It was a warm summer day in May, the last week of Melinda's sophomore year in high school. She has two younger sisters: Nina in 7th grade, and Kenzie in 4th grade. They all had long, shiny hair that reached varying lengths and thickness. Kenzie had shoulder length honey blonde hair on the thinner side, just like her mother. Nina's hair was thick and dark brown and reached her mid back. Melinda has the longest hair in her family that reached her hips, and was thick and jet black like her father. Over the past few years they've only gotten trims from their mother since they were short on money after their father got laid off from his job. Recently, he started work in a new office making more money than before. The two younger sisters hated their long hair, and always wished to go get it cut. Nina asked one day if she could cut her own hair, but her father warned her not to. If he caught her cutting her hair herself he would force shave her, and as much as Nina disliked her hair she didn't want to be bald. She knew better than to take the scissors to her hair or anyone else's. On the other hand, Melinda loved her long thick hair and loved to keep it long too. Her mother only trimmed an inch off of all of their hair each month, keeping split ends away. Her mother was just like her and loved all of their long hair. Their father however despised long hair, and he cut their mother's hair into a short bob each month himself. She didn't let him touch the daughter's hair though. Not until one fateful weekend.
While Melinda was sitting at the kitchen table doing her last bit of homework before summer break, her father was not too far making breakfast. Their mother was out running errands and had a doctors appointment, so she wouldn't be home until almost evening. Kenzie was still sleeping while Nina walked downstairs into the kitchen. "Good morning, sport. How do you want your eggs?", said the father. Nina replied "Scrambled please. Also, dad, I have a question for you." He looked over to her awaiting her question. Nina took a breath and asked "When can we go get our haircuts?" Melinda perked up at this question, desperately hoping that he would tell her to wait until her mother got home. She turned to look at the situation behind her. The father looked slightly shocked but also pleased at the question. "Well I can take you guys after breakfast. I'm sure your mother won't have a problem. It's about time you all get summer haircuts anyways, your hair has been too long for long enough. I'll make a quick call after we eat so make sure you get ready to go. Let your sisters know too," he said with a proud yet evil smile. Nina turned around happily and told Melinda about the haircuts and bounded up the stairs to go tell Kenzie. Melinda's face turned pale and her stomach started to turn. How short will he have her hair be cut? Can she choose what haircut she'll get? Where will he take them? She turned back and quickly finished her homework and ran upstairs to get dressed so avoid any punishments. All sisters returned downstairs dressed and ready while they ate their breakfast with their father. Melinda picked at her food and felt more nauseous with each bite yet finished her plate. The father cleaned up the dishes and went to his bedroom to make a quick call without the girls eavesdropping. He returned with his car keys and ushered the girls out the door and into his truck.
To the Barbershop
The whole trip, Nina and Kenzie talked about what styles they wanted to try – all being short, of course. Their father drove into a small town nearby their house and stopped outside of an old barbershop. Melinda felt dread course through her body and her legs turned to jello. She almost couldn't open the door but her father opened it up so they could all get out on one side. Their father entered the barbershop first, Followed by Nina then Kenzie and Melinda slowly coming behind them. The barbershop looked as old on the inside as it did the outside. Black and white tile floors, fluorescent lighting. Two mirrors hung up on the wall above two small counters holding various tools. Melinda could spot clippers hanging on the wall as well. In front of the mirrors sat two large barber chairs made of red leather and chrome. They looked worn, and the chrome was slightly dull. The barbershop was empty minus the family inside.
