Sitting under the dryer, chatting with Sarah

You would have given anything to get out of there, or at least for a magazine, but of course, you were denied that pleasure because,

"Your nails are still wet." Shannon reminded you.

You grimaced as you were left to dry as new clients entered the salon. Sarah was all too happy to provide you with conversation, even if you really didn't feel like talking. Actually, that made her even happier because she wanted to do all the talking.

"Oh, I bet you'll look absolutely darling when this is done. Blondes have more fun, after all." Sarah giggled. "You know, I've always wanted to go blonde but Roger likes my hair like this."

"I'm sure he does." you remarked.

"I just love this, don't you? The pampering, the experience?" Sarah asked.

"It's definitely unique..." you muttered.

"So, new in town, single, you've already got quite the reputation. It's like every woman in town is buzzing about you. And the men too." Sarah said.

"I really don't want to make waves. This has gotten a bit crazier than I had planned." you said.

"Well of course, you just wanted to find a husband and leave it at that, naturally. But becoming the town darling is another thing entirely. It's a small town, so we get excited easily, but once someone new arrives, they'll move on. But don't worry, we'll get you that husband first."

"You don't understand, I..." you tried to argue, but knew it'd be fruitless. Remember when this was supposed to be a quick trip back to the Old West?

Madge and Shannon came over to check on the both of you, inspecting your hair underneath the dryer. They decided it was time for finishing the perm and starting the dye.

"Perfect!" Madge exclaimed.

"Time to start the dye." Shannon lifted the dryer off your head.

"Good luck with everything!" Sarah said as Madge and Shannon led you back to the chair.

They started removing the curlers as Eleanor pulled on a pair of gloves and started mixing together a noxious solution that you could smell from across the room.

"Now, I don't want you moving, don't want the bleaching solution to get into your eyes." Eleanor instructed as Madge finished brushing out your hair.

You reluctantly sat still as Eleanor started to brush the goop into your hair, combing it through to make sure that every inch of your hair was going to be bleached.

You started tapping your fingers and realized that Madge and Shannon had gone the extra mile, not just painting them a bright, fashionable red, but had given you acrylic nails that more matched the length worn by the women in town. You assumed your toes matched the color as well and watched in the mirror as Eleanor continued to brush.

After what felt like an eternity, and Madge and Shannon touching up your makeup while Eleanor worked, Eleanor finally turned you around and you saw the final product. Your hair, which had grown a fair bit in the past week or so, was entirely blonde now, and elegantly framed your face, which featured a bright red lipstick, darkened, penciled-in eyebrows and expressive eyes that perfectly matched your new hair. You held a hand to your face, noticing your newly lengthened, almond shaped nails painted that bright and fashionable red and glanced at your identical toes, which you wiggled as Madge helped you back into your heels. You couldn't believe this, you were the perfect image of femininity in your dress and heels.

"Speechless? I thought you might be." Eleanor laughed as she helped you out of the chair. "Now this gives us a great appearance to judge us on."

"I agree." Sarah said, finally finished with her appointment. "You look lovely, Erica."

Madge elbowed you in the ribs, which brought you out of your reverie.

"Uh... thanks." you said, softly. Still unsure about your feelings.

"Well, don't just stand there, gawking at yourself. You can do that at home! We have customers, ladies!" Eleanor exclaimed as several women began to make their way into the salon.

You joined Madge and Shannon in going to your station and starting to help the ladies who came in with their various treatments.