heather finished creaming her scalp.  “Oh, Heather…”  Betty moaned.

 

At this point, Heather was anxious and uncomfortable in front of the camera.  She already had enough difficulty getting through Betty’s shaves, and her current antics were not helping.  Finally, Heather made her last few passes over Betty’s head.  She put the razor down and reached for a towel.  She wanted to wipe down Betty’s head before she went in for another pass, but she would probably need a minute first.

 

As Heather approached Betty, Betty looked over and reached her arm around Heather’s waist.  Heather let out a yelp of surprise, but allowed herself to be pulled in.  Seconds later, Heather found herself on Betty’s lap as her lips locked with Betty’s.  Suddenly, nothing else mattered and no one else mattered.  Heather allowed herself to relax and release all her tension.  She moaned out with pleasure as she casually tossed the towel behind her.  In what was either kismet or blind luck, the towel landed perfectly over the camera.

 

THE CALENDAR SHOOT

“Wow!  You guys look awesome!”  Candice greeted the team as they entered the studio.

 

“Most of us haven’t even changed yet.”  Jenny greeted her friend with a hug as the rest of the team filed in behind her.  “And you’re not looking so bad yourself.”

 

“Well, it’s all thanks to you.”  Candice blushed as she brushed her hand across the bare part of her lavender colored mohawked head.

 

“I’m not just talking about your hair,” Jenny glanced up and down at the fellow Junior, who wore nothing but a vest from the waist up.  The V-neck vest, which ended about two inches above her waist, was mostly open except for the two middle buttons that kept it closed.  This was a huge departure for the theater major who used to wear her vests in layers over other shirts.

 

“Well, I guess you bear some responsibility for that as well.”  Candice remarked.  “I’m still not used to showing so much skin.”  She commented as she adjusted her short shorts, “But I will be.”  She smiled.  “Quite the difference from last year, huh?”

 

As the team filed in and got ready for their shot, a few of the girls still needed to get changed and others helped get the set ready for the first shot.  Anna walked over to join Jenny and Candice.  “Thanks, so much for helping us out.  You’ll be a great fit.”

 

“It’s no problem.  I’m happy to help out.  I just used my connections.  It’s no different from last year.”  Candice replied.  “Wait, what do you mean by a great fit?”

 

“I, um, I hadn’t actually said that part yet,” Jenny told Anna.

 

“Said what?  What’s going on?”  Candice started to question the two girls.

 

“We…  Um…  We wanted to invite you to take part in it.” Jenny said bashfully, as she rubbed her newly shaved head.

 

“Take part in what?”  Candice inquired, noticing Jenny rubbing her head, “Are you talking about my hair?  Do you want me to shave it?”

 

“No, No…  Not at all.”  Anna interjected, looking at Jenny.  “We want you to be part of the calendar.  You’d help us out tremendously and solve a math issue.”

 

“Oh!  What kind of issue?”  Candice showed interest, “What exactly are you looking for?”

 

“We’re doing a bunch of group shots.  We want to keep it even between the team, but the numbers don’t work…” Anna explained, “unless we add you in.  Then everybody gets the same number of months.”

 

“Wow.  I’m honored,” Candice thought for a moment.  “I’m, ah, I’m not exactly dressed for it, though.”  She looked down at what she had on compared to the cheer uniforms of everyone else.

 

“Is that all that stops you?”  Jenny grinned, “Because you certainly look the part otherwise.”  Jenny smiled as she opened the duffel bag she was carrying and reached inside.  “Maybe this will help.”  She pulled out a cheer uniform.  “It’s a spare.”

 

Candice looked down at what Jenny was holding.  She looked up at the cheerleaders, who both smiled widely, then back at the uniform.  She sighed and subconsciously scratched her head.  Then after another moment, she looked back up at the duo.  “Alright, I’m in,” she smiled.

 

Jenny handed Candice the uniform, which Candice graciously took, and then ran off to put it on.  She passed Janie, who was on her way to the set to kick things off.

 

Candice couldn’t believe how much her life had changed in such a short time.  It wasn’t just her hair, although that was undeniably the catalyst for everything else.  In high school, the theater group and the cheerleaders ran in separate circles.  While they weren’t exactly adversaries, they barely ever had a reason to interact, and didn’t particularly get along.  Because of this she was always amused by her close friendship with Jenny.  She smiled as she looked at the image in front of her.  She had to admit that she liked what she saw.

 

“Those two make such a cute couple.” Candice declared as she rejoined Jenny and Anna.  The two love birds were up next.  While it was no secret among the team, Heather and Betty would be showcasing their love to the entire world, or at least anyone who picked up the calendar.  “Last year, I felt so out of place.  I guess I can’t say the same this year.”  She smiled as she showcased her new wardrobe as she rubbed her head.  “How do I look?  It’s not a perfect fit, but not bad.”  Candice twirled around.

