wozziewoo
When we last left the team, they were finishing up their big fundraiser. Jenny was in the chair and about to join in. Does she participate? What does her sister think?
If this seems unfamiliar, find the previous chapter here:
Here’s the link to Chapter 1 of this Volume:
The Start of Something New: Volume II Chapter 1 — New Beginnings
For anyone looking to start from the beginning, here is the link to the final chapter of Volume One, from there please finds links to all previous chapters:
https://www.hairstorynetwork.com/stories/the-start-of-something-new-mission-accomplished/
******* Once again, for anyone that wishes to discuss any aspect of this story further or talk anything hair, please feel free to message me. I’m always willing to chat and love corresponding with people. *******
So now, the latest installment.
A Bald Move
Heather stood over Jenny, clippers in hand. She was ready to remove her teammate’s hair as soon as she was given the okay. Jenny, wearing a dark blue tube top and cut off jean shorts, sat in the chair, fully prepared for what was about to happen. She had been thinking about it for weeks, ever since Anna first mentioned the fundraiser. The thing is she didn’t really want to shave her head, but she also didn’t want her sister to either. Jenny figured if she did, then her sister wouldn’t, and she’d be able to raise some funds for the team.
“OK, Jenny, are you really sure you want to do this?” Anna asked.
“No,” Jenny chuckled nervously, “But I’m going to anyway.”
Heather looked between Anna and Jenny, not wanting to proceed until absolutely sure she was supposed to.
“Set up an account for me and leave it open-ended. I’ll commit to this for as long as I need to.” Jenny continued. “Please, I’ve had time to think it through. I’m ready and prepared.”
Anna looked at Jenny and then Heather. She turned towards the camera. “Alright, everyone! You heard her. I guess we’re not quite done yet. Looks like you’re all getting a bonus. Don’t forget to support Jenny. Her donation link should be live shortly. Seems she’s as committed as the rest of us, so please show her your support.” She then turned back towards Heather and nodded. That was the signal Heather was waiting for, who then turned on the clippers and plowed them right down the middle of Jenny’s head and straight back.
“Oh my God!” Jenny gasped and opened her mouth wide. “This is actually happening!” Jenny had prepared herself but couldn’t believe she was actually going through with it. It wasn’t that long ago, that her hair had hung down well past her boobs. In fact, until a couple months ago, her entire life her hair fluctuated between the top of her breasts and a few inches above her waist, always matching her twin sister Jessie, aside from their opposite parts. Those days were long gone, ever since first getting her hair cut by Evan. She had loved the bowl cut he gave her and was perfectly fine maintaining it.
“Yes, it is!” Anna, who had decided to stay in the room, confirmed. “How does it feel?”
“Can I get back to you on that?” This was so unlike her. This was more her sister’s speed. Jessie always seemed against a buzzcut or head shave and always mentioned it to Evan, yet she had always been the more daring and spontaneous sister. Even when they first decided to cut their hair, it was Jessie who couldn’t wait and impulsively cut her own braid in Melissa’s bedroom. “I like the feeling, but I haven’t seen it yet either.”
Heather finished with the clippers, as Jenny’s head was reduced to stubble, but only for a moment as Heather began spreading the cream all over Jenny’s head. Heather then began to methodically make pass after pass over Jenny’s head as she had done so many times already that evening and in general over the past several weeks.
Kitchen Confidential
“What the hell is my sister doing?” Jessie asked no one in particular. “I can’t believe she’s shaving her head.”
“It seems the popular thing to do.” Annie looked over towards Jessie, rubbing her own freshly shaved head.
“Not my sister though!” Jessie yelled out.
“It’s not too late to join the party.” Emma, still in Melissa’s bikini and without a shred of modesty, chimed in.
“I don’t want to shave my head. I love this look.” Jessie pleaded running her fingers through her fauxhawk. “Plus, then we’d look the same again.”
“You’d also look like the entire rest of the team, though.” Annie pointed out. Jessie just stared back.
