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HAVING BEEN SO BUSY getting the plantation ready for guests, Bridgette decided to take the afternoon off. Perhaps shopping and a trip to the beauty salon would lift her spirits.
Before leaving Bridgette called the salon to see if they had any openings, “A Cut Above, this is Meghan. How can I help you?”
“I know this is last minute, but do you happen to have any appointments available this afternoon?”
Popping her gum, Meghan responded, “As a matter of fact, my two o’clock just canceled.”
Bridgette noticed the time and realized that she would not have time to do any major clothes shopping, but being pampered with a haircut sounded more relaxing than shopping for clothes, “I can make it there for two o’clock.”
“Name please.”
“Bridgette Marquette.”
“See you in a few then, honey.”
As Bridgette stepped outside, she enjoyed the humid breeze thick with a sweet fragrance of gardenias. Sunlight filtered through the live oak branches. In the distance, the noise of a busy woodpecker echoed off the trees. It was so peaceful out here.
The beautiful day helped lift her spirits and Bridgette left for town. As she walked into the salon, a young woman got up from a beautician’s chair shaking her head. “You must be Bridgette.”
Laughing, “I am. I am not sure what I want, just something different.”
“Girl, you have beautiful hair. We just need to give it some new life.” Patting on the seat, “Now sit, and let me see if your mom was telling the truth when she talked about how thick your hair is.”
Tears filled Bridgette’s eyes at the mention of her mom, “That’s right. I completely forgot that Mom came here weekly.”
Taking a tissue out of the box, the beautician wiped the tears forming in her eyes, “Mrs. Marquette was one of my best customers and your dad always made me laugh. He would sit in here and keep us company while your mom had her hair styled.”
Smiling, Bridgette stated, “Dad loved to make people laugh. He was known for his jocularity.”
“I do miss seeing them. It is such a shame what happened.” Wiping her eyes once more, “But enough of this sad talk. Let’s get to styling this hair.”
Bridgette could not bring herself to look in the mirror until she finished and nervously waited.
After she had finished, she spun her around in the swivel chair, lifted Bridgette’s chin, and pointed to the mirror, “Voila! Now, look at yourself.”
Bridgette gasped at the image in the mirror. She added long layers that framed her face. The haircut was feminine yet still sophisticated.
“Oh my goodness, it is perfect. I adore it.”