Cheerful Clips: The Audition

Our college campus barbershop run by the cheerleading team is open and in full swing.  Now it just needs customers.  The team have friends outside of themselves, maybe one of them will stop by.

 

If this is the first story you’ve read in the series, feel free to jump in.  If you’d like to know what came before, this link will take you to the previous chapter:

 

https://www.hairstorynetwork.com/stories/cheerful-clips-the-new-recruits/

 

 

When you’re ready, please enjoy THE AUDITION:

 

 

JUST ANOTHER DAY

Candice was an exceptionally bright student, and she took her studies very seriously.  She prided herself on being healthy; she took good care of herself and her body.  She ate right, drank plenty of water, and made sure to get good quality sleep every night.  That said, she also liked to have fun and wanted to have the full college experience.  It was the start of her junior year and it was make or break for the theater major.

 

Candice knew she wanted to be an actor from an early age.  She knew it was more than just “playing pretend.”  She was involved in many theater shows throughout Middle School and High School, even doing community theater when she could.  It was something she studied up on.  She read books by and about her favorite actors and actresses as well as books about her craft.

 

A few days into the semester she walked past the casting board to see what productions were planned for that semester and when the auditions were.  It was important that she found the right role for her and nailed the audition.  She wanted something that she could really sink her teeth into, something that she could throw herself into.  Her ideal was a role that was challenging and that could show off her range.  A quick scan of the board showed some interesting roles, but nothing jumped out at her.  She was about to give up, when a notice caught her eye.  She looked it over and after a minute to think about it, she took a deep breath and signed up.  This would be a career-defining and life-altering role, and she was determined to do whatever she needed to make sure the role was hers.

 

Candice went about her day and momentarily put the audition out of her mind.  It was a couple of days away, which was good as she needed time to prepare.  When she got back to her dorm room, she spent her night studying and researching.  She needed to know everything she could about the play and the specific role she was interested in.  She looked up past performances and familiarized herself with everything.  The more she investigated it, the more she realized how perfect she would be in the role.  Well, except for one thing.

 

The next day, she went about her morning as usual, before meeting her friend for lunch.  Dressed casually in jeans and a white T shirt with a tan button-down vest over it, Candice sat down at a table and scanned the quad.  Then she spotted her friend and waved.  Her friend made her way over and sat down across the table from her.

 

“Hey, Candice!  It was good of you to set this up.  We needed to catch up.”  Candice’s friend, Jenny, exclaimed excitedly.  Jenny was also a junior and a member of the cheer squad.  Her brown, wavy, hair was cut short into a bowl cut with a teal streak running through it.  She had on a dark purple crop top and matching shorts that fell just above the knee.  Candice and Jenny had met on the first day of Freshman year and bonded instantly.  Ever since, they stayed close and tried to meet up with each other every few days if they were both on campus, or at least calling each other if they weren’t.  “What’s new?”

 

“Hey, Jenny.  Things are great.  You look great.  Everything’s great.”  Candice answered, poking at her salad with her fork and moving it around.

 

“Why are you saying that in a way that indicates that everything isn’t so great?”  Jenny tilted her head and showed concern for her friend.

 

“No, everything’s fine.  Sorry, I do need your help though.”  Candice replied.

 

“Sure, anything.  You know that.  What’s up?”

 

“I need you to shave my head.”  Candice looked up and directly at Jenny.

 

“What! Why?”  Jenny was taken aback by the request.  “Candice, your hair is gorgeous, why would you possibly want to cut it all off?”

 

Candice had long, kinky, brunette hair that fell to her waist.  It was in immaculate condition and Candice took excellent care of it.  It was virgin hair, she had never colored it, straightened it, or otherwise exposed it to any kind of chemicals or heat.  She had also never cut it other than the occasional maintenance trim.  In fact, she had never done much of anything with it.

 

“Um, well, it’s not so much a matter of want.  It’s more of a need.”  Candice admitted.

 

“Oh my God!”  Jenny gasped.  “Candice are you okay?  You’re not sick or anything are you?”  Jenny showed genuine concern for her friend.

 

“Oh, no.  It’s nothing like that.  I’m fine.” Candice answered, “As far as I know anyway.”  Candice gave a soft chuckle.  “No, I have an audition.”

 

“An audition?  You need to shave your head for an audition?”  Jenny expressed both relief and concern.

 

“Well, I suppose I don’t NEED to.”  Candice realized.  “The part is for a bald woman.  Jenny, I’m perfect for this part.  As you know, this is an important year for me, and I need a major role on my resume.  I want something that can really show my range.”

 

“Sure, but shouldn’t you wait to make sure you actually get the role first?” Jenny showed some hesitation.

 

“I thought it would show my commitment.  If I show up with my head already shaved, that could help the director and casting people see me in the role.”  Candice reasoned.  “It will put me that much ahead of everyone else.”

 

“I don’t know, Candice…  This is a pretty drastic step.”  Jenny had some real concerns but also wanted to encourage and support her friend.  “What happens if you don’t get the part?”

 

“I won’t allow myself to go there.  Positive energy only.”  Candice dismissed the idea.  She sighed.  “I’ve already decided that I’m doing this.  I was really hoping my friend, who’s been bald before and has the experience, would help me through it.  It’s a big deal and I’m committed, so don’t try to talk me out of it.”  Candice leaned forward.  “Either you help me with this or I’m going back to my dorm room, grabbing a pair of scissors and cutting it all off myself.  Then I’ll grab my razor and finish the job.  I’m sure it won’t be easy and wouldn’t come out nearly as well, as if you did it, but I hope that shows you how serious I am.”

