Flickering Shadows

Prom Night (Chapter 19)

PROM NIGHT

It was June 1st, prom night would start in a few short hours.  I would be in the commons standing in the corner.  I wasn't one for dancing.  Dylan wasn't anywhere to be seen.  Amanda said she saw him leaving.  I hoped that he could be back in time; I wanted to endure prom with him, rather than by myself.

           At six o'clock Amanda knocked on my door.  "What are you doing with your hair?" she asked.

           "Oh, nothing." I said.

           Her expression turned to one of horror and shock.  "No." she stated, and pulled me along to the showers.  She thrust a bottle of expensive looking shampoo and conditioner at me, and then went to wait outside.

           My hair was ten times softer and smoother after I used it.  As soon as I had my jeans and a t-shirt on Amanda dragged me to her room.  I sat on the stool that she pointed me at.  "I've got special permission to use these." She held up a pair of scissors and a flat iron.

           "Why do you have scissors?" I asked nervously.

           "You have so many split ends I could die.  I'm just going to trim your hair and make it a little more interesting." She promised. "I've cut my own hair, as well as others for years.  It'll be a piece of cake!"

           I sat still and let her cut it.  Giant chunks of hair fell to the floor.  It was only twenty minutes before she finished.  I went to look in the mirror, but she didn't let me.  "No looking! I still have to style it and do your makeup! And you have to put on your dress."

           Amanda moved the flat iron quickly and efficiently across my head.  My hair felt hot and smooth against my cheeks.  Her make-up brushes moved softly across my skin.  "What color is your dress?" she asked.

           "Red."

           "Like...light red? Or maroon?"

           "Blood red." I corrected.

           "Oh, you'll stick out.  Everyone I know of bought silver, white, or blue dresses-going with the theme, you know?"  I gulped in horror.  "But, you will be gorgeous, so no worries." I saw her swipe blood red lipstick across my lips.  "Done!" she moved back and examined her work.  "Where's your dress?"

           "In the giant box in my room." I answered.

           "Be right back.  If you dare look while I'm gone I'll stab you with my scissors." She threatened, waving her scissors at me.  She disappeared around the corner. I sat on my stood feeling my hair until she came back.  "Your dress is freaking gorgeous, just so you know. It must have cost a fortune!"

           "It did.  Someone bought it for me, but I don't know who."

           We chatted casually about the dance while I put on my dress and shoes.  "How do I look?" I twirled dramatically.

           Amanda's jaw dropped-I thought that only happened on TV when the really hot person walks in.  "Lucy, you look absolutely gorgeous!"  Amanda uncovered the mirror and pulled me over to it.  "Just look at you!"

           My hand flew to my mouth when I saw my reflection.  My hair was only a tiny bit shorter and it was cut into long layers.  She'd given me bangs as well.  They concealed my eyebrows and just hit the top of my eyes.  My eyes were done up in a light smoky eye, and my lips were blood red.  My cheeks had a rosy blush.