Self Improvement, chapter 9

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The salon where Rachael's aunt worked was by no means unfamiliar. Every time she needed to get her hair cut it was her go-to spot. Mainly because she got the family discount, though it was definitely a perk to have someone she knew and trusted treat her hair. Like so many of her routines recently, today's visit was out of tune with her otherwise metronome scheduling.

"Now that's unexpected. You're not supposed to be here for ..another four weeks? Don't tell me you want go even shorter? "

With her aunt being the only person who cuts her hair, of course she would know how out of character it was for Rachael to make a sudden appearance without scheduling an appointment first. Not to mention the fact that she'd just cut her hair just a couple of weeks prior.

"No no.. Nothing like that. I was thinking that I maybe wanted.. I want to try blonde for a change.."

Rachael's aunt tried her hardest not to burst out laughing. It was the last thing she expected from her niece. The very reason she kept her hair so short was because it was convenient. She never cared for her looks or anything like that. Suffice it to say, her wanting to go blonde was like lightning from clear sky. Something seriously odd had to have happened for her to want to change it all of a sudden.

"I wont ask, but I'm guessing it's got something to do with ..a boy?"

"..Something like that."

"Well in that case, could you sit here and wait? I've got an opening in about thirty minutes if that's fine by you."

"That works."

While Rachael sat and waited for her aunt to finish up, she had butterflies in her stomach. It was the first time she ever did anything for her appearance. Would it attract more attention?
It certainly was a big change, especially for Rachael who had sported the same exact look for as long as she could remember.

"Right. All done, are you still sure you want to do this?"

Rachael hesitated for a moment. Did she really want this? Was this her wish, or was it that of someone else? Somewhere along the line, that difference had become muddled. But that wasn't important, not now at least. There was part of her that wanted this for herself, and that's all that mattered.

"Yes. I'm sure."

"Alright! And don't worry, I'm sure you'll look great!"

She harbored doubts, and her aunt had picked up on the fact, making sure to soothe her niece before getting to work. It was a simple enough process. Washing and rinsing, then applying the dye. Starting at the roots, Rachael's aunt slowly made her way outwards, expertly rubbing it into every strand with her soft fingers.

Rachael knew that the next time she saw her hair, it'd be completely different. She was however not prepared to not recognize herself at all. Staring back at her wasn't anyone she knew. It was a new, reborn Rachael. Someone who did care what others thought of her. Someone who does want to look their best. Someone who are willing to put in the effort of being presentable and attractive.

"You should have done this sooner, blonde looks great on you!"

"I suppose it does, thanks! What do I owe you?"

"It's on me, just make sure to come back and get it redone when you see roots appearing."

"I'll be sure to keep it in mind, thanks again."

There was a newfound spring in Rachael's step as she headed home. Perhaps it was her imagination, but she could've swore she got more looks than normal. Maybe gentlemen really preferred blondes after all..
Not only did the impression of added attention put a smile on her face, she found herself getting uncharacteristically aroused. She rarely found herself being turned on, yet here she was. Walking home with red cheeks and a throbbing heat between her legs. Each glance she caught along the way only fueling the fire that was building up in her crotch. One thing was certain, she wanted to shower as soon as she came home, getting clean being her second priority..

Getting out of the shower nearly an hour later, her body was steaming. She'd cranked the water a little too hot while taking care of business. After putting on some of her new underwear, Rachael took a moment to appreciate herself in the mirror. She felt hot, and with steam still coming off her skin she certainly looked the part.

Breaking her moment of self appreciation, her phone chimed in with a text message from Rebecca. She'd met up with the guys from earlier and they were all headed for the party. The invite still stood, but Rachael didn't feel ready to reemerge as a blonde quite yet. The reason for the text was however not to remind her that there was a party. It was an invite to the park. Tomorrow morning, same time and place. Same group of people, even. 
The perfect opportunity to announce her blonde locks to the world. Without a second thought, Rachael accepted the invite over text, going as far as adding a couple of emojis at the end. Something she usually NEVER did.