The Start of Something New: Another Domino Falls

So, after a bit of a delay, Katie & Evan are back with the rest of the cheer squad with the shortest hair in the NCAA! for their latest adventure.  With the blessing and assistance of the original author, I will be taking over going forward.  As we get near the end of this first Volume, please know there are many more stories to come & I look forward to bringing them to you.  There will be some changes going forward but for the most part it’s the same group we’ve all come to love.  I hope you all enjoy. 

 

Here’s the link to the first part:

The Start of Something New

 

And here’s the link to the previous installment if you missed it:

The Start of Something New: Twins No Longer

 

CRISIS AVERTED

I was awoken by some commotion coming from the hallway.  As I lay in bed for a moment trying to adjust to the new day and figure out what was going on, I heard a knock on my door.  I stumbled out of bed and headed towards my door.

 

“Katie! Thank God!” Betty stood in front of me, in nothing but a long ratty T shirt she used to sleep in, and her panties, “It’s the twins!”

 

I stepped out and looked down the hall.  The twins’ bedrooms happen to be across from each other, depending on the day this was either a good thing or a bad thing.  Last year, when they moved into the house, it was the first time they ever didn’t share a room, so being across from each other was a nice way of giving them their own space while also not being so far apart from each other.  They stood across from each other in their respective doorframes arguing.  They were both dressed exactly the same, but of course their new hair, which it seemed they had yet to style, now made it easy to tell them apart.

 

“What’s going on?”  I mumbled still half asleep.  Betty grabbed my hand and pulled me toward them.  As we approached them, they both turned to look at us.

 

“Tell her to change!” they both said in perfect unison, while pointing at the other.  I looked at Betty, she just shrugged.  It was late morning and Emma as well as most of the rest of the team was gone, either at class or off on some other part of campus.

 

“Katie, we don’t want to be twins anymore,” Jessie pleaded to me.

 

I looked between them, both looking to me for guidance, as if I had any kind of solution.

 

“I’m sorry, I don’t think you have a choice.  Biologically –,” I started.

 

Jenny cut me off, “No, we know that, but –.”

 

“We just don’t want to dress alike anymore,” Jessie finished the sentence.

 

“Yeah, and with our different hairstyles, it’s an opportunity to be individuals and not just ‘the twins,’” Jenny continued.

 

“Ah, I see.”  I nodded in understanding, arms crossed.  I’ve never been a twin, but I did have a younger sister who looked up to me and she ALWAYS tried to copy me, so I could relate a little bit.

 

“Well, what’s the problem, then?  By the way, how did your dates go?”  I asked, trying to distract them, but also genuinely curious.  Their eyes both lit up and they got huge smiles on their faces.

 

“OMG! It was only the BEST NIGHT EVER!”  They both squealed in delight.

 

“Tate couldn’t keep his eyes off me the entire time,” Jenny revealed excitedly.

 

“Yeah, and that wasn’t the only thing he couldn’t keep off you,” Jessie joked.

 

“Tim almost got us into an accident several times while he was driving to the restaurant, the way he kept looking over.  I had to keep reminding him to keep his eyes on the road.”  Jessie added.

 

“Needless to say, our new looks were a hit,” Jenny casually lifted her hand up to her hair and gave a playfully rub.

 

“Seriously, Katie, why did we wait so long?”  Jessie asked.

 

“Shandra?”  Betty chimed in. I rolled my eyes at her.

 

“Yeah, I guess she was part of it, but until a few days ago, you were just as resistant,” Jessie chided.

 

“Honestly, though, I never would have done this, or even thought it would be ok, if I hadn’t seen it on that client at your boyfriend’s salon,” Jenny admitted.

 

“I know, and I’m so JEALOUS of you.  I wanted the shorter hair,” Jessie pouted.

 

“Yeah, well, no copying me now, that would defeat the purpose,” Jenny retorted.

 

Suddenly turning back to the issue at hand.  “Speaking of, how do we rectify this.” Indicating their identical outfits.

 

“Yeah, we both already changed once.  We can’t do this all day,” Jessie pleaded.

 

They were such twins, even without communicating and trying to be different they independently picked the same outfit.  Twice!