 

Jenny paused for a moment.  “Okay.” Jenny finally answered.  She realized how serious and determined her friend was, she wanted to make sure her experience went as well as possible.  “I’ll talk to Heather.  When do you need it done by?”

 

“Well, my audition is late tomorrow afternoon, so it would have to be before then.”  Candice smiled as she got her friend on board.  “But Jenny, I don’t need Heather.  I want YOU to do it.”

 

“I’d feel better if Heather did it.”  Jenny explained.  “I know you’re doing this.  I fully support you and want this so badly for you.  So, you can count on me.  I definitely don’t want you doing this yourself.”  Jenny continued.  “But I’m not sure how comfortable I feel.  Heather is amazing and the right person to do this for you.  I will of course be right next to you and support you, but Heather is your gal.”

 

“Jenny, I really had my heart set on you.”  Candice pouted.  “Nothing against Heather and I know how good she is, but understand, I want YOU.”

 

Jenny sighed and nodded in understanding.  “How about this?  I’ll do it for you, but I want Heather there.  I need her there because it would make me feel more comfortable.”

 

Candice nodded.  “Okay.”

 

“So, when are we doing this?”  Jenny asked.

 

“Well, I have two thoughts.  I’m not sure which is better.  I thought about doing it sometime in the next few hours.  Probably after my classes.  This way I have time to adjust and get used to it.”  Candice outlined her plan.  “Or I could do it before the audition.  Like right before it, as in I get it done and then head right to the audition.  I don’t even have to see it or think about it, I just know that it’s done, then after the audition if I need to breakdown or whatever I can.”

 

“You’ve certainly given it thought.”  Jenny was impressed.  “Well, why don’t I talk with Heather and see what works best for her?  I’ll get back to you and then we’ll get it done.”  Jenny grinned.  It took some time for her to get on board, but now she was all in and happy for her friend and excited to help her with this transformation.

 

“Oh, I’ve given it plenty of thought.  I’m a planner.  Plus, despite what I might be saying and how I look… I know this is a big deal, and I AM freaking out, but I’m also determined to go through with it.  So, thank you for supporting me.”

 

Both girls got up and hugged goodbye.  Jenny stroked Candice’s hair a few times before they departed and headed off in opposite directions.

 

CLASS INTERRUPTED

Candice had to put a lot more effort into things than usual just to get through her day.  She was incredibly distracted.  Ever since she had signed up for her audition, she knew she wanted to shave her head.  She was excited and it was something she felt she needed to do, but it was in the abstract and just an idea.  Until it became real.  Once she had lunch with Jenny and she talked through her plan, it changed everything.  Now, it was all she could think about.

 

Part of her couldn’t wait for it to happen and wanted to get it over with.  Part of her wanted to put it off as long as possible.  She knew she would be saying goodbye to her hair.  And it might be a while until she had long hair again.  While she had no intention of keeping it shaved after the play was over, she knew the grow-out process would be long, plus she planned to continue to seek roles.  She had long decided to never let an appearance requirement stand in her way of getting a job.  This was just the first time it had come up.  She knew it wouldn’t be the last.

 

Candice was on the way to class and about to enter the building when her phone rang.  She needed to silence it before class started but was glad that she hadn’t yet.  It was Jenny.

 

“Hey, Jenny.  I was about to head into class.”

“Can you come now?”

“Now?  I just told you, I’m about to head into class.”

                   “Well, I spoke with Heather. I told her the whole situation.

  She’d love to help you out.  But it needs to be now.”

“I can’t now.”

                                  “She said the other option is that you can stop by right before close.  She’s willing

to stay to help you out.  The only problem is that I’m not available then.  So, I can

do it for you now, with her help, or she does it for you later tonight, without me.”

“What about tomorrow?”

“The timing isn’t right.  She said if you shave it today, then  want to stop by for a

fresh shave right before your audition  she thinks she can fit you in.  But waiting

and going through the whole process later will take a lot longer.  Our schedules

don’t line up early enough to get it done.”

“Shit.”

“Yeah, so anyway, we’re both here now.  But it’s up to you.”

“I’ve never blown off a class before.”

“I know, I’m sorry.”

“And right now is really the only option?”

“If you want me to do it, yes.  Otherwise, you can just have Heather do it for you

later tonight.  Your call.  I support you either way, so don’t let that influence you.”

…

“Candice are you still there?”

“Yeah, I’m thinking.”

“Sorry.”

“Ah, fuck it.  I’m not going to be able to concentrate

anyway.  I’ll be there in five minutes.”

 

Candice hung up.  She turned around and sighed.  She ran her fingers through her hair, for probably the last time, then made her way out of the building and headed towards the barbershop.  This was happening, whether she was ready for it or not.

 

A REGULAR THING

The barbershop door flung open, and Candice ran in.

 

“I’m here.”  Candice wheezed out.  She put her hands on her knees and breathed heavily, trying to catch her breath.  “Just give me a moment.”

 

“It’s okay, you’ve got a few minutes.”  , walked over to her weary friend.  “Here.  Drink this.”  Jenny handed Candice a bottle of water, which she graciously took and started to chug.

