Attention What If

Chapter 21

POV: Skylar

I had to tell Mackenzie's mom everything, even though Mackenzie called me the very next day begging me not to. I couldn't just not say anything, so I got her whole family involved. With their help, I was able to get Mackenzie away from Jean, for now at least. They both agreed to do couples counseling and Jean is doing anger management classes.

I always hated Jean; I knew she was bad news. I just knew it. The girl has rubbed me the wrong way since day one.

"Almost done," Vida says as the clippers buzz in her hand.

I feel fluffs of my hair falling down my bare shoulders.

Apparently, Vida said the bob wasn't for me, so we are going even shorter. I totally regret letting this girl talk me into cutting my hair. My mom is going to freak out when she sees me. It's short all around except for the top. The top is nice and fluffy still. It's cute but definitely doesn't feel like Skylar.

I solemnly swear never to cut my hair short again.

Vida actually used to be a hairdresser. She went to beauty school and everything, and got her cosmetology license, but apparently, hairdressers don't make enough money so she switched to bartending. She's back in school trying to get a bachelor's degree in marine science. She loves surfing and the ocean; she wants to work to help conserve the oceans.

"Darleen invited everyone over to her mansion for Christmas, even you," I say.

"Your family's coming out here? I thought we were going up there."

"Darleen paid for it all, she and Jade chipped in together."

"Must be nice having money."

"Emm," I hum in agreement.

She turns the clippers off and runs her hands through my hair, testing out the length and look of it.

"I didn't tell her about your ex or anything like that," I assure Vida.

Vida hates talking about her abusive ex, she's still very sensitive to the topic. It's why I took self-defense classes, so I could protect her from him. But no one knows about that or how he gave me a black eye when I tried to confront him. Not even Jade knows, she was out of town those two weeks for cons and events.

"Thank you," Vida kisses the top of my head.

I smile and grab her hand in mine.

"What do you think?" Vida asks me.

"Honestly?"

"Yes."

"I hate it, I don't think short hair is for me. But it's cute, thank you. I do agree it's better than the bob."

She chuckles and ruffles my hair.

"What time do you have to go to work?" I ask.

"Soon," she pouts.

I sigh.

"You can stay here while I'm out. I keep telling you just to move in with me already."

"What's the point in moving in with you when I have a whole freaking house to take care of? I can only put it off for so long. I've already packed up most of my things from Darleen's, I'm just dreading going back to that house." I sigh.

"Well Jade's going to be gone for a few years, maybe we can redecorate it, to help with the coping. Might be easier to handle if you get rid of everything that reminds you of her."

"Emm." I hum in agreement.

"We'll make a project out of it." She scratches my scalp.

I lean against her.