Cut Your Bangs [S.Barber]

chapter one

Beatrice Sarrison wanted to be different, but she never had the chance. She was grateful for the wealth her family had. Her parents were loving, of course. Their house was beautiful and large. Her room was comfortable. She just never felt like she was the person she wanted to be.

Going to school among those preppy private schoolers influenced her to be just the same. She did amazing in her studies, but never had any friends. At school, she was quiet, but really, all she wanted to do was speak out. Except, she was too afraid of judgement.

Her parents, Marissa and Johnathan were kind. Still, Beatrice always assumed that if she were to change anything about herself, she would surely be embarrassed by their reactions.

Not a piercing, not a drastic haircut, not a change of hair color, not a face full of makeup, nothing. Beatrice always liked to call herself 'plain', even if everyone just told her she was like everyone else.

It was true, everyone else was plain. Beatrice didn't want to be like everyone else, though. She was only expected to be.

She never thought anything would change in her life, until one day, her parents came up to he room with saddened expressions.

Beatrice sat slouched on her bed. She eyed her parents back and forth curiously while they sat on chairs which they brought up from the kitchen.

"Beatrice." Began Marissa hesitantly. The teenager kept her gaze fixated on her mother. "We have bad news."

Beatrice laced together her fingers. She pursed her lips, keeping quiet. She was curious of what they were going to say. "Your father's company is going bankrupt. We're losing a lot of money." Sighed the woman.

Beatrice turned to her father. "Oh, Dad. I'm sorry." She frowned. "Don't apologize, sweetheart. It's not your fault." The man smiled assuringly, though Beatrice could see the sadness in his eyes.

"Beatrice, we have to send you to a public school." Marissa cut in. She said it quickly as if she were trying to rip off a bandaid. "What?" Beatrice furrowed her eyebrows.

She had no clue what to expect from a public school. The students in the private schools make it seem as if public schools are brutal and you're guaranteed to get bullied. Beatrice didn't always know what to believe, of course, but it worried her.

"We know. It's a big change." Her mother continued softly. "Hey, at least you won't need to wear that uniform anymore." Encouraged Johnathan.

Beatrice smiled softly so that he wouldn't be discouraged. "Okay.." Beatrice sighed. "Uh.. when do I— when do I start?" She asked. "This Monday." Informed her father.

"We've already contacted all your teachers. You don't have to worry." Added Marissa. "O-Okay." Beatrice stammered. She looked off to the side nervously.

"There's more." Marissa faltered. Beatrice turned back to the woman worriedly. "You don't have to do this, but I know you love to help and this really would help right now.. but, we want you to get a job at the bowling alley by the park." She stated. She was hesitant, as she did not want to force Beatrice into anything.

"We love you, Bea. We don't want you to feel forced to do this." Johnathan urged. The girl paused for a moment. She had never taken a job before. "Okay. I'll do it." She nodded.

"Thank you so much, Bea. Really. We love you so much." Marissa smiled sadly. Beatrice forced another smile at the woman. "We've scheduled you an interview tomorrow morning. Don't feel any pressure, I'm sure you'll be great." Johnathan explained.

Beatrice took in a deep breath. "I know you want the best for me, okay? You don't have to keep sugarcoating everything. I know we're not in a good place right now, and I want to help. So just... just give me some time alone right now, okay?" Beatrice fiddled with her necklace. "I'll go to the bowling alley tomorrow. You don't have to drive me. I can walk."