“It’s early, but your sister is doing well.” Elsa added from behind the computer screen. “No where near Emma or the rest of the team, but it’s last minute, so I expect it will rise.” Elsa rubbed her own shaved head, which she was still adapting to. “Your sister may end up bald for a while.”
“Just like the rest of the team!” Emma smiled, suddenly finding herself pushing Jessie in a direction she didn’t want to go.
“I – I – I don’t know.” Jessie stammered, her voice trailing off. “I really need to think about it.” She headed out of the kitchen and a moment later could be heard headed up the stairs.
“It’s only her and Melissa left.” Annie said. Everyone looked at her. “With hair I mean.” Annie looked over at Coach Beth who was uncomfortably playing with her ponytail. “Well, of the actual cheerleaders, anyway.”
“That’s okay, Coach Beth will be joining us soon enough. Right, Coach?” Emma giggled.
“Well, only if you win the competition, Emma.” Coach answered.
“Do you have any doubt?” Emma replied.
“Yeah, you wouldn’t be rooting against us, would you?” Annie asked.
“Of course not.” Coach Beth felt very uncomfortable but desperately tried not to let it show. She stopped playing with her ponytail and stood up straight. “I believe in you all and have all the confidence that we will rock that competition and take home the top prize. If my hair is a small price to pay to help motivate you, then it is worth it, and I will be happy to do it.” She cleared her throat trying to believe her own words.
Finishing Up
Heather was completing her second pass over Jenny’s head, with the razor. Jenny, who had been internally freaking out, was now relaxing and enjoying the experience. She figured that she should get used to it, because she imagined this would not be a one-time thing. She’d be committing herself to this for a while.
“Wow, Jenny. This look really suits you.” Anna complimented. “Doesn’t she look amazing!” Anna turned towards the camera and upped her hype game. “Come on, everyone it’s not too late! Do you want to see Jenny keep this look up? Remember to donate and she’ll keep up the shave. The more you give the longer she’ll do it!”
Jenny sighed, as she listened to Anna. She loved her bowl cut, but also wanted to help the team. She had thought this through but hoped that she wouldn’t regret the decision later. Heather wiped off Jenny’s head and then reached for the spray bottle and squeezed a few squirts onto Jenny’s head. She then rubbed the lotion all over and let it soak in.
“Okay, Jenny, You’re all set.” Heather began. “Welcome to the club.”
“Thanks, Heather.” Jenny slowly got up and immediately reached her hand up and tentatively touched her skull. She mouthed, ‘Wow,’ as she slowly turned around and looked for a mirror, or any kind of reflective surface. “Sorry, to add more to your daily routine.”
“Don’t even worry about it.” Heather smiled “I’m all too happy to do it. I really enjoy it, so it’s no bother at all.”
“Hear that, folks?” Anna talked to the camera again. “Another satisfied customer! Everyone you just saw tonight will be keeping this up for a while, and we’ll be live streaming our head shaves across all my social media accounts. So, make sure you like and subscribe so you don’t miss any of the action. Also, remember that Emma’s and Jenny’s accounts are still open so be sure to get those dollars in.” Anna turned and addressed Heather. “Thanks so much, Heather. You did an amazing job with everyone, and I know we all look forward to keeping this up with you.”
“Well, thanks Anna. I had fun.” Heather was genuine but still felt a bit uncomfortable in front of the camera.
“Okay, then.” Anna turned back towards the camera. “That concludes our livestream for tonight. Be sure to check back later when all the updated information will be posted and a schedule of our head shaves –” She paused rubbing her own bald head, “will be posted soon. Good night!” Anna turned the cameras off and after a moment, she let out a deep sigh of relief and collapsed into the chair to the thunderous sound of applause. She looked up to see the entire team, standing in the hallway clapping and smiling.
“Good job, Anna!”
“Well done.”
“You did amazing.”
The praise continued. Anna blushed as she slowly stood back up. “Thanks, so much everyone. Really though, I couldn’t have done any of this without all of you. Especially,” she looked around and scanned the group “all of our newly bald teammates.” Janie, Annie, Katie, Emma, and Jenny all gathered around Anna as they posed for a group picture. Anna waved Heather over, as she was a giant part of it, and they took another picture. Then the group dispersed to clean up and evaluate the night.
