Transformations and Reflections

Kieran sat in the plush chair, his heart racing as the hairdresser approached with a confident smile, armed with a toolkit filled with various brushes, clips, and the semi-permanent hair extensions. The soft hum of the hairdryer buzzed in the background, blending with the sound of Celeste’s excited chatter as she hovered nearby, practically radiating enthusiasm.

“Okay, Kiara, this is going to be so much fun!” the hairdresser said, her voice warm and inviting. “First, let’s talk about the length and style you want. Since we’re aiming for something that’s natural but glamorous, I’m thinking long layers to frame your face beautifully.”

Kieran nodded slowly, feeling a mix of apprehension and curiosity. He had no idea how this was all going to turn out, but he felt an odd sense of trust in the hands of this stranger. “That sounds… good, I guess.”

“Perfect! Let’s get started then.” The hairdresser began by sectioning off Kieran’s hair, expertly clipping the top layers away to focus on the base. She then brought forward the extensions—long, flowing strands that matched his natural color perfectly, blending seamlessly into his own hair.

As she began to attach the extensions, Kieran felt the gentle tugging and the light pressure of the application process. Each piece was strategically placed, and he could feel the weight of the hair gradually adding volume to his once short locks. It was an odd sensation, one that was both foreign and oddly satisfying.

“You have such beautiful hair, and this is going to make it even more stunning,” the hairdresser said, working deftly. Kieran could only nod, his mouth dry as he contemplated what it would feel like to have long hair cascading down his shoulders.

The process continued, and the hairdresser worked with precision and care. Kieran could feel the strands intertwining with his natural hair, the extensions swaying softly with each movement. They felt luxurious, almost like a silky waterfall, and he found himself momentarily lost in the sensation.

“Almost done with the extensions!” the hairdresser announced cheerfully. “Now let’s give it a good style.”

She began to blow-dry his hair, the warm air flowing over him as she brushed through the strands. Kieran closed his eyes, focusing on the comforting warmth and the scent of the products filling the air—fragrant and inviting. As she styled his hair into loose waves, he couldn’t help but picture what he would look like with this new look.

“I can’t wait for you to see it!” Celeste chimed in, bouncing on her toes. “You’re going to be gorgeous!”

Kieran opened his eyes, peering at his reflection, but the mirror had been strategically placed out of his view. Instead, he could only sense the transformation happening to him, the way the hair felt different, fuller, more feminine.

As the hairdresser finished styling the extensions, she turned to Kieran with a satisfied smile. “Now for the false lashes!”

Kieran’s heart sank at the thought of those as he watched her pull out a small kit filled with the glamorous-looking lashes. “Do I really need those?”

“Absolutely!” Celeste insisted, her eyes gleaming with excitement. “They’ll make your eyes pop and tie the whole look together!”

“Great,” Kieran muttered under his breath, knowing better than to voice his apprehensions. The last thing he needed was another lecture.

The hairdresser approached with a gentle touch, carefully applying the semi-permanent lashes with precision. Kieran felt the weight of them as they were placed along his lash line, the glue cool against his skin. Each lash was meticulously positioned, and as she finished applying them, he could feel their presence—long and fluttery, giving him a distinctly different appearance.

“There we go! Just wait until you see how beautiful these make your eyes look!” the hairdresser said, stepping back to assess her work.

As Kieran sat there, he contemplated the changes that were happening to him. Every brushstroke and application felt like a step further into a life he never wanted, and a wave of regret washed over him. He felt trapped, like a marionette dancing on strings he hadn’t chosen.

Celeste noticed his distant expression and leaned in closer, excitement bubbling over. “You’re going to love this! Just wait until the makeup is done!”

Kieran bit his tongue, unwilling to voice his frustrations. He didn’t want to be chastised any further; the last thing he needed was another fight. So he remained silent, letting his thoughts swirl in a storm of confusion and resentment.

Once the lashes were applied, the hairdresser stepped back, admiring her work. “You’re all set for the next phase!” she declared, and Kieran felt a mix of anticipation and dread knotting in his stomach.

Before he could process what was happening, Celeste swooped in, a makeup kit in hand, ready to take over the next part of the transformation. “Now it’s time for your makeup! I hope you’re ready to be blown away!”

Kieran stared at her, feeling a twinge of fear. “Do I have to?”

“Yes! It’s all part of becoming Kiara,” she insisted, already opening the kit. “You’ll thank me later!”

As she began to apply the makeup, layering foundation and blush, Kieran could only sit there, feeling the weight of it all press down on him. Each stroke of the brush brought him closer to a reality he never asked for, and he fought the urge to protest.

Celeste was relentless, blending colors with expertise, transforming his features into something distinctly feminine. Kieran felt the pressure of the world closing in around him, yet he remained quiet, letting her work her magic.

He gazed into the mirror, feeling a mixture of apprehension and resignation. Today was only the beginning of his new life, and as Celeste continued to apply makeup, he couldn’t help but wonder what awaited him on the other side of this transformation.

But before he could dwell on it any longer, Celeste’s voice broke through his thoughts. “Almost done! Just a little more to go!”

Kieran steeled himself for the final reveal, knowing that once he stepped into this new identity, there would be no going back.