 

“Ok, Jessie, you go change your top, Jenny you go change your shorts.  It’s not fair to make one of you change and not the other, but if you both change one item, then you’ll both come back in something different.  Does that work for you?”  It was the best I could come up with, and I really didn’t need these two going at it all day.

 

They both looked at each other and smiled, “Katie! You’re a Genius!” they both replied excitedly as they both reached over to hug me.  Then they turned back towards their rooms and closed the door.

 

I turned to face Betty.  “How are You doing?”  I asked.

 

“I’m ok.”  Betty replied softly.  “It’s still a huge adjustment.  I definitely miss my old hair, but at least the showers are much quicker.”

 

“Yeah, there is that.”

 

“By the way, that was really great, what you just did with those two; I never would have thought of that.  Anyway, I’m gonna go finish getting dressed.  I had just gotten out of the shower when I heard them.  I wasn’t sure anyone else was around, so I threw this shirt back on, to go check.  I’m so glad you were here.”  Betty turned and walked back towards her room.

 

I started to head back towards mine and just as I was about to open the door, I heard the door open back down the hall, Jessie stepped out of her room, followed a moment later by Jenny out of hers.  They both looked at each other and hugged.  Then looked and noticed me, gave matching smiles and a thumbs up, skipping down the hall together in unison as only twins could.  I would have liked to have slept a bit longer, but I was fully awake now, and it was getting late. Now it was my time to get ready and start my day.

 

UPKEEP AND MAINTENANCE

Soon, it was Friday evening and there was a buzz in the air.  Evan was on his way, and we were all in final prep mode for tomorrow’s game.  It’s an away game and we didn’t aways attend, but this one we would go to, it was an hour and a half long bus ride, which meant an early morning for all of us.  Last night, at practice Emma unveiled an all-new routine for us to learn. To think it was only a week ago when the house was still split down the middle between those of us with short hair and the ones who wore it long.  Now there were only two teammates left, two of our flyers, Melissa and Heather, who still had their hair long and it was unlikely either of them would be joining the club any time soon.   No longer needing to keep us organized by our hair, Emma played to our strengths, and we were all on point.  It was one of our best practices in a while and it was easy to see we were all jelling.

 

“Hey, Katie! Your boyfriend’s here!”  Janie shouted from the front hallway.

 

“Thanks, Janie!” I shouted back.

 

He wasn’t here for me though, or not just me.  I headed downstairs to find Evan talking with Emma and Coach.  Evan looks up at me as I come down the stairs.

 

“Hey, babe” he smiles.

 

“Hey, yourself” I reach up and wrap my arms around him in a hug.  “So, ready to get started?”

 

“We were just discussing that actually” Emma responded.   “We’re gonna set him up in the living room, just like on Monday, with Shandra.  Everyone can just flow in and out as the evening goes on.  We want to keep it as informal as possible.”

 

“Sounds great.  Just give me a few minutes to set up and then I should be good to go, any idea who’s first?”  Evan inquired.

 

“I’ll go!”  Janie interjected.  She had been hovering after answering the door.  “Sorry, I wasn’t trying to eavesdrop, I just happened to be here.”

 

“Yeah, it’s fine.”  Emma replied with an amused smirk.

 

As Evan turned toward the living room, Janie followed close behind and Annie rushed down the hall.  “Hey, everyone, sorry, I’m running late.”

 

“Woah, where are you going?” Emma slid in front of the door.

 

“I have my touch up at the barbershop; don’t worry, I’ll be back as soon as I’m done.”  Annie reassured.

 

Annie was the one short-haired girl on the team that wasn’t taken care of by Evan.  Ever since the fundraiser last year, when her bid went to a local barbershop, she’s stayed a loyal client of theirs and she has been great for their business.  Emma and Coach exchanged looks and Emma slid away from the door.

 

“Thanks,” Annie said as she headed out the door.

 

“We may need to talk with her.”  Emma looked at me and Coach after shutting the door.  “It would be really good if the entire team was here.”

 

“Hey, Katie!  Got a second?”  A voice shouted from the top of the stairs.  I looked up, it was Betty.  She was in her pajamas and looked ready for bed.