 

“One of us!”  Jenny teased.  Though she really admired her friend.  As devastating as it was for her to miss out on that role, Jenny was really impressed with how much Candice had changed and embraced her new attitude.

 

“Well, I don’t know about that, but I guess I do look pretty good.”  Candice admitted.  As time passed, she felt more comfortable around the team and in uniform.  She looked over as Heather and Betty finished up and noticed who was on the next set.  “You did this on purpose, didn’t you?”  Candice pointed out, as the team got ready for March.

 

“The irony is there’s not even a hint of jealously.”  Anna grinned.

 

“Yeah, she really does have no desire to ever have hair again.”  Jenny agreed.

 

“I sympathize.”  Candice rubbed her mohawked head, as Melissa came to set with Kathy and Madison. “Still, it’s quite the switch.”

 

Madison’s hair had been styled in its most elaborate design ever.  It was braided close to the scalp, similar to cornrows, with the rest of her hair braided into a hoop on top of her head.  Her hair had grown past the middle of her back and was easily the longest she had ever worn it in her life.  It was a crazy look for any other occasion, but it worked perfectly for the calendar.

 

“I heard that Madison will have a different hairstyle for every month she’s in.  So, her and Melissa will be quite busy in between shots.”

 

“If anything, Kathy is the one who’s jealous.  She has a desire to grow her hair long again.  I wouldn’t be surprised if she came back from break with a full head of extensions.”

 

“Honestly, I can’t imagine.”  Candice admitted.  She never cared much about her hair.  It had always been long and just there.  She didn’t give it much thought.  That’s part of what made her decision to shave it all off for a role so easy for her.  Even though she didn’t get the role, she had no regrets and no desire to grow her back.  For the first time in her life, she actually cared about her hair and gave it proper attention.  Even if it was only to keep the sides shaved and maintain her mohawk.  The idea may have started as a joke between Jenny and Heather, but it led to her being happier with her hairstyle than she had ever been.

 

“Hey! Can we get some balls over here?”  Melissa shouted out to the group.  “As college cheerleaders, let’s not forget what March represents.”  She walked towards Madison.  “I swear I didn’t think of this ‘til just now but look at this hair.”

 

“That hairstyle is amazing!”  Jenny commented.  “And I think I know what you’re trying to do with the look, but the ball still needs to fit INSIDE.”

 

“What if I took all my hair and made it into a giant bun?  It could resemble a ball…  And it would be just about the right size.”  Kathy chimed in, showing a bit of excitement for the first time.

 

A huge smile spread across Melissa’s face.  “Oh, Kathy!  That’s perfect!”

 

Kathy smiled, as she sat down and let Melissa play with her hair.  She was finally into the spirit of the shoot and felt like an important part of the team.

 

“Alright, it’s our turn!”  Jenny and Anna looked at each other as they headed towards the set for the next shot with Jessie and Shandra.  “You’re up next with the other two new freshman.”

 

“Can’t wait.” Candice forced a smile.  She suddenly felt nervous.  She liked the uniform, but she was not a cheerleader.  Nope.  She was an actor…  Wait!  She was an actor!  This was just a role to play, and she would give the performance of her life.  After all, the only thing she really needed to do was stand around and look like she belonged.  If she couldn’t do that, she had no business in her chosen field.  Suddenly, Candice stood a little taller and her smile wasn’t quite as forced.  She turned towards the set.

 

Jessie and Jenny tried to downplay being twins, but their matching uniforms and bald heads made it nearly impossible.  At least, they seemed to be okay with it for the sake of the photo shoot.  “It’s like looking in a mirror.”  Anna commented as she noticed the twins look at each other in identical poses.

 

Jenny and Jessie turned towards Anna and giggled, “Well, duh.”  They said in unison.

 

“Ugh,” Shandra rolled her eyes as she stood behind the trio.  “Let’s just get on with it.”

 

The rest of the day progressed, and Candice fit right in.  Anyone else would never have known that Candice was not an official member of the team.

 

“I thought last year’s calendar was amazing…”  Candice stated. “I’m pretty sure this will top it.”

 

“Well, I’m sure you have something to do with that.”  Jenny hugged her friend.

 

“I don’t think I added anything, but I’m happy to be included.”  Candice blushed, “Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would do something like this!”  She chuckled, “It feels like a bucket list moment, and it wasn’t even ON my bucket list.”  She turned towards Jenny and Anna.  “Thanks for including me, I had fun.”

 

“Our pleasure.”  Anna and Jenny answered in unison.

 

“I’ll get everything processed and meet with you later next week, and we can put this together.”  Candice remarked as she said goodbye to the team and headed towards the photographer.

 

The rest of the team cleaned up, changed, then headed back on the bus and back to the house to enjoy what was left of their weekend.