The image of that scar haunted me.I needed to write it down in my diary; there was something about it that I couldn't dismiss.Perhaps it would come back to me eventually, and I would understand its significance.
With a few days left before school resumed, the air felt oddly warm.I stepped out onto the terrace to take a deep breath.The sun was shining brightly, lifting my spirits and igniting a longing for change.I realized I needed to make a change in my life, and the first idea that popped into my mind was to get a haircut.
I dashed downstairs to find my mom on the couch, focused on her computer as she edited photos she hadn't finished before the accident.
“Mom, I want to cut my hair,” I blurted out as I approached her.Her eyes widened in surprise.
“Of course!If that's what you want, just schedule an appointment,” she replied, equally enthusiastic.
“Actually, you know what?I'm just going to walk over to the salon right now and see if they can do it immediately,” I said, excitement bubbling within me.
“What's the hurry?”my mom asked, a little confused.
“I'm just feeling it!I want to get it done as soon as possible,” I said, glancing at her for approval.
“Alright, go for it!Just don't cut it too short; your hair is beautiful,” she smiled.
I hurried back upstairs to grab my bag and was quickly out the door.That was how my spontaneous desire led me to the hair salon in less than thirty minutes.I went for it, cutting off about eight inches—it felt like so much.Watching my hair fall to the floor was strange, but I felt a rush of excitement.I loved the new look; it made me feel more mature.
I stepped outside, feeling a sense of accomplishment wash over me.A smile crept across my face, and for a moment, it felt like it was aboutme.
“Need a ride?”A car pulled up, and I leaned forward to see who it was: Andrea.
“Oh, hey!Um… I'm fine, thanks,” I replied politely.
“I really must insist.I'm headed to your place anyway.Your mom asked me to bring along her camera and memory cards; she has some work to finish up.”He flashed a warm smile, encouraging me to hop in.I decided to accept his offer.“Did you get a new haircut?It looks great on you,” he remarked as I settled into the passenger seat.
“I just wanted a change; it had been a while since my last trim,” I answered softly, my eyes instinctively searching for the scar on his hand, as if it might reveal a new clue, but nothing.
“Your mom's going back to work next week,” he said after a moment of silence.
“Yeah, I figured.She's been getting restless at home,” I replied, and we both laughed lightly.After some more casual conversation, we arrived at my house.Andrea stepped inside briefly, delivering everything my mom had requested, before taking his leave.
I made myself a cup of tea and retreated to my room, leaving my mom in disbelief at my new haircut, which was much shorter than she expected.
As I pushed the door open, everything I knew slipped away.I found myself back in the past, and this moment was no longer about me; it was abouthim.
Zane stood beside my bed, clutching the book I had been reading, dressed in black skinny jeans, dark gray boots, a white T-shirt, and his signature black leather jacket.His hair had grown longer, reflecting vibrant red hues in the sunlight.I paused, captivated as if I were admiring a masterful painting in an art gallery.I quickly shut the door behind me.
“What are you doing here?How did you get in?”I whispered, careful not to alert my mom downstairs.I edged closer, placing my tea on the nightstand.
“Happy New Year,” Zane grinned, but something felt different about him.
“You still haven't answered my questions,” I pressed, the racing beat of my heart pulsating under my fingertips, as if it might leap out from my chest.
“The terrace door was open,” he replied nonchalantly.
“My mom is downstairs; she could have seen or heard you!”
“But she didn't.”His gaze was fixed on mine, the bed creating a barrier between us, thick with anticipation.
“You cut your hair,” he noted.
“I did.”
“It looks good.”
“Thanks.”