 

“Thank. You.” Candice managed between breaths.  Candice was relatively fit and in decent shape.  She wouldn’t consider herself athletic but could hold her own and wasn’t opposed to a light work out on occasion, however, running halfway across campus in a matter of minutes was enough to knock anyone out.  She stood up and drank some more water.  “Wow, Jenny, those uniforms are great.  You have such an amazing body.  You all do, really.”  She unbuttoned her vest and started fanning herself.

 

“Thanks, Candice.”  Jenny gave a quick twirl.  The fringe covered mini skirt flung around her.  “It’s actually my first time with it on.  It really highlights all our curves, but hey, you’re not so bad yourself.”  Jenny gently poked her friend & then put her hands on Candice’s shoulders.  “Let’s just focus on you, right now.”  Jenny helped Candice out of her vest and led her to one of the empty chairs in the room.  “Just take a seat and calm down.”  She handed Candice another bottle of water.  “Sorry, I know I said now, but I didn’t mean for you to run all the way across campus.”

 

“It’s okay, I kind of just want it gone.  Although, I also kind of don’t.”  Candice admitted finally catching her breath, her heart still racing.

 

“I understand.”  Jenny nodded.

 

“I’m just grateful I decided not to wear heels today.  As I was racing across campus and I had all this hair flying behind me I started thinking about it not being there anymore.  It made me smile.  It actually fueled me.”  Candice informed.  “So, let’s get rid of it!”  Candice cackled as she made a fist and dragged it across her head.  “But then, I’ve had this hair my entire life.  This. Exact. Hair. So, it’s still a big deal.”

 

Jenny nodded. “I understand completely.  Well, we haven’t done anything yet, so it’s not too late to change your mind.”

 

Just then Heather walked out and headed towards Jenny and Candice.  “Hi, Candice.  I hear you’re ready for a big change.”

 

Candice looked at Heather, then Jenny, then looked at herself in the mirror.  She stared at herself, in the mirror, for a minute.  She looked back at Jenny and then Heather again.  Then confidently and without further hesitation. “Yes” then smiled.

 

“Do you want to do it here? Or we can go back to my private room, if you prefer.”  Heather asked.

 

Candice looked at Jenny, “I don’t care.  It’s your call.”

 

Jenny looked at Heather who shrugged.  Jenny grabbed Candice’s hand and helped her out of the chair.  Then Heather led both Jenny and Candice into her room and directed them towards the chair.  Candice walked over and confidently sat down.

 

“Okay, next question.  Mirror or no mirror?”  Heather walked over towards the mirror, which was currently covered with a curtain.

 

“Mirror, please.” Candice stated confidently.  “I need to watch this happen.  I think it will help.”

 

“Done.”  Heather pulled the curtain down and revealed the mirror hiding behind it.  Painted across the top of the mirror was a quote.

 

“A woman who cuts her hair is about to change her life – Coco Chanel.”  Candice read the quote.  “Well, I guess we’ll find out!”

 

“So how do you want the hair cut?”  Heather continued.

 

“I don’t understand?” Candice questioned.  “I’m just shaving it off.”

 

“I think she means, is there any particular way you want me to cut it off.”  Jenny chimed in.  “Like all at once, or in ponytails.  Do you want any in between cuts like a bob, etc.”  Jenny looked over to Heather who nodded in confirmation.

 

“Oh, I don’t know, I hadn’t really considered that.”  Candice answered softly.  “I guess it’s up to you.  You’re the one cutting it.  Just as long as I end up bald at the end.”

 

“You have such nice hair, that it would be a shame to see it go to waste.”  Jenny started to play with Candice’s hair, “It would make a nice donation.”

 

“Yeah,” Candice smiled.  “I want to do that.  Let’s donate it.”  Suddenly, any shred of doubt or apprehension completely disappeared.  Any nerves or hesitation vanished.  She sat up straight in the chair.  “Let’s go.”

 

Heather and Jenny could both tell from the way she said that last statement, the time for talk was over and it was time for action.  Jenny combed Candice’s hair and started separating it into sections.  Heather grabbed a bunch of rubber bands, which she got in the habit of keeping around for just such an occasion.  They were quick but methodical.  Candice grew more confident as the process continued, and her smile got larger.  Heather and Jenny continued to pull Candice’s hair into long ponytails, tied close to the scalp in order to maximize the donation.  Just as they were finishing up, Jenny reached for the scissors.  She looked at Heather, who glanced at Candice.  Jenny then handed the scissors to Candice who looked confused.

 

“The first cut is yours.”  Jenny answered the question that hadn’t been asked.

 

“But –”

 

“Just the first cut.”  Heather helped explain.  “You’ve got the mirror, and we’ll help guide you.”

 

“This is what you want, isn’t it?”  Jenny coaxed.

 

Without further hesitation, Candice reached up and grabbed one of the ponytails.  She then placed the scissors under the rubber band as close to the scalp as she could and started snipping away at the hair caught between the blades.  Within seconds the tiny ponytail was severed from Candice’s head and hung loose in her hand.  She gasped.

 

“I can’t believe I just did that!”  Candice exclaimed.

 

“How do you feel?”

 

“Great!  Can I cut more?”  Candice pulled at another ponytail, not waiting for an answer.

 

Heather and Jenny both looked at each other and smirked.  Jenny held out her hand to collect the ponytails from Candice as she unceremoniously detached them from her head.

 

“Looks like you really don’t need me here Jenny.”  Heather stated to her teammate, as she made her way over to the opposite corner of the room, where her pull up bar and other gym equipment was located.

 

“Looks like I don’t even need to be here.”  Jenny smirked.

