The Smell of Roses Part 4

Jackie headed towards her hair appointment. She parked the car in the spot nearest to the door. The air felt cool as she entered the salon. " I have an appointment," she announced. The teenaged girl glanced at her briefly "Name?"

" Julie Kincaid"

" Thank you Julie. If you will have a seat , Amy will be with you in just a minute."

Jackie sat on the red vinyl sofa next to a young mother with two children. The younger of the two, a small boy with very curly hair and wide eyes , watched her carefully.

" Its his first hair cut" the young mother explained. The air smelled of hair spray and chemicals for permanents. " I hate cutting it but everyone thinks that he is a girl so my husband said it had to be done. "

" I cried when I took my kids for their first haircut- THEY were fine. Me? I was a mess."

The other woman knodded appreciatively. That first hair cut was like cutting the cord all over again.

"Julie?" A young woman of about twenty-five appeared at her elbow. " I am Amy. " Amy had pink hair cut into a modified shag. " Come on, lets get this done." Jackie followed her to the nearest shampoo station. Warm water spilled on Jackie's scalp- the minty soap was expertly massaged through her locks by Amy. This was followed by conditioner . The Jackie and the towel under her neck were guided upwards. Seconds later, Amy was trimming up Jackie's short hair cut, making it look professional and tight.

Jackie paid for the salon treatment in cash.She got back in the car and headed south on Commonweal Ave towards the mall. She picked out a grey pinstriped suit with camisole top and paid for that in cash. Then she picked out a black leather envelope type brief case. Again, cash changed hands.

" Can I send you a followup customer service questionaire ? It will get you 1-% off of your next purchase when you return it. " College student working part time was what Jackie supposed the young eager sales girl to be. She had not been so stylish in her college days. The youunger woman's chin length bob accented her angular face beautifully. Her light mocha skin betrayed very few acne scars. Good skin, good teeth. Jackie nodded her consent.

" J-U-L-I-E K-I-N-C-A-I-D. 1534 Fleming road ...yes, that is the right zip code. " She thanked the young sales clerk and returned to the car, locking her purchases in the trunk. Moments later, she was back on Commonweal, headed towards her next destination .