Twin Fight
“Jenny! Jenny!” Jessie was banging on her sister’s door. “Jenny! I know you’re in there!” Jessie continued. “Jenny! We need to talk!” Jessie was getting more impatient the longer her sister took to answer the door. “JENNY!!!”
“What’s up, Sis?” Jenny finally opened the door. She was in an oversized T-shirt and boxer shorts, her newly bald scalp reflecting the ambient light from the hallway and her room.
Jessie gasped. “So, it is true.”
“What’s that?” Jenny asked innocently enough. Jessie reached her hand out. “Oh, this?” Jenny indicated her head. “Yeah, what do you think?” Jenny opened the door wider and stepped aside, inviting her sister in.
“Jenny! What did you do?” Jessie asked as she stepped inside her sister’s room.
“I decided to participate in the team’s fundraiser.” Jenny smiled. “Everyone was so awesome helping with the calendar. I felt it only right to return the favor.” Jenny lied, but it sounded good, and she couldn’t reveal the real reason behind her new look to her sister.
“But…” Jessie was taken aback. She wasn’t expecting that answer. “But your BALD!”
“I know.” Jenny grinned “Isn’t it great?” she reached her hand up and rubbed her head laughing. “Feels amazing too.”
“You look amazing, too.” Jessie remarked, with a sudden change of heart. “But now you’ve put me in a real bind.” Jenny looked at her sister with inquisitive eyes. Jessie headed over to the chair in Jenny’s room and sat down, while Jenny sat opposite her on the bed. “I can’t believe you did this. I didn’t even know it was an option. I mean, it was not something I was considering. I never would have guessed that you would do this.” Jessie scratched her head. “Now, though, I guess I should really consider it.”
“No, you don’t!” Jenny blurted out. “You can’t! We’ve worked so hard to look different. We can’t go back now!” Jenny was in a slight panic. “I shaved my head so you can’t!”
“Jenny!” Jessie gasped again. “Jenny, you did not just say that.”
“Say what?”
“You shaved your head so now I can’t!” Jessie started getting angry again. “But I can! I can do whatever I want. In fact, I just decided.” She stood up. “I need to go find Heather. I want this done before the game tomorrow.”
“Jessie! You can’t!” Jenny stood up and grabbed her sister’s arm and pulled her back. “Jessie, we worked so hard to stop looking like twins. Would you really give that all up?”
Jessie turned around and faced her sister and pulled her arm out from Jenny’s grasp. “We’d look like a TEAM!” Jessie emphasized that last word. “Have you noticed? Everyone is bald now. I don’t want to be the only one that isn’t. I wasn’t going to shave my head, but now that you have, I might as well. Sure, we may look the same again, but we’ll also look like everyone else on the team.”
Jenny slumped down, dejected. Her sister was right. She hadn’t thought about it from that angle, but it made a lot of sense. “You’re right. I hadn’t thought of it like that…” She paused. “I think Heather is still around. You should go find her. I’m sure she won’t mind. It’s apparently her favorite thing to do now.”
“Okay, then I guess I’m doing this.” Jessie exhaled, as she headed towards the door. She opened the door and then turned to face her sister one more time. “I don’t know how to feel. Is it weird that I’m both excited and terrified?”
“I know exactly, what you mean.” Jenny got up and walked towards her sister. “It will be okay, and you’ll be fine.” She smiled and hugged her sister. “I’m sorry.”
Jessie headed out the door and down the hall. She was about to do something she never expected. It was getting late though, so it needed to happen fast. “Heather!” she shouted as she headed off to find the expert shaver.
Ending On A High Note
Melissa almost missed the game. She was struggling. She had enough trouble cutting her hair originally, but didn’t want to be the only person on the team with long hair, even if it was her best feature. She was filled with instant regret after Heather buzzed her hair the last time. And even then, her hair was still the longest, even if much shorter than it used to be. And now, imagine her horror when she woke up and realized that she is the only one on the team left with any hair at all on the top of her head.