 

“No, no, no… I still need you!”  Candice confirmed, without slowing down.  “I can’t reach all of them.  Plus, there’s still hair left in their wake.”

 

“Don’t worry, I’m not going anywhere.”  Jenny assured her friend.

 

“Me neither.”  Heather confirmed.  “Besides, you’re in my chair anyway.”  Heather jumped up and grabbed the bar and started doing pull ups while also keeping an eye on Jenny and Candice.

 

“That was her call.”  Candice retorted.  Suddenly, she stopped.  She handed the scissors to Jenny.  “Okay, I’m done.”

 

“You’re done?”  Jenny took the scissors.  “Ok, you look kind of ridiculous, but –”

 

“No, silly, I mean I want you to finish it.”  Candice rolled her eyes.

 

“I know what you meant, I was just joking.”  Jenny snipped off a ponytail from the back of Candice’s head. and held it up for her to see.

 

Candice started laughing.

 

“You’re taking this well.”  Heather noticed.

 

“I know.  Honestly, I was expecting to cry.”  Candice admitted.

 

“You still might.”  Jenny held up another ponytail.

 

“I doubt it.”  Candice declared.  “That time has passed.  After that first cut, and then I kept going, I was more excited than anything.”  She paused for a moment.  “Do you remember what I told you earlier and how I was prepared for this?  I told you about my thoughts as I ran over here.  Once you mentioned that we could donate the hair, all my hesitation was gone.”  She glanced over at the hair piling up.  “That’s not mine anymore.”

 

Jenny continued to snip away at the ponytails on Candice’s head.  There was now more hair piled on the counter than there was left on Candice’s head.  She admired Candice’s outlook.  She looked over at Heather, who seemed to be enjoying the show, while she hung upside down from the bar.

 

“It’s been a while since I’ve gotten to just watch like this.” Heather explained.  “Ever since I’ve taken over doing this, I’ve been fully immersed.  The team alone keeps me pretty busy.  Not to mention all my regular clients that I’ve taken on.”  She flipped over and jumped back down, then walked over to Candice.  “Are you going to want daily shaves as well?”

 

“I, ah, I don’t know yet.  Maybe not daily.  At least not at first anyway, but I plan to keep this through early December.  Once the play gets under way, I’ll need fresh shaves right before the show starts.”  Candice was growing more confident with each passing minute.  “It doesn’t need to be you.  I know that you’re busy enough.  I had hoped that Jenny will be able to help out.”

 

“Sure, I’ll help out when I can.  Between the two of us, I’m sure we will work something out.”  Jenny snipped off another ponytail and held it up.  “Only a couple more left to go.”

 

“Hurry up, Jenny!  You’re taking too long!”  Candice laughed at her impatience. “I wanna be bald, already.”

 

“Okay, okay…”  Jenny snipped off another ponytail.  Then tugged at Candice’s final reminder of her previously long hair.  Then in seconds it was gone.  “There.  All gone.  Congratulations, you’ve got short hair now.”  Jenny ruffled what remained of Candice’s hair.

 

“Short hair, but I want NO hair.”  Candice smiled, “So we’re not quite there yet.  Now the fun begins.”

 

Jenny reached for the clippers and removed the guard.  With Heather’s help, she adjusted the blades to the shortest setting.  Then she walked back over towards Candice.  Without saying a word, she turned on the clippers and watched them roar to life.  Candice jumped slightly, but her smile only got wider.  Jenny looked at Candice through the mirror and then placed the clippers right in the middle of Candice’s forehead.  She then pulled them back across Candice’s head, taking all the hair in its path with it, leaving the barest of stubble in its wake.

 

Without hesitation Jenny placed the clippers right next to the previous spot and she swiped them back across Candice’s head.  Candice smiled and got more excited with each pass.  Jenny’s confidence grew as she continued, and she really leaned into what she was doing.  She wanted Heather there for support as she had never shaved anyone’s head before, but she found it a relatively simple and straight forward process.  The fact that Candice seemed so into it was both encouraging and scary.

 

All too soon, Jenny was making her final passes over Candice’s head.  She wasn’t completely bald yet, but there was no discernible hair left on her head.  It was reduced to mere stubble.  Jenny gave Candice a moment to reflect on her new image.  She had a perfectly shaped head and would be able to pull off the bald look quite well.

 

“So, what do you think?”  Jenny put the clippers down and waited for Candice’s reaction.

 

“Better.”  Candice turned her head and examined all angles.  She reached her hand up and started feeling her head.  “You’re not done yet, though, right?”

 

“Not yet.  There’s still one more step.”

 

“Well, then, come on, let’s get on it!”  Candice clapped her hands together.  “I’m sure Heather wants her chair back.”

 

Jenny rolled her eyes.  She did NOT like this aspect of her friend.  She hoped that this was just a coping mechanism, and she was willing to give her the benefit of the doubt.  Jenny grabbed the shaving cream and pumped it into her hands.  She then massaged the cream onto Candice’s head.  She tried to be gentle, but she dug her fingers in a little to let Candice know she was not a fan of her new attitude.  Heather came over with a razor and showed Jenny how to use it.  Jenny needed to make sure to be gentle and not go too quickly, but she couldn’t go too slowly, or she could nick the skin.

