Paper Hearts

Chapter 5

"Eve Strenning I will kill you if you pull my hair one more time!" I shouted, my fingers clenched painfully around the arm rest of my chair as Eve tugged at my hair.

"Beauty. Is. Pain" she said defiantly, before pulling one more time.

I growled at her, various death threats on my tongue when she stepped away from me.

"You look beautiful. I should do your hair more often" she said titling her head to the side thoughtfully.

"No way in hell are you nearing my scalp again any time soon." I said, finally able to turn around to see what she'd done with my hair this time.

"Woah" I breathed, reaching up to touch the beautiful up-do she had created. She slapped my hand away with a smack, earning a flat look from me.

She reached across me and picked up the hairspray, proceeding to spray it my face once before aiming at my hair.

I spluttered, coughing at her assault before inhaling deeply.

"Now make-up" she said, pulling a small stool towards me.

I sighed in resignation, as I watched her pull out her make-up box.

"At least try to keep it light please. I don't want to scare him off"

"Ah! So you do care what he thinks about you" she said, grasping my chin and tilting it to the side.

"I never said I didn't. I just think make-up is stupidly useless. It just hides what you actually look like. In the end they'll find out whats underneath anyway"

"Jesus Marnie, it's eyeliner, mascara and lipstick. I'm sure Gabe will see the true you without problem"

I kept quiet, casting my gaze outside instead. The golden autumn sun shone in through my large windows, dipping everything in a soft yellow light. It was a beautiful day, uncharacteristically warm for October, with a cloudless blue sky.

I had gone to work with a knot in my stomach, not able to eat breakfast properly from excitement. It was silly to be so nervous for drinks, but I couldn't help myself. My phone had rung during my lunch break, sending my heart rate rocketing through the roof at the thought of Gabe calling, but it had been Eve, who noticed my vague disappointment immediately.

"Oh I get it. Let me try again," she cleared her throat on the other end of the line, lowering her voice by an octave and rumbling, "Hey baby, it's Gabe. Can't wait for tonight"

She had gotten a good laugh out of me after that one. She had stated that she was coming to the school to drive home with me.

"We don't have any time to waste. You need to look perfect" she had said seriously.

*

"Alright you're done. Look at how natural you look" she said, spinning around my chair.

I peered at the mirror with fascination. It was the old me but the up-do and the make-up made me look ... sophisticated.

I almost laughed at the thought. How befitting.

Eve had fulfilled my wish and saved me from the heavy make-up.

The dark eyeliner made my eyes sparkle in contrast, and the my red lipstick demanding attention.

I smiled at her.

"Thank you Eve. I appreciate it"

She hugged me from behind, handing me my cardigan and purse.