interested in checking out Lou’s grandson if he had one. More questions were thrown at me about school. From what classes I was in to what subjects I enjoyed the most. I succinctly answered each of them. Only seconds before Lou brought out the blade did I realize I was not asked what kind of cut I wanted. I saw Lou’s ominous reflection in the mirror, blade poised to tear, pierce and carve my flesh. I braced myself for the end, closed my eyes, and prayed to God I had a rosary with me so I looked all the more convincing as a Catholic. A few sudden abrasions down my neck, and before I knew it, I smelled the familiar and pleasant aroma of baby powder. “All done.” He postioned my seat so that I could take a look at myself in the mirror, and I was most surprised at how well the hair cut turned out. It was clean and precise, very similar to what I look like whenever I leave a salon. I was happy with what I received and felt stupid for thinking this man didn’t know what he was doing. I gave Lou a tip of five dollars, and he told me he hoped to see me back at his shop the next time “the jungle grows on top of my head again.” Vickie and I walked back to her truck, and she lit up a cigarette and complimented how nice I looked as we drove off home. “See. You don’t need them salons. You go to Lou, or any of these barber joints and they’ll take good care of you. Salons are overpriced. And besides, who needs them pretty girls anyways?” I didn’t bother acknowledging her banter because as I glanced at my reflection in the side mirror, I myself felt like “a pretty girl.” 12 theMeadow
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy ODQ3NA==