Surprise!

"You actually gave me this idea not long ago!" said Bree as they pulled up a small row of shops a short drive away. "You're actually very lucky they managed to fit you in at such short notice... but I promised them you would pay a good tip, Ashlyn."

Brian felt a sinking feeling in his stomach as he looked at the scant shop fronts. But then he felt a little relief as they approached one that looked almost pleasant.

The windows were mostly filled with large decals thay suggested some sort of spa.

An image of woman with stones placed on her back. Another in the classic facial mask with cucumber on her eyes and a relaxed smile.

In all, 'Clear Waters Aesthetics and Spa' didn't seem threatening at all after the garishness of the mall.

Entering, cool air-conditioning and soft background music promised relaxation.

"Good evening! I am Anastasia, you must be Ashlyn, yes?" said a statuesque blonde dressed in a pristine-white tunic top. Her voice carried a faint East-european accent.

"Please, to come this way. Your payment has already been approved so now is time for relaxing."

Brian's hesitation was dropping by the moment. Whatever Bree had planned... this seemed .... ok?

His confidence waivered only for a moment as he was led to reclining chair. But then Anastasia told him to close his eyes and he felt her hands firmly on his face.

Cold cream was on his skin but the well practiced facial massage was so soothing.

He let out a contented sigh.

And then a truly girlish squeal as he felt the deftly weilded needle poke his brow.

"Shh!" said Anastasia... failing at comforting Brian. "Is sore, yes, but it will really make your eyes sparkle. And will prevent horrible wrinkles. Wonderful!"

Brian poked at his forehead as he looked desparingly in the rearview mirror.

His eyebrows looked slightly raised. It made his eyes look a little wider. His contenance a little surprised. He... could frown... but it was hard to do now.

"You see, Ashlyn" said Bree as she drove "One of the problems we have to keep addressing is your perceived intelligence. You keep struggling to present yourself correctly and so we have to fight that with all our tools. This will help you avoid a too serious a look and will better match that cute ID photo that we took. That was my inspiration! We have a lot more work to do but this makes you look just a little more..."

Bree searched for the word.

"Vapid?" said Brian quietly.

"Correct." she replied. "But Ashlyn doesn't get things right. See? We have a *lot* more to do, bimbo."