 

“Hold on, I’ll be right there.”  I looked over at Emma and Coach.  “Are we good, for now?  I’m not sure what this about, but I have an idea.”

 

“Sure, go ahead, I’ll check on Evan and make sure he has everything and let the rest of the girls know he’s here so they can make their way over.”  Emma said.

 

As I headed up the stairs, I asked Betty what she needed.

 

“I don’t know what to do. I need your opinion.”  She answered directing me to her room.  As we reach her room, she opens the door and leads me inside.  As she sits down on the bed, she asks me what she should do, as she rubs her head.

 

“You mean your hair?”  I confirm. “What about it?”

 

“Well, it hasn’t really been touched since you shaved it for me last week.  It’s starting to grow in a bit, should I let it keep going?  Do I let Evan take a look at it?  I’m the only one on the team who hasn’t had their hair cut by him.  I don’t want to lose any more length but –,” I cut her off.

 

“I’m sure Evan will be happy to help you out, but whatever you decide the team supports your decision.  Do you want to talk to Emma and Coach?”  I knew Betty was still dealing with a lot and I wanted to make sure she was comfortable with whatever she wanted.

 

“No, I’m ok, I’ll be down shortly.  Thanks, Katie.”  Betty said softly.  I got up and headed towards the door and back downstairs.  As I walked into the living room towards Evan, I saw Elsa just getting up from the chair.

 

“Hey, babe how’s it going? You want to go next?”  Evan smiled as he saw me.

 

“Actually, do you mind if I go next?”  Jessie interjected and sat down not waiting for an answer.

 

“Jessie, I just did your hair two days ago.  I really think you’re ok.”  Evan responded.

 

“Oh, I know, and you did an amazing job.  I absolutely LOVE it.  I wish I had done it sooner and I don’t think I’ll ever have long hair again, but, well, JENNY’S HAIR IS SHORTER THAN MINE!  I was supposed to have the shorter style.”  Evan and I both look at each other, concealing smiles.

 

“Don’t get me wrong, this is nothing against you, or this cut you gave me, but I hope you have more ideas, because I want to try all the looks.  I can’t cut it right now, I don’t want to copy Jenny, but next week–.”

 

“OK, don’t worry Jessie, I’m sure we’ll come up with something fun.”  Evan was quick to reassure.

 

“You could always get a mohawk like me!” I was quick to get in.

 

“Um, maybe someday.” Jessie sounded less than enthused as she got up, “Thanks, Evan! I’m looking forward to the adventure.”

 

“What adventure?” Jenny inquired as she walked into the room.

 

“Nothing don’t worry about.”  Jessie kept walking and exited the room.

 

“What adventure?  Tell me!” Jenny looked between Evan and I as she sat down.  “What’s my sister up to?”

 

“What are you up to, Jenny?  Looking for another haircut?”  I asked, turning things back around on her.

 

“No, no, this cut is great.  Thank you, Evan.  This is the perfect style for me.  I never would have dreamed of doing this on my own, but I LOVE it and I can’t imagine anything else.  However, my hair is getting wavier, and I like it. A lot. I may not want to straighten it every day.  If you shortened it just a touch and I added some product, how would it look in its natural state?  Also, for variety if I decided to spike it up, would I be able to?  I’ve never had so many diverse options before.”

 

“Those are all options for you.  I’m glad to see you’ve taken to this new style so quickly.”  Evan is quick to answer.  “What are you planning for tomorrow’s game?”

 

“Well, it’s a very early morning, so I’d really like the simplest option.” Jenny replied.

 

“Done” Evan enthusiastically went to work, cutting just the smallest amount of hair all around.

 

After he was done Jenny hoped up and thanked Evan.

 

“Might as well deal with me next. No one else is around at the moment” I said as I took a seat in the chair.  “I’m guessing just the usual cleanup for my mohawk, babe.  You didn’t have anything else in mind, did you?”

 

“No, we’ll keep you with this look for the season, at least for now.”  Evan replied as he set to work.

