Host of Imperfections

Chapter 22

The Following Week

Saturday- August 16th

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Over the past week I'd spent a lot of time rekindling my friendship with Kelly. Things had finally gone back to normal and I was completely relieved to know that I wouldn't have to go back to school next month still angry with her.

Unfortunately she was still a little depressed about the baby situation but like Ms D said- she was coming around slowly but surely; realizing that it just wasn't meant to be. When I told her I was going to the salon to get my hair done, I was a little surprised when she opted to go with me. She hadn't left the house in weeks according to her mother, so maybe this was a good thing.

'I need to make some changes.' She explained justifying her sudden need to go out and be one with civilization again.

Headliners was packed that particular Saturday afternoon with a heap of impatient women waiting to get spruced up and beautified. Luckily enough for Kelly she wouldn't be forced to wait the two hours or so any other walk-in would require. I had the hook up with a few people since my mother actually co-owned the place before migrating to the boutique business.

Before going off to VA, I was in this salon faithfully every two weeks getting my hair done. There was no way I could keep up the appointments all the way out of state so of course the frequent visits had to come to an end some time.

I felt like some A-List celebrity the way half of them had a damn conniption the minute I walked through the door. You know how people like to trip out when they haven't seen you in so long and tell you how much you've grown and what not.

"I know that's not who I think it is." I heard an all too familiar voice chime in and interrupt my conversation with the new receptionist they had. I looked up and smiled seeing Ms. Vernell- my mother's ex-best friend approaching us. They were like salt and pepper- complete opposites if you ask me and they had one of those love-hate relationships now. I don't even know if they even spoke to each other anymore to be honest.

"Girl- how you been!?" she shrieked giving me a hug.

"Fine." I laughed at her enthusiasm and she stood back taking me all in.

"Look at you all grown up. How old are you now?"

"I'll be 21 next month."

"That's right. How ya sisters doing?"

"Hm..they're fine. Camille just got married actually."

"Yea. I got that invitation in the mail but I had prior plans." She waved the comb in her hand and I chuckled. I knew she was lying. She never did care too much for Camille's attitude. "You just make sure you let me know when your big day comes. I'll definitely be there."

I gave her an unsure smile and shook my head once her daughter Sonya shooed one of her clients away to the dryers and came over glaring at me in a joking manner. She had to be in her mid- thirties by now. I could still remember vividly the times she used to baby sit for my mother and would put all three of us on the backburner when one of her boyfriends would pop up.

"Where the hell you been at?"

"You know she been away at school." Miss Vernell shoved her arm chuckling.

"It's August! I know she been home all summer and ain't had the nerve to stop by here once."

After a few more minutes of getting my ears talked off, Sonya sat me down in her chair and Miss Vernell found someone else to accommodate Kelly before she got back to her own clients.