“Are you kidding me?!” Melissa declared to anyone who would listen. “Everyone’s BALD!” She was on the verge of tears, and she didn’t want to leave the house.
“I know, it’s a big shock.” Emma did her best to console Melissa. “I promise we all choose this, and there’s still NO PRESSURE for you to do anything you don’t want to.” She put her hand on Melissa’s shoulder. “You are an amazing cheerleader and a huge asset to our team. We’re not complete without you.”
“But Emma –” Melissa started.
“I know, and your hair is already soooo short.” Emma mocked.
“Not compared to any of yours.” Melissa replied.
“Let’s just get through this game and then we’ll talk more, okay?” It was getting late, and they needed to get to the stadium, but Emma was genuinely concerned about her teammate’s well-being.
“Can’t I just sit this out?” Melissa asked. “I’m really not feeling so well.”
“Melissa, I’m not going to force you, but it’s the final game of the season. It’s Elsa’s and Annie’s final game on the team. Plus, eleven really doesn’t work for any of our routines and you’d be letting Janie down.”
So, Melissa went to the game. The entire team backed her and made her feel loved. They had their best performance of the season, and the football team fed off their energy. In their biggest blowout of the season, the team basically stopped playing in the fourth quarter. If there had been a mercy rule, the game would have been over before the half. The cheerleaders used the game to hone their skills and really practice for their upcoming competition. After the game, the entire team gathered back at the house and sprawled about in the living room.
“Congratulations on an amazing season.” Coach Beth started. She looked around at all the bald heads staring back at her. “I must say, this certainly is a unique look this team is sporting, and I’ve never felt more out of place.” Coach cracked a smile as she petted her ponytail that swung freely behind her as she spoke. “However, I have also never felt more proud of all of you.” She paused, before continuing. “Now, I won’t keep you, but we have just a few bookkeeping announcements to go over before I let you all go.”
“Alright, thanks Coach.” Emma added. She had fully embraced her more brazen outlook, as she was in just her sports bra and athletic shorts. Honestly, she needed to go shopping but hadn’t had time yet since the previous night. She then stood up and headed to the front of the room. “So, I’ll keep this brief. It’s the end of the football season, but now we have our huge competition. We’ll keep things light, as I know the end of the semester gets crazy with finals and other activities, but we do need to get a few practices in.”
“Emma!” Anna shouted out.
“Just a minute, Anna. I know you have a big announcement, as well, but just let me finish.” Emma continued. “Things will be a bit different, though, as we will be doing a whole new routine, and as mentioned before, we’ll be adding a few guys to our team.” Emma turned towards Jessie and Jenny, both of whom were once again dressed similarly, for the first time, since their initial haircuts, but in different colors.
“We’re headed out with the boys later tonight.” Jenny answered Emma, before she could even ask the question.
“Yeah, and we’re not giving them a choice.” Jessie added.
“That’s great.” Emma responded. “We’ll still need one more, but it’s a good start.”
“We’ll ask around.” Jenny and Jessie both replied in unison, turned to look at each other, and then giggled.
“We’ll kick things back up in earnest, in January once we all get back from break.” Emma continued. “Jenny, do you have anything else?”
“Yeah,” Jenny stood up, and headed over to Emma to address the group. “The calendars are done, and we should have them by Tuesday. So, we’ll have a table in the Student Union for a few days and hopefully everyone can put in some time to help sell them!”
“I’ve seen the mock-up, you guys. It looks amazing.” Emma piped in.
“Yeah, they turned out really well, especially since it all came together last minute.” Jenny agreed.
“Ok, Anna. Now you’re up.” Emma addressed Anna, as Jenny headed back to her spot on the couch.