 

A NEW MEMBER JOINS THE CLUB

Most of the rest of the evening was uneventful.  After I was done, the chair was occupied by Anna and then Shandra.  Betty stopped by to talk with Evan, but she was really unsure what she wanted to do, so they both agreed her hair looked ok, and any decision could be tabled til next week.  Emma hadn’t intended to be last, but the night got away from her and ended up being really busy both with Coach, and fine tuning the routine with some of the other girls.

 

Just as Evan was finishing up with Emma, Melissa slunk into the room.  She was wearing a tank top and leggings, which was more than she usually wore, and she had a very demure look about her.  Something was up.  Emma got up just as Melissa approached and slid down in the seat, letting out a giant exhale as she did so.

 

“Hey, Melissa, you ok?”  Emma asked, very concerned.

 

“I guess. I’m here” Melissa replied, sounding very dejected.

 

“Your hair looks fabulous.  I don’t need to do anything.” Evan interjected, unsure of what was going on.

 

“Yeah, I know.  It’s always been amazing.”  She let out a long sigh, “I guess those days are gone now, though.”

 

The three of us all looked at each other unsure of what was happening.  Was Melissa about to succumb and join the rest of the team with a short hair style?

 

“I see the writing on the wall.  I can’t be the only one left on the team with long hair.  I really, really, don’t want to go short though.  Do you have any suggestions?”  Melissa’s voice quivers just a bit as she looks up at Evan with puppy dog eyes, a single tear starting to form.

 

“Melissa, you don’t have to cut your hair if you really don’t want to.  Remember no more pressure.  Everyone has the freedom to do as they wish.  Besides You’re not the only one still with long hair.  There’s –,” Emma gets cut off.

 

“I WON’T be the only one with long hair.”  Melissa turns to shoot daggers at Emma with a single look.  Emma immediately backs down.  She puts her hands up and walks away.

 

“Ok, well, you’re in good hands.  I have to go anyway.  I look forward to seeing how it turns out in the morning.”  With that Emma turns and runs off, leaving me with Evan and Melissa.

 

“So, what say you, Evan? Can you help me out?”  Melissa turns back towards Evan.  “I know you’ll need to cut it some.  I just don’t want it ‘short’” placing emphasis on that last word by using air quotes around it.

 

“Well, there are quite a few options, actually.  I think I have the perfect idea for you.  I just have two questions.  What do you consider short?  How much length would you be ok with losing?  The second question I have for you is how do you feel about the APPERANCE of longer hair, but actually will offer some versatility in style?”  Evan began combing through her hair as he said this.

 

“I don’t know, definitely NOT above the shoulders. I know I need to lose a few inches, but I still want to be able to make a ponytail.  I have no idea what you mean by the second question.”  Melissa answered trying to be confident, but her nervousness was very apparent.

 

“OK, I’d like to suggest an undercut for you.  Basically, what we’ll do is, I cut your hair to your shoulders.  Then, I’m going to take these top layers and pin them up.  Then, I take this layer here and we cut it very short.  Now, when you wear your hair down, it will appear as just a normal lob, but when it’s up, you can reveal this little secret.”  Evan grabbed her hair and tried to demonstrate what he was talking about.

 

“Um, how short?  I guess it sounds ok?”  Melissa answered sounding not entirely sure but trying not to let on.

 

“It will be short, very short, in the back, but exactly how short we can decide and go in stages, a little shorter each time we cut it.”  Even replied as he started pinning Melissa’s hair up and preparing the layers to be cut.  “It’s the best option I can think of, that will still allow you to keep some length and also, join the rest of your teammates.”

 

“OK, let’s do it!” Melissa tried to crack a smile and seemed the most positive since sitting down in the chair.  “Also, I’ll dye my hair white to match the team.  It’s already pretty blonde so it shouldn’t be that much of a difference.”

 

“Oh, My God, Melissa.  That’s going to look so amazing on you.” I chimed in.

 

I couldn’t believe what was about to happen.  I know how much Melissa loves her hair.  This is a really big deal.  Aside from Shandra and Betty, Melissa was probably most attached to her hair then anyone, and the other two didn’t exactly volunteer their hair so easily.

 

“Yeah, we’ll see” Melissa responded, sounding distant, like she wanted to distract herself.  “Let’s just get this done before I change my mind.”

