Another day at the Hairdresser.

An Day at the Hairdresser’s





I need customers. The rent is due tomorrow and I have not got enough to pay it and buy that watch for Graham’s birthday. Maybe I’ll have to work on Sunday, yes, I think that would be best. The tinkling of a bell pulled me out of the world of my ongoing thoughts. Ah, a customer. I straightened the last hairbrush and welcomed her in. she was a pretty lady with startling blue eyes and black hair reaching her shoulders. Though, whoever had dyed her hair had done it badly . I must have frowned at her untidy hair.

“I do it myself.” She said, sheepishly.

“ Mm hm, do you want me to dye it again for you?”

“If you could, thanks.” I picked out a colour that I thought would suit her hair and started. I began talking to her, it turned out she was a single mother of two with a daughter called Melanie and a son called Jack. She was called Francesca. Francesca stopped talking so I went on about my life. I had a partner called Graham and it was his birthday in a few days and he would be thirty.

“Oh, say I said happy birthday.”

“Of course, now I need you to walk downstairs so I can wash your hair.” I led her downstairs and she trailed behind me. I showed her to one of the comfy leather seats and she immediately relaxed into it. I washed her hair and towel dried it.

“ You look very comfortable there.” I remarked. She didn’t move. It seemed she had fallen asleep. I turned on the tap and showered her head with icy water. She woke with a jolt.

“Oh, I’m sorry, what time is it? Did I fall asleep?”

“ It is ten o’clock and yes madam, you did fall asleep.”

“ Oh I’m so sorry, I’m just so exhausted what with my kids and their school and my job.”

“I understand, well, I just need to dry your hair again and then you can go upstairs.” When we were back upstairs she asked

“ So how much was that?”

“ Thirty pounds, madam.”

“ Thirty?!”

“ Well I do need to earn a living too, madam.” I tucked the money into my apron pocket just a she asked’

“ Do you have a card?”

“ As a matter of fact, I do.” I was quite proud of my silver card holder, probably because it was one of the only things in my possession that was worth anything. I undid the little clasp and brushed my hand against the soft, precious leather.

“ Card?” Francesca prompted,

“ Ah yes, now I guess it’s my turn to fall asleep!” we both laughed at that. I took out a card and handed it to Francesca. Frieda’s Hairdresser’s was scrawled on the front next to a pair of scissors and a comb.

“ Would you like some tea or coffee before you go ? It’s very cold outside.”

“ No thank you, I wouldn’t want to interfere with your work.”

“ Well I don’t seem to be very busy right now and besides you’re the best customer I’ve had so far.”

“ Oh, just one then.” The real reason though was because she couldn’t bear being alone throughout the whole day with little customers and out of those clients very few of them were in a good mood. So the day went on with much giggling and storytelling. When it was time to go home Frieda locked her shop door and pulled the shutter down. They found they lived close to each other and were delighted. They were walking together when Francesca’s phone started to sing a loud modern pop song chosen by Melanie. Frieda stopped as Francesca talked on the phone. Suddenly Francesca stopped talking and turned white. She hung up and whispered,

“ It’s six o’clock. I forgot my children are still at school.”