“Thanks Emma,” Anna stood up. “Well, most of us certainly look a bit different than we did 24 hours ago, don’t we?” she chuckled. “No, really. Everyone looks great and last night was a huge success. We’re still tallying the numbers and some of you still have your accounts left open, so I don’t have final numbers yet. But we easily surpassed our initial goal, and we should even hit our reach goal. Needless to say, I think that we should easily have enough to cover all the events and expenses we have for the competition, and we’ll probably have funds left over.”
“That’s great, Anna!” Emma said, as she rubbed her head and smiled. “I think we all enjoyed ourselves and are all happy with the outcome?” She looked around to see if there was any dissent. Melissa was the only member of the team with any significant amount of hair left, which was slicked back and still wet after her shower, shifted uncomfortably but otherwise stayed silent.
“Yeah, well, about that…” Anna continued, “Don’t forget the commitment to the fundraiser, for those of us who participated last night. After this wraps up, Heather and I will discuss a schedule and come to you all about your upkeep.” Anna looked over towards Heather, who was clad in a bright orange bandeau top and matching booty shorts, nodded in agreement.
“Alright, there was one last thing I wanted to mention.” Emma continued with the last of her announcements. “This doesn’t need a lot of discussion right now, but when we come back in January one of the other things we need to do is hold an election for next year’s captain. It’s been an honor to serve you in that role the past two years, but it’s time for someone new to step into the role. Now Shandra, you’re not eligible. And Janie and Heather, you need more time on the team first… But anyone else that isn’t graduating can throw your hat in the ring. So, you can think about that over the break. So, for now, that’s a wrap!” Emma clapped her hands together to break up the meeting as everyone slowly dispersed.
2 X 2 = 4
Jenny and Jessie sat next to each other across the table from Tate and Tim. They were celebrating the end of a very successful season. It was the first double date since Jenny and Jessie initially cut their hair and started wanting to do things separately. So, it seemed only appropriate that they get together again, now that their looks matched again, even if it was only temporary. Plus, they had a big ask of their boyfriends and figured it would go over better if they were all together.
“So, we’d get to spend more time together.” Jenny poked at her steak with her fork. “Even if not explicitly together.”
“You’d be a base, and mostly helping with the lifts, but neither of us are flyers so we’d be elsewhere. We’re all a team though, so we all help each other.” Jessie added between bites.
“Do we have to shave our heads, too?” Tim asked what they both were thinking. Tim and Tate both had matching dirty blonde buzzcuts and neatly trimmed breads.
“Yeah, you both have less hair than WE do, now.” Tate added.
Jenny and Jessie both looked at each other and blushed. In their haste to shave their heads the previous night, they hadn’t considered how their boyfriends would feel about it. Now, it was too late, and they were both committed to it, or at least Jenny was. “No, this was just something, we decided to do. Well, the whole team, really. But you’re both free to make your own choice.” Jenny answered.
“Do, um, do you guys like our looks?” Jessie asked, not entirely sure she wanted to know the answer.
“We like that you both look the same again.” Tim answered his girlfriend.
“We don’t dislike it.” Tate looked at his brother for confirmation. “It’s just a bit unexpected.”
“You pull it off really, really, well, though.” Tim confessed.
“Yeah. So does this mean, you’ll be twins again?” Tate asked.
Jessie and Jenny both looked at each other. They really enjoyed the individuality over the past couple of months, but they also both loved their boyfriends, and they had put them through a lot.
“Well, Jenny’s committed to keeping her head shaved for a while.” Jessie started. “But I’m not. I wasn’t even planning to do it, but then the rest of the team did.”
“So will you keep it shaved as long as Jenny does?” Tim asked his girlfriend.
“Is that what you want?” Jessie inquired. Tim and Tate both looked at each other and then nodded in agreement. Then the girls both looked at each other. “Okay, but understand this is our entire team, right now. At some point we will grow out our hair again, and we will go back to our own individual styles.”
“That’s okay.” Tim and Tate both agreed in unison.
“And can we tell Emma that you’re both in to join our team?” Jenny asked.
“We’re in.”
“Great! Though, we need one more. So, if you know of anyone else, let us know.” Jessie followed up.