 

“Alright, Melissa, I’m going to do your undercut, now.  I’ll use the scissors to remove the bulk of your hair, then go in with the clippers and refine it.  I’ll start with a number 4 which is about half an inch, and take it up to about the middle of your ear.  We can go step by step from there.  You can decide if you’re ready for more now, or if you want to wait.  I hope every week to see you in this chair you’ll be ready to take it further by going higher and shorter.  We can even discuss carving some designs back there when you’re ready.”

 

“Sounds like a plan.”  Melissa let out a loud sigh.  “Well, I guess this is it.  Now or never.”  She took a deep breath in and looked at me.  “Hold my hand, I hear that’s been the routine for most of the team.”

 

“You’ve got it girl.  I’m glad I can be here for you.”  I walked right next to the chair and grabbed her hand, like I had done so many times before.

 

I looked over to Evan with a smile.  He winked at me. Picking up the scissors with one hand, he grabbed the bottom layer of Melissa’s hand with the other.  He dug the scissors into her hair and sawed across.  Within moments Melissa’s hair was severed from her head, hanging limp in Evan’s hand.  There was a loud gasp.

 

“Holy SHIT!”  Melissa shouted.  “That was…. That was….”  Melissa seemed at a loss for words.  “Well, it was something!”  She kept breathing in and out trying to control herself as she seemingly was processing what had just happened.  “Um, ah, can I have a minute?”

 

“Sure, I know that was a lot, take all you need, but it is getting late, and I know you all have an early day tomorrow.”  Evan set the scissors down and grabbed a rubber band to carefully tie the severed hair.

 

“I know, I know. I’ll be ok.”  Melissa got up still holding my hand.  I followed her as she walked around the room.  I wasn’t being nosy and wanted to give her her space, but she held an iron grip on my hand, and since I liked having my hand attached to the rest of me, off I went as quietly she let out a string of profanity that would have made my Marine dad blush. After what seemed like about a minute, we made our way back towards the chair.

 

As Melissa sat back down, she let out another deep breath.  “OK, go for it.  What’s done is done.  Might as well finish the job.”  Evan and I again looked at each other, amused.

 

“What are we doing? Do you mean this undercut or the rest of the hair?”  Evan inquired.

 

“The under…cut?  It’s not done, is it?  I mean don’t shave it, but you’re not leaving it like this either, right?”  Melissa reached up, trying to touch her hair, or what was left of it.

 

“No, of course not.”  Evan reached for his clippers. “Ok, hold still,” he gently pushed Melissa’s head down towards her chest.  Evan turns the clippers on and starts running them up Melissa’s head, pass over pass.  Melissa squeezes my hand HARD and starts to giggle.  I let out a soft yelp.

 

“Oh, sorry, Katie,” Melissa lets go of my hand.  “I’m ok but thank you for being here.  It tickles quite a bit.”

 

“It’s ok, Lis.  I’ll give you my hand back in a minute.”  I quickly start massaging my hand.  “It does feel pretty great though, doesn’t it?”

 

“I can definitely see why you and everyone else keeps doing this.  I could get used to it.”  Melissa responded.

 

“Do you want me to keep going?”  Evan cut in, while turning off the clippers.  “I’ve finished this part, but if you want me to keep going, you’ve still got a lot of hair left, or I can take this section shorter–”

 

“NO!”  Melissa pleaded.  “Please no, can we stick with the plan?  This is enough, but please I still want to keep my hair!”

 

“Hey, it’s ok.”  Evan put the clippers down and started undoing the hair on top of Melissa’s head.  “See, look, it’s like nothing’s changed.”

 

Evan directs Melissa’s gaze toward the mirror.  Her hair still fell down her back, looking not too different from when she first sat down.  “Now, as for this…”  Evan started brushing her hair and finding the right length.  He took the comb, sliding it down Melissa’s hair, stopping right at her shoulders.  “How does about here seem?”

 

Melissa turned and faced the mirror, then grew silent.  She stared off like she was contemplating.  Clearly pondering her words. “Can I still make a ponytail?” she asked hesitantly.

 

“Absolutely,” Evan started “You’ll find with the undercut, you have less hair for the ponytail, and therefore it’s easier to make with a shorter length.  In fact, you can still easily go another inch or two shorter without a problem.”

