Leri
Rebecca was walking around town, like any other day, looking for a job offer or something that might give her some extra income. She already had a job as asecretary in a law firm, the pay wasn’t bad, but her family had always struggled with finances, and recently with her father ill, the medical bills only added to the weight on her shoulders. Rebecca had found relief in boxing in the evenings, an escape that allowed her to release the stress and frustration she carried with her, plus being a trainer also gave her an extra paycheck, but even that wasn’t enough now.
While walking through the city, she passed in front of a hair salon, it was small and empty, but the sign that was stuck in the window caught her attention.
“hair purchased, depending on its quality is the payment.”
Rebecca had never considered herself a vain person. Her hair, long and brown, had grown without much attention other than what her mother gave it, it was because of her that she kept it long and in good condition. Her mother always liked it long and was the one who took care of it to keep it in perfect condition, but if it were for Rebecca it would be neglected, it was something that existed without requiring much thought, just another part of her without importance. However, she knew her hair had value, and selling it would give her the extra income her family desperately needed. So, determined, she headed for the salon, hoping her mother wouldn’t have a heart attack when she found out.
The salon is modern and cozy, with softly colored walls, perhaps like a light green or sky blue, creating a quiet atmosphere. There is a light wood reception desk with a screen and several fashion magazines stacked. To one side, there is a small black or beige leather sofa, where customers can comfortably wait their turn.
The mirrors are large and framed in wood or polished metal, reflecting the warm lights hanging from the ceiling in minimalist design lamps. The work chairs are made of soft leather, in neutral tones such as gray or black, matching the elegant style of the place. In one corner, indoor plants add a touch of freshness and life.
The workstations are organized and clean, with professional tools neatly arranged on small tables, and shelves with hair care products arranged in an aesthetically pleasing manner. Soft background music completes the ambiance, making the salon a relaxing and sophisticated place. I had never been to a place like this, or anything like it, She didn’t go to salons. If someone from her boxing team saw her there, she’d probably laugh a little bit.
Upon entering, she was greeted by a young man about her age, perhaps a little older, who was cleaning the mirrors. He had a friendly smile and a calm air that made her feel a little more comfortable.
-Hello welcome, how can I help you today? -he asked, looking at her with curiosity and kindness, while observing her hair.
-Hi, I saw the sign about hair purchased, and I was interested.
The young man nodded, not surprised, but interested.
-Sure, we can do that. Come have a seat,” he smiles as he points to one of the leather armchairs.
Rebecca nods and passes, sitting on the couch. She is surprised at how comfortable it is, and the mirrors look larger and more illuminated up close. The young man approaches her, observing her hair, how long it is, and how shiny it is, it looks well cared for him.
– Your hair looks beautiful, I don’t see anything like it all the time, do you mind if I examine it? – she asks with a smile
– Thank you, it’s nothing special, and yes, go ahead,” – Rebecca replied, smiling back.
The young man nods taking a comb and then runs it through her brown hair, examining its condition to see how much it was worth. It was incredibly soft, strong, thick, and had a nice color. It was of good quality, there were no split ends, it wasn’t dyed, and the care showed.
– Your hair is amazing, I’d hate to cut it if I’m honest – he says, looking at her through the mirror, putting the comb aside – Are you sure you want to sell it?
I’m very sure, I don’t care if I’m honest, and the money never hurts.
– To be indifferent, it is very well cared for – he says with surprise at her answer – Do you have in mind how much hair you would like to sell?
Rebecca thought about it for a moment, she didn’t know what to answer, she didn’t know how much it was worth, but any amount was welcome.
-Cut as much as you want to buy, – she said, sounding nonchalant, – I don’t care what it looks like in the end.
The young man looked at her briefly, as if evaluating her words, but nodded again.
– Are you sure? It’s not a quality of hair that you see often, it’s honestly worth too much to miss the opportunity, so I could cut off enough of it,”- he asked softly, giving her one last chance to change her mind, not all the women he serves let their hair go so easily, it was something of their identity that they cared for, but she seemed to feel it was just a nuisance.
– Very sure, you are free to go, I don’t care about the length – she answers confidently.
-Okay. Let’s do it then, – he smiles and then goes to get his tools.