 

This was the part that made Jenny nervous.  This was why she wanted Heather here, if not actually doing it.  She didn’t want to let Candice down and knew how important this was.  Despite her current attitude, she wanted Candice to have the best and most positive experience possible.  Jenny carefully placed the razor at Candice’s temple.  She then swiftly swiped it back, leaving a clear bare path in its wake.  Jenny flashed a small quick grin and winked at Heather. She then processed to place the razor below the previous spot, then carefully swiped again.  With each passing swipe, Jenny’s confidence grew.

 

Something had come over Candice.  She didn’t know what it was, but she felt different.  She was changed, transformed.  Something within her came alive.  She was thoroughly enjoying this experience.  There was no doubt in her mind she had made the right call.

 

“I can see why your team enjoys this so much.”  Candice declared.  “A girl can get used to this.”

 

“Does that mean I should put you down as a regular?”  Heather asked.

 

“You personally or the barbershop in general?” Candice asked with genuine interest.

 

Jenny turned to Heather and smiled.  She seemed hooked.  Jenny had made her way to the back of Candice’s head.  She still hadn’t touched the top of her head.  Jenny was saving that for last.

 

“Looks like you have your first regular.”  Heather teased.

 

“Maybe, but probably only for a few months.”  Jenny blushed but flashed a huge smile.  The fact that Candice didn’t object was telling.

 

“You never know, treat your customers right, don’t give them a reason to leave…”  Heather’s voice trailed off.

 

“I don’t know, I could get used to doing this.  It’s kinda fun.”  Jenny had made her way to the top of Candice’s head.  She started at the edges and worked her way to the middle.  “Hey Heather, think Candice could be a good candidate for a mohawk?”  A stripe of shaving cream across the top of Candice’s head is basically all that remained of what was once Candice’s hair.

 

Candice bit her lower lip but otherwise didn’t react.

 

“She does seem to have the right shaped head for it.”  Heather started to make her way over to Jenny and Candice, admiring Jenny’s work.  “Which I guess is good for her bald head, first.”

 

Finally, Jenny slid the razor across the top of Candice’s head, removing the last trace of hair from her head.  She reached for the towel and wiped her head down.

 

Before either Jenny or Heather could say anything.  Candice’s hand flew up to her head and she bolted up from the chair and ran towards the mirror.  It was only a few seconds later when her second hand joined the first.  Jenny and Heather just stood back watching Candice admire her new look.

 

“That’s more like it.”  Candice turned towards the pair with a wide grin.  “Exactly what I was hoping for.”

 

“You’re not done.” Jenny said sternly, as she pointed to the chair.

 

“I’m not?”  Candice was confused but she happily jumped back into the chair.

 

“Well, Heather always does at least two passes, I figured I should as well.  Especially since it’s your first time and it’s vital your head be super smooth.”

 

“It’s true.” Heather confirmed.  “However, I have a client coming soon and I’d rather not keep them waiting.  Would you both mind finishing this in one of the other chairs?  Jenny, do you still need me?”

 

“Thanks, Heather.  I think I’m okay.”  Jenny turned towards Candice.  “So, what do you think, would you like me to do it again or do you want to be done?”

 

Candice ran her hand over her head again and smiled.  “Might as well.  Gotta get used to it.  This is me now.”  Candice slowly got up from the chair and made her way to the entryway.

 

“Oh, Candice!” Heather shouted as Candice turned to face her.  “Just wanted to say, you look fabulous.  If you want a fresh shave right before your audition, just stop by and I’ll try to fit you in.”

 

“Thanks Heather.” She paused for a moment while she rubbed her head again.  “I think I probably will.”

 

Jenny and Candice made their way out of the room and Jenny led her friend back to the chair she was in earlier.  Candice sat down and kept turning her head admiring the reflection staring back at her.  Jenny helped get Candice resettled and grabbed the shaving cream canister and sprayed it into her hand.

 

“Ready for round two?”  Jenny asked with a hand full of cream.

 

“Yes!” Candice answered enthusiastically, as she settled into the chair.

 

“So, I noticed you got a bit quiet back there.”  Jenny began massaging Candice’s head with the shaving cream.  “Anything you feel like talking about?”

 

“Just letting it all sink in.  It’s a BIG change.”  Candice revealed.  “I heard every word you both said though.”

 

“It is.  I thought going from my previously long hair to this bowl cut was a big change.  At least mine was already short before I shaved it.  Apparently, you had to one up me.  I’d welcome you to the short hair club, but well, it’d be more accurate to put you in the NO HAIR club.”

 

“I know!”  Candice chuckled goofily.  “I did it, though.  Can you believe it?  I really am BALD, aren’t I?”  A warm feeling came over her, like she was suddenly discovering herself for the first time.

 

“It’s what you wanted, isn’t it?”  Jenny nodded.  “You look amazing.”  Jenny went to wash the cream off her hands.

 

“I FEEL amazing.  I feel different in other ways, though, too.” Candice admitted.  “I feel transformed.  I sense other changes coming.  This is only the beginning.”

 

“I get that.  It really is more than just a haircut.  A lot of us on the team went through something similar.  Heather’s being the biggest of all.”  Jenny reached for the razor and brought it to the top of Candice’s head.

 

“WAIT!”  Candice suddenly exclaimed.  “Can you do it like you did the first time?  I kinda liked that.”

 

“That was just me having fun, it’s kind of the opposite of how it’s usually done,” Jenny explained.  “But it’s your head and your special day, so I see no reason I can’t do it that way again.”

 

“Thanks, Jenny.”  Candice smiled at her friend.  “You’re such a good friend.  Thank you so much for doing this.”

