“And then some face framing to bring out your eyes.”
“Okay,” I sighed. It’d grow back if I didn’t like it.
“Have you thought about wearing makeup?” Sawyer asked, leaning against the shelf in front of me as Shay began to work. “Or better yet, adding some pink tips to the ends of your hair? I bet that alone would make it look so pretty.”
“No,” I said, squinting at her as the first clip of hair fell with the cut of scissors.
“She doesn’t need any of that. Natural beauty is rare these days,” Shay said, causing me to blush. “I bet the boys chase after you.”
“Uh, no.”
“They sure do,” Sawyer said at the same time.
I gave Sawyer a look, which she ignored.
“There’s Zevon, who I think had feelings for you at one time, but his focus is somewhere else at the moment, so now I’m not so sure. But he likes you more than a friend should. Then Dominic. He’s cute, and only has eyes for you. He slept in the hallway outside your door! Miles even looks up to you, along with some of the guys we pass on the street when we’re out and about. You really do need to open your eyes, girly.”
“I don’t see any of them like that,” I said as more pieces of my hair fell to the floor. With each snip, I felt lighter. Who knew a haircut could take stress off a head?
How could I see anyone how Sawyer was wanting me to? I didn’t even think of them as more than friends, because I knew that once they saw me for who I really am, they’d all leave. I’d disappoint them all eventually.
It would hurt when some of them decided they wanted nothing to do with me, but I was prepared for that. I think.
“Get your thoughts back on track,” Sawyer said, meeting my eyes. “I don’t care where you went, but you’re not going to go there. Least of all today.”
“I’d say I’m sorry…”
“But you aren’t, I know,” she said. “That just means I’ll have to show you how much you need to seeyouwith better eyes.”
She was going to have her work cut out for her.
My arms were wrapped around my middle, head down, as I followed Sawyer into group therapy hours later. I wore new clothes, just a simple pair of leggings and a long shirt that went below my butt. I was comfortable, though.
Throughout the day, Sawyer did try her best to make me see things in a different light. I wasn’t sure if it helped or not. I was more open to some things, but it was all still a work in progress.
I did have to agree that the haircut made me feel like a whole new person. The ends were soft with a slight curl. It felt like I’d lost ten pounds of stress that had weighed me down. Heck, somehow it even gave me a small boost to how I saw myself. I felt pretty, and that was rare.
“Hey,” Miles said, stopping beside me.
“Hey,” I repeated with a small smile.
“L-l-l-like your h-h-h-hair.”
“Thanks to your mom,” I said. “She does good work.”
He dipped his head in answer, then nodded towards the chairs.
“Why not,” I shrugged, leading the way.
“Good to see you both,” Dr. Mayes said from on the other side of the chairs. “And I love your new look, Scarlett. It fits you.”
“Thanks,” I blushed. “It was Sawyer’s idea.”
“A great one,” she said. “How are you doing, Miles?”
“F-f-fine.”
“Did you have a good holiday?”