Rebecca sat quietly, watching as he pulled out a black cape and placed it over her, tying it around her neck. Then, he brushed her hair again and began to part it, gathering it into small sections held in place with hair ties to cut it neatly. As he worked, the two began to chat.
-My name is Ethan, by the way, – he said, breaking the silence.
– Nice to meet you, I’m Rebecca.
– What a nice name, have you always had long hair?
Rebecca nodded, as she watched all the pigtails Ethan was doing, fairly close to her chin. She realized he wasn’t lying about taking the opportunity and going short. For some reason, she felt a lump in her throat.
-Yes, always. I never thought much about it, but my mother likes it that way, I keep it for her, or kept it.
-I understand, – Ethan replied. – It’s funny how something so simple can mean so much, isn’t it?
– And I don’t understand why, it’s hair, it’s not something important but some women cling to it.
– Well, it’s usually part of their identity, it gives them confidence and their sense of beauty. I see it as more than just hair, it’s like an accessory that you can customize and dare – he replies inspired.
– You enjoy your work, don’t you? – she asks after that sentimental answer
– Of course, since I was little I saw my mother working here, taking care of all those ladies and fulfilling their dreams. I learned from her, this was her salon and now I take care of it.
– That’s inspiring – she says with surprise – I don’t usually hear stories like that.
– Well, there’s a first time for everything, isn’t there? – he smiles, tying the last ponytail – Like this, your first short hairstyle, ready? You can still change your mind
– Go ahead,- she says, firm in her decision.
Ethan nods and picks up his scissors, opening them in the air to test them before bringing them up to one of the ponytails. Placing it on top of the tie, just above chin level, he closes the scissors, cutting the hair easily, the sound of sheared hair echoing in Rebecca’s ear.
shrink shrink shrink shrink
With a few taps, the ponytail came completely loose. Ethan held it up in front of the mirror as a sort of prize, then placed it on the table under the mirror, where Rebecca could see it perfectly. The ponytail was very long, almost 60 cm was shorn, contrasting with the chin-length lock she had now and would soon match the rest of her hair. For some reason, that sight gave her a little knot in her stomach, but she couldn’t explain why.
– There’s no turning back now, we just have to finish – Ethan says half-jokingly, taking another ponytail and repeating the process.
– There never was, I was determined – she replies, recovering a little – It was a long one.
– It was obvious how long it had been growing, but it was time for you to change, you’ll look great with short hair.
– I guess so, I hope they feel the same way at home.
– I think so, you’ll look great, there’s no chance you won’t look beautiful.
– You are the expert – she gives another slight smile, returning to inspect the process.
Ponytails of hair were piling up on the table, as Rebecca’s head was losing weight, and a short bob-like mane was forming on it. Each time the scissors cut a section of her hair, she felt a slight tug in her chest, a feeling she hadn’t expected. “It’s just hair,” she told herself, but with each cut, the feeling grew.
– So, what do you do for a living? -he asked, as he placed another ponytail on the table, resting gently with the rest.
-I work as a secretary. And in the evenings I box,- Rebecca replied, her voice a little lower than usual.
-Boxing? That’s impressive,- he said with a smile, his eyes sparkling with admiration.- You must be very strong, both physically and mentally.
Rebecca tried to smile, but the lump in her throat was growing. For the first time, she began to feel an irrational fear, what if she looked bad? What if she didn’t recognize herself in the mirror?
– Thanks, it helps me to free myself and lose stress, sometimes I also train others, so it counts as sporadic work.
– That’s admirable, it’s not something for everyone, I couldn’t – he chuckles – But I’m sure you are amazing.
– Yes, well, that’s what they say. I’m not an expert but I defend myself very well.
– I’m sure of it, I wish I could see you – he smiles, as he gives the last cut.
shrink shrink shrink shrink snap
The last remnant of Rebecca’s long hair falls away from her head, leaving it all level at her chin. Anyone looking at her wouldn’t believe she once had long hair, nor would she. She doesn’t believe it in fact, she is stunned looking at herself in the mirror, with a certain dizziness and a knot in her overgrown stomach.