 

“Not a problem at all.  I’m glad I could be here for you.  I have to say you’re handling this remarkable well.”  Jenny began scraping away the cream around Candice’s left temple.

 

“I know! Honestly, I had no idea how I’d react to this. I signed up for the audition and had this idea that I wanted to do this.  Everything just happened so fast, I didn’t really have time to think.  In this case I guess that’s a good thing.”

 

“No regrets?” Jenny asked.

 

“None.”  Candice confirmed without hesitation, “and I’m committed to this, through at least early December.  No matter what.”

 

Jenny was slightly taken aback by that statement.  She knew Candice did this for the play, but she also knew she didn’t have the part yet.  “At least, huh?  No matter what?”

 

“Well, that’s when the play is, so I knew when I did this it would stay that way until then.”

 

“And if you don’t get the part…?”  Jenny couldn’t help but ask.

 

“Jenny! I don’t need that kind of negative energy.  I’m getting that part!”

 

“Of course you are!”  Jenny decided to be the supportive and encouraging friend, as she made her way around the back of Candice’s head.

 

“And I WILL be a regular customer, so get used to seeing a lot of this.”  Candice confirmed.

 

“That’s great!  Jenny exclaimed.  “I guess this will make our regular meet ups that much easier.”

 

“Absolutely.  I’m not sure how often yet, but let’s tentatively say at least a couple times a week.”

 

“Sounds good to me.”  Jenny was on the right side of Candice’s head now.

 

“Now as for the other thing…” Candice started.

 

“What other thing?”

 

“I never envisioned myself with a mohawk.”  Candice stated, “But then, until yesterday I never saw myself bald either… So, I guess I shouldn’t rule anything out.”

 

“Oh, Heather and I were just joking about that.”  Jenny smirked at the thought.

 

“I know.” Candice admitted, “But you said it, and now I can’t help but think about it.”  She looked straight at Jenny through the mirror.  “I know it was a joke, but seriously, do you think I can pull off a mohawk?”

 

“Wow, Candice.  I never saw that coming.”  Jenny continued to be impressed by her friend and how well she was handling everything.  “So, does this mean you’re thinking about keeping this up long term?”

 

“Well, as I just said, nothing is off the table at this point, but probably not.”  Candice laid out her thoughts.  “I want to stay bald until the end of the run of the play.  But beyond that?  I have no idea, but I’ll take suggestions.  And since I’m now very interested in playing around and trying new looks, I’ll probably go for just about anything.  I think I’m going to end up growing my hair back out, but I’ll be in no rush and will try as many different styles along the way as I can, and even open to going back if the reason is right.”

 

“You’ve given this a lot of thought.”  Jenny nodded with approval as she began removing the cream from the top of Candice’s head.

 

“Surprisingly, not really.  Most of this has just come to me as I’ve been here.  Well, between here and Heather’s chair.”  Candice confessed.  “One thing that I’m fairly confident about though, I seriously doubt my hair gets anywhere close to as long as it was.”

 

“Yeah, my long hair days are over.”  Jenny agreed.

 

“Well, my hair may end up long again, at some point.  But that wouldn’t be for at least a few years.  And now I don’t think of length the same way that I once did.  Long would be like shoulder length or maybe mid back, but I highly doubt it would get longer than that unless I had a specific reason for it…”  Candice’s mind was racing, and she was spilling it all to her best friend and new hair guru.

 

“Well, I’m in for the long haul.  Even after we graduate, we’ll find a way to get together.”  Jenny confirmed.

 

“Right, so I’ll be a regular customer.”  Candice pointed to herself and chuckled.  “Which is funny to think about.  I’ve never been a regular customer before,” Candice paused, “At least when it comes to any hair things.”  Candice continued.  “I used to go to the hair salon at most a few times a YEAR.  When I absolutely had to, just to keep my hair in good condition.  Usually nothing more than a maintenance cut.”  After a moment, Candice laughed, “Now, I’m completely bald and about to be a regular at a BARBERSHOP, probably at least a few times a WEEK.”

 

“That certainly is quite the upgrade.”  Jenny mused.

 

“You know it was never a conscious decision to let my hair grow like that.  It’s not like I had any goal or plan in mind.  It just grew and then I didn’t really have any reason or desire to do anything different.”  Candice smiled.  “Of course, that’s all different now.  Very different.”  Candice got quiet.  “I’m excited.  Anyway, back to the mohawk.  So, I had this thought, and I hope you can tell me if you think I’m crazy or not…”

 

“Well, I thought you were crazy when you told me you wanted to shave your head, yet here we are.”

 

“Right, so I’m bald now and I’ll be bald when the show opens in December.  But that’s three months from now.  A lot can happen in that time, and nothing says I have to stay bald from now until the show opens…  I’m not going to let it go too far, but nothing says I can’t try some things out while I have this shaved head…”

 

“Candice, do you actually WANT a mohawk now?”  Jenny couldn’t believe her friend.

 

Candice shrugged. “I mean, why not?”  Candice continued, “I think I’ll keep this up for a bit.  Hopefully I can get regular shaves in for at least the next week or so.  After that and once the play really gets underway, we can play a bit.  Maybe I will keep up the shaved head, but we leave a tiny stripe on top.  Let it grow, see how long it can get over the next few months, until I need to return to the totally bald look again.”

 

“So, like this?”  Jenny emphasized the tiny stripe of cream left on Candice’s head.

 

“Yes, exactly like that, but for now I need to be a Badass Baldy.”

