Makeover Begins

Gail led Kelly and Ethel to the garage. "Back seat," said Gail.

Kelly opened the door to the backseat of Gail's pearl white Lincoln SUV. She gasped. In the middle of the backseat was a booster seat. "I can't fit into that," said Kelly.

"It's custom made," said Gail. "You're head may come close to the ceiling, but you'll fit. Now get in, or do you want Ethel to help you?"

"No," said Kelly.

"Aren't you forgetting something?" asked Ethel.

Kelly's shoulders fell. "Thank you for the booster seat, mommy," she said meekly. Kelly climbed in and sat in the booster seat. It was just big enough for her to fit into, and there was about an inch clearance above her. She buckled up. Ethel climbed in and sat next to her.

Gail climbed into the driver's seat.

Gail drove into town and parked the car. Ethel leaned over and unbuckled Kelly. She and Kelly got out and stood on the sidewalk. Gail got out and walked over to them. In her hand was a large lollipop. It had a spiral design on it. She held it out to Kelly.

Kelly took the lollipop. "Thank you, mommy." She looked at a woman walking down the sidewalk towards her. The woman gave Kelly a strange look causing Kelly to look down at the sidewalk. She looked ridiculous and was thoroughly humiliated.

"Take mommy's hand, Kelly," said Gail. She took Kelly's free hand. "We're going to the salon. It's a good seven blocks away. I made sure to park far away, so you could get some exercise and show off your new dress."

They started to walk off. Kelly dropped her hand with the lollipop.

"Lick it!" said Ethel.

Kelly brought the lollipop up and started licking it. As they walked on, Kelly could not bring herself to make eye contact with anyone. The walk to the salon seemed to take forever, but they finally arrived. They walked into the salon and Gail dropped Kelly's hand. It was a very fancy salon. The receptionist saw Kelly and did her best not to snicker, but Kelly saw that the receptionist found this funny. "Yes, ma'am," said the receptionist, "you are right on time. Maria will see you now."

"Thank you," said Gail. She stood still. "Kelly, thank the nice lady and curtsy."

"Thank you, ma'am," said Kelly as she lifted the hem of her dress with her free hand. She did not think she could have found her situation more ridiculous, but she was wrong.

Gail opened a beaded curtain, and Kelly walked through followed by Ethel.

Activity in the salon froze. There were two women getting their hair done. Kelly recognized both. One was an older woman getting her hair trimmed. It was Collette Jenkins, a friend of Gail's. The other was Collette's daughter Addison, who had been a high school classmate of Kelly's and a rival for who was the most popular. She was having highlights put in. She did not bother to hide her amusement at how Kelly looked and chuckled.

Gail walked in. "This is Kelly. Say 'hello,' Kelly."

"Pleased to met you," said Kelly with a curtsy.

Addison laughed more.

A tall thin woman came from the back. She had jet black hair pulled back into a tight bun. She had caramel colored skin and bright red lipstick. She wore a black mini skirt and black blouse. "Gail, darling, how good to see you again!" She hugged Gail and the two gave air kisses to each other's cheeks. She stood back and looked at Kelly. "So this is the baby girl who is not mature enough to take care of herself." She leaned closer to Kelly. "Gail here will teach you not to be an immature spoiled brat. Follow me."

"Yes, ma'am," said Kelly. Her responses were coming automatically.

Maria led Kelly to the back and washed her hair. She then put highlights in, but Kelly could not tell what color. She put rollers in Kelly's hair and put her under a hair dryer.

Kelly sat under the hair dryer and tried to think of a way out of this. She could run away, but she would have no money. She thought of friends that could help her, but was not sure they could or would. When her hair was dry, Gail took her to her chair. Addisson and Collette were finished ,but were apparently hanging around to see Kelly's new look.

When Maria was finished, Kelly was finally shown a mirror. She gasped. Her hair had pink highlights and was done in ringlets like a 1930's child star. Small pink silk bows were put around her head with a large one on the back of her head.

"Like it?" asked Gail.

Kelly hated it, but knew better than to say anything but "Yes mommy, thank you mommy." Kelly heard a snort of derision from Addisson.

"Time for make-up," said Gail.

Oh god, thought Kelly. What now?"