The Shift

Chapter Two

The Shift

Bethany's hairdresser was willing to squeeze me in on this busy Saturday afternoon because apparently I was a 'walking emergency'. She was in the middle of highlighting the bottom half of my hair a lighter brown color, which she said would be easier to see in the light. She took care of my split ends and roots too. 'How do you feel?' Bethany asked me and I smirked at her. She looked like a reporter with a notepad out, and I think people were checking to see if I was famous or something.

'I feel sort of like an impersonator' I said, glancing at my new , only one addition to my new wardrobe. 'So basically, this new stuff, hasn't changed you as a person' She said as she wrote what I assumed was that down. 'Still Chandler from Arizona' I said and she looked up at me. 'That's a good thing too' She said before she took a sip from her lemonade. 'Alright, we're going to the spa after this, I'm in desperate need of a wax anyway' She said.

'I've never gotten a wax before' I said and her jaw dropped. 'Well it's nothing exciting, but it's a helpful creation' She said. 'I bet' I said.

~~~~

'Mom' Bethany yelled as we entered our house. At the moment I felt more like a friend coming over than a sister coming home, but everything works in time I guess. 'Kitchen, Beth' She said and the two of us set our bags down before we headed for the kitchen. 'Hey gir- ' She literally did a double take, which made me laugh.

'You look so different' She said, walking towards me. 'Good different?' I asked her. 'You look amazing' She said. 'Wait until your dad sees you, he'll hardly recognize you' She said and Bethany smirked. 'We went to the salon and shopped a little' She told Veronica. 'I'm glad you're both getting along' She said. 'So what's for dinner?' I heard my dad's voice ring, and I turned to see him enter the room.

'Chan?' He asked and I nodded. 'Wow, I don't remember the last time you wore make up' He said, and it was true. It was probably the wedding to be honest. 'And your stomach, it's showing' He said. 'Dad, it's the style here. No worries' I said and he narrowed his eyes at me. 'As long as you're not showing too much skin' He said before he kissed my head. 'If you still want to go get that new book later, I'm sure we could go after dinner' He said.

'I think I'm gonna lay off new books for a while' I said as I pulled my white Iphone C out of my pocket. 'Mm, Chan you need my number' Bethany said and I walked over to her, handing her my phone. 'Text me' She said and I nodded. 'I was thinking Thai tonight, is that okay with you Chandler?' Veronica asked me. 'Never had it before, but I'm down to try it' I said. 'Okay' She said, only for her voice to be undermined by voices from the foyer.

'Is that Blake or Johnny, I told them both no friends were supposed to be coming over tonight' Veronica asked Bethany. She just shrugged, sitting indian style in her chair. 'I told Kent not to come over. but I don't know what they're doing' She said. 'Honey, it's no big deal. It is still summer' My dad said, he was always understanding.

'I know, but it's your first day here' She said. 'I want us to all just spend some time together as a family, especially before Blake leaves. 'We'll get that time' My dad whispered to her, kissing her forehead. I looked at Bethany, who had the same disgusted face as me. 'Oh shit, you're not ready' Bethany said before she jumped out of her chair and pulled me by the arm from the kitchen.

'Not ready for what' I said. 'Johnny's friends are my friends too, these are some of the guys you're gonna want to like you' She said. 'They're here?' I asked as she fixed my hair, and then my shirt. 'Yeah I heard them, ok you look good' She said. 'Wait, I'm so confused. I'm not usually one to talk to guys' I said and she sighed. 'Just take a deep breath. Try and act confident, they thrive off of fear' She said.