– And that’s it, the hard part is over – he smiles victoriously, collecting all the ponytails to put them inside a transparent plastic bag – Here they will be well protected. Now, I’ll give you a cleaner style
– Ah….Oh you don’t have to, that’s fine. It doesn’t matter how it looks – she says, but unlike before, she didn’t quite believe it, and she didn’t understand why.
– Well still, I wouldn’t let you go out with a messy style, even though you look beautiful like that. But you’ll be a star if you fix it – he smiles broadly, taking her sprayer and wetting the remaining hair.
– Okay, if you insist – “I don’t know how much has to fix it” she thinks, with some uncertainty. And it was the shortest she’s ever had. What else could it be? A boy cut? God, I couldn’t imagine.
Ethan sectioned her hair, clipping the top part with a clip, leaving the back and sides free. That length suited Rebecca very well, he could just touch it up, but he had another style in mind that would suit her even better and highlight her beautiful features even more. Taking a lock of hair, he places it between his fingers and then, without hesitation, cuts it. At least another 2 inches fell over Rebecca’s shoulders, sliding over the cape to the floor, leaving small hairs of 2cm in place. She repeated the process, sometimes leaving strands a little longer, generating some layers that blended, leaving a nice effect on the hair.
Rebecca didn’t understand what was happening to her. With every strand that fell, she felt like a part of her was coming loose. The knot in her stomach was gigantic at this point and she had to lower her gaze in an attempt to keep her composure. It was just hair, she never cared about it, she didn’t see it as an important thing, but now, since the first cut of the ponytail, she felt like she lost something important in her, she felt vulnerable and exposed. Now even more, seeing how her hair, already short, became shorter, and the small pieces accumulated in her lap and on the floor. She finally closed her eyes and waited for the feeling to go away but to no avail.
-Do you have any plans after this? -Ethan asked, trying to keep the conversation light.
-Train maybe, or go home, – Rebecca said, but her voice sounded weaker, more uncertain.
Ethan noticed the change in her tone but continued to work carefully.
– Are you okay? Do you want anything?
– No, it’s been a difficult few days. Sorry – she answers trying to sound normal
– If you want to vent, I’m a good listener – although she doesn’t see it, he’s smiling warmly at him.
– Thank you, it’s just fatigue. My father got sick and I have taken double shifts to cover expenses, which is the main reason I decided to do this.
– I’m so sorry, you are making a great sacrifice – he says stunned and emotional – You are strong Rebecca.
– Thank you – she says lightly – I don’t know if I’m so strong but I do it for them.
– And I can tell they will be very proud of you – he puts a hand on her shoulder, in a comforting way, making Rebecca feel a little better.
She smiled, which he took for an answer, and with the same smile continued his work. The sounds of the scissors so close to her head, how light she feels each time she loses more hair, the mass in her lap that only grows as the trimmed hairs slide into it, some falling halfway out leaving the cape full of her former mane, it was an explosion inside the young girl that couldn’t explain or understand.
With the neck more exposed and stylish, the long pixie was taking shape. Moving to the top, Ethan took out the clips and started cutting the top part, adding layers that fell all over Rebecca’s head giving it a messy but charming and cute look, even more with the natural waves that the girl in the chair has, her ears are almost entirely visible with only a few hairs covering them. She’s looking her best. Ethan knew it, this haircut suited her too well, with no hair covering her face other than the long bangs to match the layers, her delicate but still strong features were visible to anyone who wanted to admire them, especially highlighting her big eyelashes and freckles that no one would have noticed before.
Finishing his creation, Ethan swept the hair that was stuck on Rebecca’s shoulders and neck with his hand and then took a step back, examining his work, very happy with the final results. Rebecca bloomed like a flower, no one would miss her natural beauty.
– And that’s it, a beautiful cut for a beautiful girl – he says with great joy, taking off the cape, sending the little hairs to the ground, joining the rest. – It could be one of my best works, it highlights your features perfectly, what do you think?
– Thank you, it looks great – she smiled slightly, although she didn’t see herself.
Rebecca lifted her face to appear to see her reflection in the mirror, but her gaze remained lowered, trying to calm the wave of emotions that invaded her, and the anxiety of seeing her new self. She didn’t want Ethan to notice how nervous she was, but he noticed anyway.