Kieran sat in rigid silence as Celeste leaned in with meticulous precision, applying the finishing touches to his makeup. The cool, velvety glide of lipstick against his lips made him shudder involuntarily, the sensation utterly foreign, like a soft, waxy seal being painted over his mouth. It was a soft, rosy shade—not too bold, not too subtle, but just enough to give his lips that plump, kissable sheen that Celeste was clearly aiming for.

“Stop fidgeting,” she chided, carefully tracing the shape of his lips with the tiny applicator. “We don’t want any smudging. There—perfect.”

Kieran swallowed the lump in his throat, the weight of the false lashes still settling onto his lids. He could feel the way the mascara thickened his false lashes, making each blink feel heavier, exaggerated. His face felt... different. Lighter, yet somehow more made up—like he was wearing a mask, except this was his own skin.

Celeste sat back with a satisfied sigh, surveying her masterpiece. “Oh. My. God.” she practically squealed, clapping her hands together. “Kiara, you are stunning.”

Kieran scoffed, crossing his arms over his chest. “I wouldn’t know. You still haven’t let me see it.”

“All in good time, little sis,” she teased, reaching for her phone.

He tensed immediately, eyes narrowing. “Oh, no. What are you doing?”

Celeste smirked, holding up her phone. “Capturing the moment, of course! This is a huge milestone, Kiara! We need pictures. For memories.”

Kieran scowled. “Absolutely not.”

“Oh, absolutely yes.” Celeste tapped her screen, the camera shutter sound echoing like a gunshot in the quiet room. “Now, come on, give me a cute pose!”

“Celeste, I swear to God—”

She arched an eyebrow, her thumb hovering ominously over her phone screen. “You really wanna do this the hard way? Because I will call Mom again. And you know she’ll be very disappointed if you’re not being cooperative.”

Kieran clenched his jaw, his fingers curling into fists at his sides. He hated how effective that threat was. Ever since their mother had started raising her voice at him, it was clear he wasn’t going to win this war. And he was already exhausted from all the fighting.

With a heavy, begrudging sigh, he lifted his hands hesitantly and held up a **** peace sign near his face.

Celeste giggled, snapping another picture. “Okay, that’s cute, but you have to commit to it, Kiara! Tilt your head a little, give me some attitude.”

Kieran groaned but did as she asked, tilting his head and rolling his eyes dramatically while holding the peace sign.

Celeste snapped another photo. “Now pout your lips—just a little bit, like you’re about to blow a kiss.”

Kieran glared at her, his cheeks burning. “Are you serious?”

“Oh, I’m dead serious. Now pout.”

Grinding his teeth together, Kieran **** his lips into a soft pout, feeling absolutely ridiculous. Celeste grinned and snapped more photos, clearly enjoying his suffering far too much.

“Perfect! Okay, one last one—cross your arms under your chest and look all sassy.”

Kieran muttered a string of curses under his breath but followed the instruction, pressing his arms just under his now subtly rounded chest and glaring into the camera with what he _hoped _was enough disdain to express his frustration.

Celeste beamed. “Gorgeous.” She tapped her screen a few more times before finally lowering the phone. “Alright, now you can go see for yourself.”

Kieran didn’t need to be told twice. He immediately pushed himself up from the chair and strode toward his bedroom, his heart hammering in his chest. He hesitated at the doorway, taking a deep breath before stepping inside.

The full-length mirror stood against the far wall, waiting for him. He walked toward it slowly, each step feeling heavier than the last, like he was approaching something irreversible.

And then he saw her.

The girl in the mirror blinked at him with wide, unfamiliar eyes. Her lashes were thick and fluttery, framing irises that now looked larger, more striking. Her lips were soft and glossy, slightly parted in stunned disbelief. The makeup was skillfully blended, the foundation seamless against her flawless-looking skin. The blush gave her cheeks a gentle warmth, and the soft contouring along her jawline made her face appear even more delicate.

And the hair.

It cascaded in thick, flowing layers past her shoulders, styled to perfection, with just the right amount of volume. It looked so natural, as if it had always been this way. It framed her face, accentuating the delicate slope of her nose, the curve of her cheekbones.

She was beautiful.

Kieran felt his stomach twist violently.

His hands trembled as he reached up, fingers brushing against his cheek, as if trying to convince himself that it was still him underneath all of this. But the more he stared, the more the face looking back at him felt... separate. Foreign.

Kiara.

Not Kieran.

A shiver crawled down his spine.

He swallowed thickly, barely registering the sound of Celeste’s approaching footsteps. She leaned against the doorway, watching his reaction with a knowing smile.

“I told you,” she said softly, her voice brimming with satisfaction. “You look perfect.”

Kieran couldn’t respond. He felt like he was sinking, the weight of everything pressing in on him all at once.

And then Celeste’s voice broke through the haze, her tone light and teasing—but with an unmistakable edge.

“Oh, by the way,” she said, glancing at her phone. “The trainer is here.”

Kieran’s breath hitched. He turned to look at her, his stomach dropping.

Celeste grinned. “And she's so excited to meet you.”

The room suddenly felt suffocating.

Kieran’s fingers curled against his palms, a flicker of fear sparking in his chest.

The trainer.

This nightmare was far from over.