 

“A Badass Baldy, eh?”  Jenny took the razor and dragged it straight back and removed the last of the cream from Candice’s head.  “I never saw you as a badass, but then I never saw you bald either and that’s certainly happened.”

 

“I know.  Honestly, badass may not be the right word.  I just feel… different.  Like it’s more than just my lack of hair.  There’s more.  I need to take advantage of this and explore some things.”  Candice was still figuring herself out.  “So, are we done? Or do we go again?”

 

“Um, well, I guess that’s up to you.  That’s probably it for the shave, at least for now.  But if you want me to do it again, I will.  Either way, you’re not quite done.  I need to put on the finishing touches.”

 

“Do whatever you need to do.  I need to learn a whole new upkeep, anyway.”

 

Jenny got to work.  This was the part she was a bit unsure about, but knew enough from watching Heather that she should apply some oil and buff the head a bit to help it shine.  When she was done, she put everything down and stood behind her newly bald friend.  She crossed her arms and rested them across Candice’s shoulders and rested her head on Candice’s.

 

“So, what do we think?”  Jenny smiled into the mirror.

 

Candice sat still for several minutes.  She already knew how she felt, but she was soaking it all in.  The silence was almost uncomfortable.  Finally, she spoke.  “From the day we met I never thought I’d have hair shorter than yours.  That was especially true when you chopped it all off.”  Candice smiled, “But now, I’m not sure when, or even if my hair will even be longer than yours again.”

 

“Well, we’ll at least match, at some point.  The team is planning their fundraiser again.”  Jenny added.

 

“That’s true.”  Candice got up from the chair.  “So how much longer are you here for?  I need to go do something and I want my friend to join me.”

 

“Not much.  I wasn’t even going to be here now.  But someone insisted I shave their head.”  Jenny kidded.

 

“Well, I’d say that worked out pretty well, for me then.”  Candice smiled back, rubbing her head.  “It really is addicting, isn’t it?  I imagine I’ll be doing a lot of this the next few days.”

 

“Yeah, you’ll probably get used to it eventually.  Also, your showers will be a lot quicker.”  Jenny informed.  “I need a few minutes to finish up here and then I want to go change.  Do you want me to meet you somewhere?”

 

“I’ll wait.”  Candice answered.  “Do you have anything similar to that to wear?”

 

“This?”  Jenny indicated the uniform she was wearing.  “Not really, I mean it’s kind of like a bikini top.”

 

“You have a ton of those, though, don’t you?”

 

“Well, maybe not a ton, but yes, I have several.”  Jenny looked at her friend.  “Candice what exactly did you have in mind?  What are we doing?”

 

“I don’t know.  Just something.  I need to just chill for a bit and absorb the day.”

 

“Don’t you have another class soon?”  Jenny inquired.

 

“YEEEEAAAAHHHH.  I’m not going.”  Candice admitted.

 

“Candice!”  Jenny scolded.

 

“I know.  Never blown off a class in my life, then I skip two in the same day.”  Candice smirked, “Blame it on the hair, I guess.”  She rubbed her head again.  Her eyes glanced up, “Or rather lack thereof.”  She looked at Jenny.  “I’m just too wired.  I’d never be able to concentrate.  Plus, I’m sure this will get a reaction and I’m not ready to deal with that yet.”  She grabbed Jenny’s hands, “Please just come with me, I don’t care what we do, but something!”  Candice practically begged.

 

“I already said I was coming.”  Jenny signed out and headed for the door.  Candice was quick to follow.  “Oh, your vest.”  They both looked back at Candice’s vest folded on a chair.

 

“Eh, I’ll get it later.”  As she headed out the door.  “I’m not sure I have much need for it, anymore.”

 

SOMETHING

“I feel so exposed.”  Candice blurted out.  “Not that it’s a bad thing.  Just… different.”

 

“I get that, it is a pretty big change.”  Jenny turned to face her friend.

 

“I don’t just mean my hair either.  I mean sure, that’s huge and probably a catalyst for everything else but…” Candice paused.  “I never would have ever thought I’d be wearing something like this even a day ago.”

 

Candice and Jenny were lying out on the front lawn of the Cheer house.  Candice was wearing a pink micro bandeau bikini top and matching string tie thong bikini bottom, which she borrowed from Jenny.  Jenny was wearing a bright orange triangle halter and matching string tie thong bikini bottom.

 

“Well, you should.  You’ve got a great body.  No need to hide it.”  Jenny countered.  “I’ve told you this.”

 

“I know and I will.  I think it suits my new look more.” Candice agreed.

 

“I’m just glad you’re getting some sun.  You were so pale.”

 

“I’m a Theater major.  I don’t get out much.”

 

“That’s not an excuse.”  Jenny pointed out.  “Is this really what you wanted though?  I thought we were doing something.”

 

“This IS something.” Candice responded.  “And actually, this is perfect.  I needed to not be on campus around other people, right now.”

 

“I get that.”

 

“It’s a big adjustment.”  Candice declared.  “One that I wanted and am very much looking forward to, but still… it’s a big change.”

 

“You look great and you’re handling it very well.”  Jenny complimented her suddenly very alluring friend.  “Sex-bomb,” she silently whispered to herself.

 

“I’m glad you think so.  I’m still getting used to it.”

 

“So, is this really what you want?  I mean outside of the role.  Is this how you see yourself going forward.”

