Chapter Three: The Beauty Salon

Tuesday, 8:00 a.m. — The Personal Presentation Department

Steve had expected another medical examination. Instead, he was escorted down a long corridor lined with framed advertisements from the 1950s.

The advertisements showed smiling women with immaculate hairstyles, perfect makeup, and elegant dresses.

At the end of the corridor was a pink door bearing a gold inscription:

THE DIXON SCHOOL OF BEAUTY AND PERSONAL PRESENTATION

Inside, Steve found six dressing stations, each with a large illuminated mirror, a collection of cosmetics, and an adjustable salon chair.

A woman in her early forties approached him.

"Good morning. I'm Miss Evelyn Parker, head of personal presentation."

Steve glanced around.

"What's all this supposed to accomplish?"

Miss Parker smiled professionally.

"Mr. Thomas, appearance is often the first thing society notices. At Dixon, we believe that learning to present oneself properly is an essential life skill."

She opened a folder bearing his photograph.

"Today we'll assess your hair, skincare, grooming, and familiarity with cosmetics."

"You're assuming I'm going to cooperate."

"Not at all," she replied. "I'm simply explaining today's lesson."

She pulled out a chair.

"Now, let's see what we're working with."

The first lesson

Miss Parker placed several cosmetic containers on the counter.

"Foundation, powder, rouge, mascara, and lipstick. Every product has a purpose."

Steve examined the collection.

"Do I really need to learn all this?"

"According to the Dixon curriculum, yes."

She demonstrated the difference between daytime and evening makeup, explaining how hairstyle, clothing, and accessories were supposed to complement one another.

By lunchtime, Steve had received his first personal presentation assessment.

Steve Thomas – Initial Beauty Assessment

Subject Assessment

Skincare Beginner

Cosmetics Beginner

Hairstyling Needs instruction

Nail care Beginner

Personal grooming Under assessment

Social presentation Resistant

Miss Parker closed the folder.

"Tomorrow, Mr. Thomas, we'll begin wardrobe studies."

Steve looked at his reflection.

He still recognized himself. But he was beginning to understand that Dixon intended to control much more than his appearance.

And he had no intention of making that easy.