Troubled

FORTY EIGHT

KYLE GARCIA

We don't say anything else as I drive, it was quiet. But not the type of quiet that made you had to fill the silence with awkward discussions that were obviously forced. We sat there enjoying each other's presence and just did nothing. It was beautiful, serene even. My thoughts were calm, precise, I easily looked through them like I was browsing through shelves of books in a library. I saw everything clearly. She was the only one I felt this way with. With others I rushed to fill out awkward silences so the smoking thing wasn't brought up. Not with Cora though, it was like I didn't even need to talk, she understood me too well, no need to explain myself to her.

"What length are you thinking?" I ask as I pull into the driveway of the saloon.

She c****d her head a little to the side.

"A little below my shoulders will be okay. I know it will grow out extremely fast though."

A little below her shoulders eh? The hair was touching her waist currently. If it went up to her shoulders it won't be bad, quite honestly there won't be anything that could make her look bad. She was very pretty. So pretty it felt like if I looked at her too long I'll get lost.

"Are you coming in?" She asked as her hand hovered above the door handle.

My eyes drift to hers, it is a wonder she hasn't noticed I read her emotions in her eyes, normally she would look away or something, but she doesn't. It's almost like she doesn't know that I look into her eyes for the same reason she peered into my face.

Her eyes hold nervousness. But her face was still expressionless, she had perfected her poker face a little too much. She was nervous about change. She was not the type of girl to jump at the slightest change, she took her time to adapt. And cutting her hair was a huge step for her, a giant leap. Of course she would be nervous, it is an understandable thing to feel nervous.

"Of course I'll be coming in." I give her a warm smile, I hoped it conveyed that it was okay, and she did not need to be nervous.

She nods at me before getting out of the car. By the time I reached her at the front of the door, she had already mentally prepped herself. The nervousness I saw in her eyes were gone, replaced by this flame of excitement. I was extremely surprised. I wanted to give her a comforting speech, tell her I was there for her, if she wanted to turn her back from it, I wouldn't mind driving as fast and as far as she wanted.

But she did tell me, she wasn't a damsel in distress, she didn't need me to save her, she could do so herself. I smile at her despite myself. The girl is so amazing and wonderful at the same time, I have to stare at her.

"What are we doing standing out here? Let's get this party started."

She pushes the door open before I can get a word in. She was clearly used to doing things her own way.

"Good day my name is Margaret, what can I do for you today?" A lady asked with a fake smile on her face. Her hair was pink and was in a pixie cut, it was supposed to be cute, but it was scary.

"I'd like a hair cut."

"Honey aren't you supposed to be in school? You too?" She eyed Cora's bag slung on her shoulders.

"And yet we are here to give you business." Cora said with her poker face. I turn my laugh into a cough when I see Margaret's face twist into a frown.

"Do you have any thing in mind?"

"I don't know, can I see a past client's own plus all the reviews you have? I'm in my finals and don't want to be labeled for life as the senior with your type of hair cut."

I see Margaret's eye twitch, but Cora's face is still expressionless. Her eyes tell me she isn't teasing this woman, she is being honest here. It takes everything in me not to laugh.

"Cora.." I start to warn her, but Margaret cuts me short.

"You little s**t, I don't know who you think you are, but you're supposed to be in school. I'm calling the cops on your ass. If you don't go to school to learn at least learn some manners." She was already grabbing her phone.

"s**t, Cora, we have to go." I start going outside.

"Why? You obviously have no customers, judging from the emptiness of this place. You don't even have workers here, you don't have business, I only want assurance that you're good, my friend and I found you while driving past, and what kind of name is that? Dye&fly?? I'm not impressed enough, I just need to know I won't be regretting any money I spend here, and actions. My actions too."

I don't know if she was trying to provoke her on purpose, but I know she was doing it. Margaret looked like she was going to combust into flames.

"Cora, please, let's go. There are other saloons, it's not worth it." I say with urgency.

"Listen to your friend, he is all looks and obviously no brains but he knows when to run away."

I turn to Margaret.

"Excuse me?"

She scoffs,

"Did I lie? Your parents obviously didn't teach you guys another if you skip school to bang like rabbits only to cut your hair afterwards."

"So it's not just your obvious lack of skill but your prissy attitude made your shop to close down before it even started." Cora said looking at her.

I sigh deeply, it was obvious we had encountered this woman based on bad luck. She did almost get me when she said something about me, I was able to get my head back on track. I go close to Cora in order to steer her out of the saloon when suddenly Margaret picks up a scissor and points it at Cora threateningly.

"Get out! Or I'll call the cops on you, you're cursed."

It was like something took over Cora's body in an instant, she was only able to get out the words,

"Kyle, run. Now."

Then there was blood.