 

“Uh, OK,” Melissa said softly.  “As long as you’re sure.”  She tried to sound confident, but I could tell there was a lot of hesitation in her voice.

 

“I’ll tell you what.”  Evan began.  “Why don’t I cut it here.”  Moving the comb up just ever so slightly.  “A little shorter, but completely free of your shoulders.  So, when you have your hair down it will provide plenty of swing and movement, but it will still be plenty long enough to give you a ponytail and show off that undercut.  I can always take you shorter, but it’s a lot to get used to.”  This is a totally different Evan than the person I’ve known.

 

“Alright, that seems ok…” Melissa started, “but NO SHORTER.”

 

“Absolutely” Evan nodded, setting to work sectioning off her hair.

 

“Do you want my hand back?” I asked Melissa, reaching it out in case she needed it again.

 

“No, I’m ok, Thank You.”  Melissa gulped and then took a deep breath.

 

“You can stay though, if you want,” she said in a way that clearly implied that she was the one who wanted me to say.

 

“Ok, Melissa, are we ready?”  Evan asked, without really waiting for an answer.  “Hold still.” He took his scissors and sliced through Melissa’s hair just above the shoulders.  A little over a foot of hair came tumbling down her back.  He continued his way across until the last of her hair fell.  Melissa let out a gasp.

 

“You didn’t let me answer.”  Melissa screeched.

 

“Would it have changed anything?” Evan replied as he let down the next layer of hair and prepared to do it again.    He carefully combed the hair out, then took his scissors and started to snip.  He didn’t even bother asking this time.  Evan continued this process repeatedly with each layer, until the last one was released.  “Ok, let’s get that color going, and then I’ll finish you off.”

 

I was used to watching Evan work and recognized all of the tools he used. Because Melissa’s hair was already so blonde, it looked like he was foregoing the bleach and instead used a toner to make her hair more white.

 

Using a small paintbrush style brush like he had on my hair so many times, he began to apply the purplish toner to the hair that was already near platinum. Melissa had clearly gotten her hair touched up within the week, even the buzzed hair on her nape was bleached and ready.

 

She sighed as she looked at herself in the mirror, head full of purple hair, “Ok, so this is like my purple shampoo, right? Like I’m not going to have purple hair?”

 

Evan chuckled and nodded, “Right, the purple basically just cancels out the yellowy color of your blonde hair and, if my timing is right, which it will be, then your hair will come out white, just like the other girls.”

 

Melissa nodded with a nervous breath, “Ok, perfect.”

 

We all sat, and chit chatted, Evan stepping to the side and cleaning up the living room while Melissa and I chattered on about the new routine, the other girls, and all of the new ways she could style her hair.

 

After a few minutes, Evan checked his watch, “Alright, Melissa, go ahead and go rinse your hair out in the shower. I can hang around and style it for you if you’d like, or I can just get out of here.”

 

“No, thanks. I’m just going to head to bed, and I’ll style it in the morning. I’m exhausted and this has been a big day,” she said standing up.

 

She reached over and hugged Evan, “Thanks for making this easier than it could have been.”

 

Then she hugged me, “And thanks for having an awesome boyfriend.”

 

I smiled, “He is pretty great, now go hurry, if your hair is purple, you’ll look like you’re rooting for the other team!”

 

She shuddered, “Yeah can’t let that happen, thanks again!”

 

As Melissa scurried up the stairs, I hugged Evan, leaning into his muscular frame. He leaned down and kissed the top of my head, on the shaved part next to the mohawk.

 

“Another one down,” he whispered.

 

I leaned my head back and looked up at him with a raised eyebrow, “Yeah, just barely, though. You’re getting soft.”

 

He laughed, “Not for you though.”

 

THE WHEELS ON THE BUS GO ROUND AND ROUND

It was an early morning wake up call.  Not much happened on the long bus ride to the game, as most of us just slept along the way.  The team played well, and we won big.  An easy victory.  The trip back was a bit more lively as we were all excited from the game.  Most of the bus was paired off, but I’ve never been good at sitting still on long bus rides and found myself wandering from seat to seat.