A Much-Deserved Break
Heather’s typical day was full of hair, or lack thereof. She woke up early every morning for her daily run with Emma, then she’d end up in Emma’s room for her daily shave, which was now filmed and livestreamed. Then Heather would go into Shandra’s room for her shave. Then once she dealt with Annie’s, Anna’s, and Janie’s head shaves, her afternoons were mostly spent at Evan’s shop. Katie would usually go with Heather, since Katie would then get her head shaved by Evan. When there was time, Evan often shaved Heather’s head as well. Finally, upon returning back to the house, Elsa, Jenny and Jessie would visit with Heather for their shaves. It was a full day, but Heather spent it doing what she loved. The fact that she was able to make that claim really said a lot.
The calendar sales were already strong. The cheerleaders were more popular than ever, and the entire school looked at them as a good luck charm for the football team. Slowly, the semester came to a close and one by one each of the cheerleaders went home for break. Soon, there were only two left.
“When are you headed home, Heather?” Emma asked.
“Oh, I’m not going home.” Heather responded.
“Why not?” Emma sat down next to Heather.
“I don’t want to.” Heather explained. “I’m not sure how I feel, but home represents my old life. I know who I am now and who I want to be… I mean I know I have to go home at some point, but I’m not there yet.”
“I understand.” Emma nodded. “Well, it looks like it’s just the two of us, then.” Emma started to get up.
“Wait. You’re not going home either?” Heather looked up at her captain.
“I am home.”
“You are?” Heather asked, confused. “You live here?”
“Sure.” Emma smiled, “and so do you.”
“You don’t have a family to go home to?”
“Don’t you?” Emma stared back at Heather.
“I just told –” Heather stopped. She realized that she wasn’t getting anywhere, and it was best not to question. “Oh, so, it’s just us then.”
“Yup. And don’t worry, we’re on break, so I won’t be waking you up early to go run.”
“You won’t?” Heather looked a bit dejected.
“Nope.”
“Oh.” Heather spoke softly and put her head down. “That’s too bad.”
“Did you want me to?” Emma inquired.
“Well, I mean, it’s okay. Honestly, I don’t mind it now.” Heather looked up at Emma. “When we first started, I hated it, and I would have done anything to get out of it. But I have to admit, I’ve gotten used to it, and I actually kind of like it now.” She stood up. “Besides all the haircuts and shaves, it’s been a highlight of my day. It’s like Jenny’s and Jessie’s routines. Plus, it will give me something to do.”
“Okay, then. I’ve enjoyed having you on my runs, also. Admittedly, when it started, I missed my alone time and I had you tag along just to keep you active and distract you, but you’ve really come along, and I enjoy our mornings together. So, I’m happy to have you.” Emma wrapped her arm around her teammate.
“You just enjoy the head shaves.” Heather joked.
“Not gonna lie, that is a plus.” Emma admitted scratching her head. “Guess that’s one problem solved.”
“Of course.” Heather smiled. “Even twice a day if you want.”
“You really do love it, don’t you?” Emma sat back down on the couch.
“I do.” Heather gushed. “I surprise myself, but I can honestly say cutting my hair was the best thing to ever happen to me.” Heather sat down next to Emma. “And I do really enjoy cutting hair, or well, I guess shaving it off. I’d probably be good with just cutting it as well, but I have gotten a lot of experience shaving.”
“So, how are things going with Betty?” Emma shifted.
“OH.” Heather responded softly as she put her head down. “I don’t know. We haven’t really talked much since our trip.” She looked up, a single tear started to form and roll down her cheek. “Emma, I miss her. I really miss her. Like I know she’s still around, she’s on the team, and I see her… but I miss that friendship and the closeness that we had.”
Emma reached over, hugged Heather, and rubbed her head. “Just give it time. I promise you Betty will come around. When everyone comes back and we start up again, Betty will be there.”
“I hope you’re right.” Heather said softly. “I really hope you’re right.”