 

There was a long pause.  “Yeah,” Candice finally answered, “Yeah, I really think it is.  You know… cut your hair, change your life.”

 

“Coco definitely knew what she was talking about.”  Jenny nodded.

 

“None of this was planned, by the way.  Even the head shave.  If it wasn’t for the audition, my hair would still be long, I would still be dressed like I was this morning, and I’d be in class right now.  None of which I’d be happy with, knowing what I know now.  This is definitely my future.”

 

“Then I want you to prove it.”  Jenny sat up.  “We’ll go raid my closet and I’ll help you find some clothes that reflect your new attitude.  I’ll double check but you can probably borrow from Jessie, as well.”

 

“Oh, Jenny.  You don’t have to do that.”

 

“Do you have anything in your current wardrobe like that?”  Jenny pointed to the bikini that Candice was currently rocking.

 

“Not even close.”  Candice admitted.

 

“So, what’s closer to what you want to wear going forward, what you have on now, or what’s in your closet back at your dorm room?”

 

“This.”  Candice said softly.

 

“Okay, then.  It’s settled.  I guess it’s a good thing we’re so close in size.”  Jenny grinned.  “I do have one request though.”

 

“What?” Candice eagerly asked.

 

“Hold on to that for a bit.  Take it back with you.  In fact, don’t change.  Go back to your dorm room in that.”  Jenny challenged.

 

“What!” Candice exclaimed.  “I like this, and I do want to keep this up, but I’m practically naked.  If we were at a beach or a pool, or whatever, maybe it would be different, but –”

 

“Fine.  You can wear one of the pairs of shorts that I’ll give you.”  Jenny conceded.  “And I’ll go retrieve your vest, you can wear that over it, but you have to leave it open.”

 

“Alright, I can do that.”  Candice smiled.  “Thanks, Jenny.”  She reached over and gave her a hug.  “You’re such a good friend.”  She laid back down.  “I think I’m going to have to start working out a bit more.”

 

THE REALIZATION

Candice had been bald for four days.  It had been an almost universally positive experience.  She had already been back to visit the barbershop every day.  She sat in Heather’s chair right before her audition, as previously discussed.  It had been a relaxing experience and only solidified her choice to shave her head.  The rest of the time Jenny was able to take care of her.  She enjoyed her time in the chair and often lingered a bit just for it to last longer.  Jenny had been right.  She saved so much time in the shower and liked the feel of the water raining down on her nude head.  Overall, it was easy to say Candice had no regrets about shaving her head, and she didn’t miss her long hair at all.

 

She rocked her audition.  She had never been more prepared for anything in her life.  It was the best performance she had ever given.  The director and casting agents all admired her dedication and admitted that it could help her case.  They had others to see, but she was currently a front runner.  Candice felt positive, knowing that she had done all she could.  And it was her part to lose, but it was also out of her hands.

 

After that, Candice was extremely loose and free.  Something inside her had been unleashed.  Where she once used her hair as a kind of security blanket and would often prefer to cover up, she now felt exposed, but in the most positive way possible.  Unable to hide any longer, Candice went in the opposite direction.  Crop tops, tank tops, halter tops and various other similar styles would become a staple in her wardrobe along with shorts, capris and miniskirts.  Less is more became her mantra and it applied to all aspects of her life, not just her clothes and hair.

 

The change was noticeable around campus and normally would have been an even bigger deal than it was, but the school had become somewhat desensitized to the kind of extreme transformation she had undergone.  Candice was thankful for this and admitted that the cheerleaders, having already gone through it all, paved the way for her and made it a lot easier.

 

She walked past the casting wall every day, waiting for news to confirm what she already believed.  She had just left the barbershop, with a fresh shave and dressed in a sleeveless orange crop top and black miniskirt, Candice made her way to the casting wall in high spirits.  It had been almost exactly a week, down to the hour, since she first signed up and set a series of events in motion that had already changed her life forever.

 

She quickly scanned the wall that she had become very familiar with.  She was about ready to leave when she noticed a new sheet had been posted.  Excited, she noticed it was for her play.  She smiled and casually rubbed her head with her hand.  She was about to see her name listed in the top spot.  Suddenly, she stopped.  She quickly scanned the rest of the list, just to double check, then desperately looked around elsewhere before reality set in.  She turned around in a huff and immediately left the building.  On her way out she called Jenny to share the news.

 

“Hey, Candice.  What’s up?”

“I didn’t get it.”

“Sorry, didn’t get what?”

“The part.  I didn’t get it.”

“You’re kidding.”

“I wish I was.  I just came from the casting wall.  The list was just posted.

My name isn’t there.”

“Maybe it was a mistake?  Some kind of oversight?”

“Maybe, but I doubt it.”

“I’m sorry.  I know how much that part meant to you.”

“Yeah.”

“Are you okay?”

“Not really, but I will be.”

“Drinks later?”

“Drinks now.”

…

“Jenny?”

“Okay.”

“I’ll be right over.”

“I’ll be ready.”

 

Candice hung up and let out a deep sigh.  She started to make her way back over to the barbershop.  She grazed her hand over her head.  Suddenly, a shiver ran down her spine.  She was bald.  There was not a speck of hair left anywhere on her head.  She had shaved her head for a role that she didn’t get, but if she waited and didn’t get the role, she wouldn’t have shaved her head.  She didn’t get the role.  That was such a devastating blow, but she would come back from this.  She might be bald now, but that didn’t mean it had to stay that way…  She smiled.  Time for the mohawk.