– Are you sure? Because you didn’t even see it – he says curious and surprised – Come on take a look at it, so if you don’t like something I can fix it, and you don’t have to come back again.
– Don’t worry, I know it’s perfect, you’re an expert, you couldn’t have made a mistake – she answers quickly, still with her eyes down, she tries to get up but her legs betray her.
– Rebecca, what’s wrong? – He puts his hands on her shoulders, making her sit up again – You look shaky and like someone scared you. You can tell me – he says softly and kindly, trying to build trust.
Rebecca gulped and finally looked up, though she avoided the mirror, feeling a sudden embarrassment.
-It’s just that… -I thought I didn’t care how I looked, but now without my hair…I feel naked and vulnerable ….. and I’m afraid to look like a man. I was never as feminine as other girls and…. -her voice cracked a bit, letting out a sigh and lowering her gaze again- You know, never mind, forget everything I said, I’m being stupid sorry.
The young man leaned toward her, with a sympathetic expression. He was accustomed to such reactions, but with her, he felt a different kind of shock.
-Rebecca is not stupid, it’s normal to feel this way. As I said, you are making a big sacrifice for something important, and it’s natural to feel a mix of emotions. It’s also normal to feel connected to your hair, I told you before, it’s part of many people’s identity and confidence, but it doesn’t mean you look bad without it, in fact, you look gorgeous. You don’t have to be super feminine like everyone else to be beautiful. Beauty is in how you feel about yourself, and I think this haircut just highlights how strong and determined you are, – he said, with a sincerity that made her feel a little better, – Plus all the things you would do for your family. So if you look in the mirror I promise you that’s what you’ll see in yourself.
Ethan’s words made her feel a little better, less foolish or exaggerated at least. She appreciated it. Rebecca let out a shaky sigh and finally allowed herself to look in the mirror. To her surprise, what she saw wasn’t as bad as she feared. It was…amazing. The pixie cut highlighted her eyes and made her face appear more defined. She looked different, but no less feminine. In fact, there was something powerful in that reflection.
The hair is short at the nape of the neck and on the sides, with some parts a bit longer, due to the layers. As she moved upwards the length increased and layers became textured, giving an effect of volume and movement, ending with a long bang that fell over her face framing it. The natural waves in her hair added a messy but yet youthful and fresh style, as well as elegant for work. Her freckles were noticed without a problem, her eyes shine like stars, and all her features were refined, being indeed a very feminine style.
-Wow… I, wow,” she murmured, still a bit stunned – I don’t know what to say.
Ethan smiled at her, noticing the blush rising to Rebecca’s cheeks.
-You don’t have to say anything. Just feel good about yourself, no matter what anyone else says or thinks. Or as you say, no matter what you look like, you are beautiful.
Rebecca blushed deeper and nodded slowly, still processing the change. Ethan headed to the counter, while she stood as best she could, he returned with an envelope containing a generous amount of money for her hair, along with a business card.
-Here is the money for your hair, and my phone number. If you want to keep the style or help it grow out a little faster, you’ll have to come in often. Or just if you want to chat or need something else, – he said, offering it to her, – And if your mother is looking for a new job, I’d love to have her with me, I can see she has talent with the work she did with you.
Rebecca smiles shyly and takes the card, feeling a pleasant warmth in her chest. The blush was still on her face.
-Thank you, Ethan. You are kind.
-Thank you, Rebecca. And remember, you look amazing.
The blush deepens as she leaves the room, taking one last look at the bag with the long pigtails and hair strewn on the floor. With the envelope in her hand, the card in her pocket, and her heart racing, still feeling the tingle of change she leaves to return home, feeling the breeze hit her neck and give her a chill. It would take a long time to get used to it and feel comfortable, but if there was one good thing she got out of this experience, besides being able to pay for medical expenses, it was the growing friendship she felt she could have with Ethan. And he looked forward to continuing to see the girl who had captivated him in such an impressive way.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
“Hi, I’m Rebecca. I’ll take you up on that chatting thing. Maybe even a coffee? Let me know if you can.”
“Well I can’t say no to that offer Tomorrow at 5:00 pm is good for you?”