 

“So, nothing is set yet but I’m personally recommending you, should it happen.”  Coach said.  “Obviously, this stays between us, until everything is official.”

 

“Oh, of course, coach.  I’m honored.” Emma replied.  “Obviously I hope you don’t leave but I promise to do you proud if you do.”

 

“I know the program is in good hands with you.  I’ve already broached the subject with Lisa, and she’ll back you as well.”  Coach continued.

 

*****

 

“It looks really good, Lis.”  I heard Jessie say.

 

“Yeah, I can’t believe you cut it, but it looks amazing!”  Jenny chimed in.

 

“Thanks girls, I don’t know what to think.”  Melissa answered “I mean I don’t totally hate it.  It just doesn’t feel like me.  You girls both cut your hair and instantly fell in love.  I don’t feel that.”

 

“Maybe not, but we’ve wanted to do it for a while.  Yours was more of a snap decision.” Jessie stated.

 

“Yeah, I mean I never thought this style would work for me” Jenny said combing her fingers through her hair, “but I really can’t imagine it any other way.  Maybe You just need to go shorter.”

 

“Oh No.  Uh. Oh, no Way!  This is plenty short enough.  I can’t believe I even cut this much.”  Melissa defended.

 

*****

 

“No… No… I understand… Look, I’ve got time.  Right now, I’m just trying to focus on cheer and finishing the — OK… Yea… I Promise…”  Annie seemed to be having an intense conversation with someone on her phone.

 

*****

 

“… the runt” I caught the tail end of whatever Shandra was saying.

 

“Shandra, you really, probably shouldn’t be calling her that.”  Elsa replied.

 

“Ah, it’s fine, she knows I mean well.  I just wonder if she’s gonna hold out.  She’s the last one you know.”  Shandra seemingly clarified.

 

“I know, Shandra, but whatever she decides is fine.  You need to be careful what you say.” Elsa warned.

 

“Eh, whatever she does is her call, but how epic would that be?  I mean her hair is so ridiculously long, she really could stand to lose a few inches anyway.  Haha, can you imagine?  Like what if she just decided to shave it all off?  How amazing would that be?  Oh, man would I love to see that.”  Shandra doubled down.

 

“Yes, Shandra it certainly would be fun to see, but that’s an awful big change I certainly wouldn’t count on it.”  Elsa placated.

 

“Well, whatever happens, it’d certainly be better than this shitty mohawk.  How many more weeks until I can get rid of it?  Man, I never thought, I’d actually look forward to being BALD.  Somehow, they found a way.”  Shandra confessed.

 

*****

 

“I’m getting used to it, but it’s still been a huge adjustment.”  Betty explained.

 

“Well, you’re wearing it well.  I think it really suits you.”  Anna confirmed.

 

“Thanks, well, you’ve been a big help.  I don’t –” Betty looked up at me.  “Hi, Katie, Anna and I were just talking.”

 

“Yeah, Betty’s still really undecided about her hair.” Anna explained.

 

“I’m just at such a loss, Katie” Betty pouted.  “This is so foreign to me.  I want to like it, I don’t want it to keep affecting me so, I just —”

 

“I know, I get it.  Look, I know it was a big deal.  I remember that night well and I know the reason behind it was less than ideal, but I hate seeing you like this.  Weren’t you telling me a while back that you really needed to play with your look more?  That you needed to start trying out different styles more, so your professors would take you seriously?”  I tried to help.

 

“I was referring to my clothes.”  Betty responded.  ‘Not MY HAIR!”

 

“Golden Opportunity?”  I replied back.  “What’s done is done.  Time to make the best of it?”

 

Betty shrugged and sighed, making room in the seat for me to slide in next to her. She leaned her head that was now more buzzed than bald onto my shoulder, Anna leaning up against her. I put my arm around both of them and stroked Anna’s buzzed hair. I could see that Anna held Betty’s hand and stroked the back of it with her thumb.

 

We rode together back to campus, and all settled into the house for showers, meals, and rest after a long day. There was another week ahead, with classes, practice, and boys. And of course, I knew that in a couple of hours, my own boy, or really, my own man, would be at the house to pick me up.