Scarred

Being an outsider is supposedly easier than being popular. It's supposed to be simpler. It isn't always though. Sometimes, someone who was an outsider their whole life can become an insider, or in this case a popular kid. Imagine that, living your whole life with no attention and then it just.. changes. You go from a non-existent social status to some Instagram queen. Okay, that was exaggerated. Still, it's insane!

Alison Andrews always preferred to be alone or with her best friend Nicole. They were practically inseparable until High School. When Nicki was supposed to go to Poland the tragedy happened. Ali was told her best friend had passed away in a plane crash. The normally cheerful blonde had gone into a state of depression. She slept away most of her summer, skipping meals, and staying home. She couldn't even imagine school without her best and only friend. Most people questioned why she was always alone or with Nicki. She was beautiful, funny, and kind. She talked to everyone and was well liked, but she never made anything more than acquaintances.

"Alison!" her mom called from downstairs. She wanted to go back to bed, but she knew enough was enough. It was time she got out of the house. The last time she had left was Nicole's funeral. They never found her body because the plane burned so it was bodiless ceremony.

"Yeah Mom, what's up?" She knew her mom was going to ask her to go somewhere. It was obvious, after all she noticed it herself.

"Tonight there's a bonfire to welcome the freshmen to high school; you're going." Her mom looked nervous for her response. She was most likely nervous Ali was going to refuse. Ali didn't even want to refuse. It wasn't even a thought.

"Alright," Ali paused and drew up the suspension, "I'll go." She smiled.

She could feel her mom's eyes on her. It was obvious she wanted something. Alison kept walking until it got irritating. "What's on your mind? I know you want to tell me something." She walked back to her mother so that she could actually hear what she was going to say. Part of her was nervous the other part was tired and wanted to go back to bed.

"Okay, this summer has been hard for you and I know that, but" She paused and Ali realized what was going on. It was her least favorite summer tradition. "We need to go shopping."

"Noooooo!" Ali dramatically put the back of her hand on her forehead and pretended to faint. She stayed on the ground until she broke out laughing.

Her mom was smirking at her, "I missed that laugh." Ali smiled at her and then grinned. "Alison Marie, I know that look. What do you want this time?"

"Well, you see, I would like to make a deal with you." Ali started in a very business like tone. She was trying hard to stifle her laughter. "I know how you enjoy our mother daughter shopping. You know how I do not. So if you allow me to get my hair cut, I will willingly do this."

Her mother was pretending to ponder on this. She took a good minute before responding. "I will grant you permission to cut your hair, but nothing more." Ali smiled widely and shook her mom's hand.

They walked into mall. It had been forever since Ali was there. Her mother on the other hand knew everything. Ali wouldn't have been surprised if her mom had came yesterday. Afterall, her mom was a shopping addict. Her mom had already taken her to Kohl's, Carson's, Sears, and Macy's. Ali had not found much. She had a few pairs of ripped jeans and jeans shorts. She also got a few tank tops, but none of it was really her style. She then saw a cool looking store, Hot Topic. She dragged her mom in it. It was so her style. While she was there she bought tee-shirts, tank tops, and even a swimsuit. They had all of her favorite bands and television shows.

As they were leaving she thanked her mom. She was now excited for her new haircut. She walked into the salon and immediately knew what she wanted. The stylist looked at her expectantly and she realized she was supposed to say what style she wanted. "May I get a shoulder length cut, layered."