New Realizations
Emma and Heather continued their morning routine every day. They would meet each other in the entryway every morning, go for their run and then go up to Emma’s room. No longer satisfied with just the run, and frankly having too much free time, Heather would head to the gym and did her full workout. Heather modeled her gym routine after what she learned from both Jenny and Jessie, and she pushed herself. Many times, Emma would go with Heather. On a whim, Emma started to film Heather. There was no interaction, no acknowledgement. It was just videos of Heather working out. She posted the videos right next to her head shaves on Heather’s new social media accounts.
Heather had agreed to let Anna set her up on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, her own YouTube channel, and several others… but she hardly paid them much attention. Heather was opening up to the point where she was very open with all her teammates and many of her classmates, but she was still uncomfortable putting herself out there on the internet and didn’t like being filmed. However, the attention she was getting was undeniable.
One day, Heather was wearing a bright green bandeau top and boxer shorts while she was lounging around on the couch, bored. Out of curiosity she logged onto one of her accounts and was shocked by what she saw. As she quickly checked her other accounts to confirm, she sat up. Anna had been right. She barely did anything other than allow others to post videos. She certainly hadn’t paid it much attention, yet she had already accumulated several thousand followers and a few hundred comments across her various posts.
“Um, hi.” Heather began to record a quick video. “Um, thank you to everyone who follows this, I guess. Well, I’m just hanging out on break and thought I would check this out. Originally, I really wasn’t interested in any of this, but Anna insisted. She said I wouldn’t have to do anything, and I guess she was right. I’m just sitting here and thought maybe I would make a video to say hi and thank you. I don’t know how often this will happen, but I guess maybe it’s okay?”
It was short and direct, but it was her first time. It wasn’t so bad either. She felt proud of herself. Heather went back to lounging around and forgot all about what she had just posted.
For the most part Emma and Heather just did their own thing but tried to fill their days. They were always around and spent plenty of time together, but also tried to give each other space. On Christmas Day, Emma took Heather to Coach’s house to spend the day with her young family.
“Here, Emma.” Heather held a small box in her hand. “I got you something.”
“Oh, Heather. You didn’t have to get me anything.” Emma replied.
“I know. It’s not much.” Heather stuck her hand out to Emma. “You’re fully committed to this bald look, long term, right?” Heather suddenly pulled her hand back.
“Yeah, Heather, of course.” Emma chuckled a bit. “I can’t say forever, but at least for the foreseeable future.” She glided her hand across her glistening bald head. “I really like it. Really. More so than I ever thought possible.” She paused, “Why do you ask? I can still count on you for my shaves, right?”
“Oh, of course.” Heather smiled, extending her hand with the present again. “I was just checking. I’m not going anywhere and really enjoy our time together. It’s just… well, open it.”
Emma excitedly took the box and ripped the wrapping paper off. She opened the box and then looked at Heather, confused.
“It’s an electric skull shaver.” Heather explained excitedly. “I know you love my razor shaves and I’m happy to keep doing them for as long as you desire, but I just thought this was a nice alternative. You’d be able to do it on your own and if I’m not available, you’d still be able to –” Heather trailed off as she looked up at Emma.
Emma smiled. “It’s perfect.” She reached out and gave Heather a giant hug. “Thank you so much for thinking of me.” She rubbed Heather’s head. “It is so thoughtful. I hope I don’t have to use it very often.” Emma locked eyes with Heather, “but if I ever do, I will always think of you.” Heather blushed.
The next few days were more of the same. Emma and Heather continued their daily runs, followed by Emma’s shaves. Heather continued to hit the gym and continued to intensify her workouts. What started off as just a light routine when she would accompany Jenny and Jessie grew to a full routine of her own. She now enjoyed it immensely and wanted to continue to push herself more and more. She started to notice a change in her body, which only continued to fuel her. Emma would accompany her on occasion, mainly just for companionship and would occasionally film Heather to post on social media.
One night, Heather was sitting outside on the steps up to the house, admiring the night sky on a cool crisp evening. Emma came outside to join her and for a few moments they just sat there in silence, looking up.
“Hey Heather.” After a few minutes Emma broke the silence. Heather turned to look at Emma. “How are you doing? Has this break gone as you hoped?”
