Her Escape

Eight months prior I look out the window watching the colorful leaves ruffle in the street. Autumn in Maine was incredible, I had never experienced such beauty and so much green. “Are you sure you want me to take it all off dear?” The pleasantly plump hairdresser with bright pink eye shadow and light lips asked. “Yes, it needs to come off.” I motioned towards my golden hair that currently fell below my waist. A tear threatened to escape my eyes as I watched her spray my hair with water and get her scissors ready. My long blonde hair was a treasure. It is what made me stand out in a crowd, along with my steel grey eyes. But this is why it has to go. I have to blend in, I can’t be noticed. The hair dresser gave me one last longing look, pleading me with her eyes not to cut it so short. I gave her a nod and closed my eyes. Ruby and I chatted a bit while she cut. She asked where I was from, I told her down south. She asked when I came here, I told her a while ago.  I had to be vague, no one could know anything. When it was all said and done she took off eleven inches and gave me some layers that went just above my shoulders. I asked her to give me some autumn highlights to make my hair a little less noticeable in public. “Dear, you’re a whole different person!” Ruby gushed. “I wasn’t sure this was the right choice but I take it back! You look like you’ve gone from a girl to a woman.” I looked in the mirror and was surprised at the transformation. The gold melded with some auburn and copper highlights and lowlights. It was short but not too short, long enough to still style it and put it up if need be. It made me look older, more sophisticated. Even though I’m 27, I’ve always had a baby face. I’ve looked younger than I am for as long as I can remember. I liked this change, Ruby did great. I would be back for sure. I paid her and tipped her graciously. Walking out into the cool afternoon I breathed heavily. This was a good feeling, I looked different. One week and two days since I got away.