“Better!” Heather was all smiles as she answered the question.
“Really?” Emma looked at her young teammate, taken aback.
“Yeah, absolutely.” Heather confirmed. “Does that surprise you?”
“Well, honestly…” Emma trailed off.
“Emma, look.” Heather pulled up her tank top. “I have abs! I’ve never had abs before.” Heather grinned. “Granted, I never knew I wanted abs, or even cared about them. But I do! And that’s not all.” She flexed a bit showing off the muscles in her toned arms. “I have you to thank for all of this. If you hadn’t started to drag me out on our runs, none of this would have happened.”
“Well, I’m glad that I was able to help you out. I can’t take all the credit though.” Emma looked Heather over. “I have to say though, you do look AMAZING. Not that you ever didn’t, but now…”
“I know!” Heather gushed.
“And you’ve really gotten good with the hair, as well.”
“That may be the biggest surprise of all.” Heather revealed. “Can you believe it was just a couple months ago? I was completely covered up and I could be sitting on my hair right now.” She let out a deep breath. “I barely even feel like the same person.”
“You’re not the same person.”
Heather chuckled, “I know what you mean. I like this person much better. Not that I didn’t like who I was before, or even had any negative thoughts, or even WANTED to change anything.”
“For what it’s worth, the entire team likes this Heather better as well. Again, not that we disliked the old Heather, but –”
“Yeah, I know.”
“So, let me ask you something…” Emma began. “Katie and Evan changed this team. I know you weren’t here for all of that, but you did see what happened at the beginning of the semester. And it has snowballed from there. Things have really taken off, and you are the future.”
“Thanks?” Heather was flattered, but unsure when Emma was going.
“Yeah, and you’re a real talent.” Emma rubbed her head. “You’ve made my decision to keep this style long term an easy one.”
“Well, it helps, that you look so good with it.”
“Thank you. I also saw how well you performed at the fundraiser a few weeks back and how much you seemed to enjoy it.” Emma went on. “So, it got me thinking. What would you think if we started a barbershop that was run by the team? With you as the lead barber, of course.”
“Really?” Heather was in awe and not sure what to think.
“Well, the coach’s cottage goes largely unused, or at least it has been. And I don’t like taking up the entire living room every week.” Emma started. “I’ll be moving into the cottage over the summer since it will be my new residence going forward, but I also don’t need a lot of space. So, I’ll take the upstairs and we can convert the downstairs. You and some of the other girls can use the space not just for each other, but I thought that we could advertise around campus and elsewhere as well.”
“Wow!” Heather’s jaw dropped.
“You like that idea?” Emma smiled at her eager teammate. “It would be another way we can continue to bring in money for ourselves. Of course, you’d all also be able to make a bit for yourself as well. Maybe we could even have uniforms and everything.”
“Wow, Emma! That sounds amazing.” Heather answered. “I’m in. Well, on one condition.”
“This probably doesn’t happen without you, so name your price.”
“Okay, well, you mentioned uniforms. Do you mean our cheer uniforms or something else?” Heather started. “You know I have a ‘haircut outfit.’ You remember how I dressed when I first got my haircut? Well, that was a really, really, big deal for me. Who knew then, I’d regularly wear even less normally, now. Anyway, so, if we did some kind of uniform, it would need to fit within that.
“So, not our cheer uniforms then?” Emma asked.
“Our current ones?” Heather clarified. “No, definitely not, but honestly, those could use a bit of a refresh, anyway.” It was a bold statement, in general and even more so coming from her.
“This from the same person who used to wear a full body suit under her uniform, because it exposed to much.” Emma joked.
“Hey, that person is long gone.” Heather defended. “OK, how about a vote then?”
“Heather, you know, I’m joking with you, right?” Emma clarified. “I actually think it’s a great idea and am in favor of it. I agree about putting it to a vote. Maybe we’ll debut them for the competition.” Emma winked at Heather.
“That’s a great idea.” Heather smiled. “I’m definitely in favor of that.”
