California Love A7X

Melly: ya know Matt. You've really work the slicked back look.

Matt: thanks Melly.

Melly: its not easy getting it perfect.

Matt: I don't try for perfect.

Melly: well I do. Hair is my thing.

Matt: I understand.

Melly: that was the fastest hairdo ever.

Matt: thanks it looks great.

Melly: thanks. Send the next one in.

He nodded and walked off. I cleaned my shit as I waited for the next guy.

Zacky: do it.

Melly: what do you want?

I didn't look at him.

Zacky: do whatever you think will look good?

Melly: with you? I don't know if I can do anything to help you.

Which is true.

Zacky: I am that good looking. It happens.

Melly: right. So what? Fifties slicked greaser look? Spiked up? Teased? Straight? What?

Zacky: how about whatever you want.

Melly: fine.

My hands finally got to run through his black soft looking hair. It was everything I imagined. Silky. Dark. Workable. I bit my lip as I worked.

Zacky: are you always so quiet when you work on people.

Melly: no.

Zacky: then what?

Melly: what?

I felt him watching me in the mirror. So I concentrated more on his hair.

Zacky: why haven't you talked to me?

Melly: we don't ever talk much.

Zacky: I guess not...

He twisted his face. His eyes looking down at his hands.

Zacky: about that da-

Melly: I'd rather not.

Zacky: why not?

Melly: doesn't need to be brought up. Let's just forget about it.

Zacky: if that's how you want it.

Melly: I do.

Zacky: ok then.

Melly: unless ofcourse there is something absolutely important you must say about it.

Zacky: you just said you didn't want to talk about it.

Melly: yeah but just cause I don't doesn't mean you don't. We were both involved.

Zacky: how thoughtful of you.

Melly: you don't have to be a smartass.

Zacky: no. I'm surprised I don't have another black eye.

Melly: I haven't told anyone.

He perked a brow.

Zacky: really now?

Melly: its our business. If you want to tell someone fine. But I don't.

Zacky: no no. You're right. Its our business. We can deal with it.

I nodded.

Zacky: and if I did tell.

Melly: then I'd just explain what happened and you'd probley end up with two black eyes and then some.

Zacky: mmm...you're probley right.

Melly: done.

He checked himself out in the mirror.

Zacky: nice work.

He stood up and faced me.

Zacky: I don't regret it though.

He walked out with a smirk tugging at his lips. I took a deep breath to calm myself.

Johnny: best for last as always. Right Melly Mel. You alright?

Melly: yeah. Always when you're around.

I smiled. His child grin made its way on his face.

Melly: how do you want your bleached mess?

Johnny: I was thinking...

Melly: oh dear you thinking never good.

He pouted.

Melly: I'm kidding.

I hugged around his neck. I rested my chin on the top of his head.

Melly: tell me your thoughts child.

He chuckled.

Johnny: shave that shit.

My eyes widened a bit.

Melly: you sure?

He nodded.

Johnny: I'm tiered of the bleach blond shit. I want to go back to normal. Start fresh.

Melly: are you absolute sure?

Johnny: yes.

Melly: positively?

Johnny: yeah.

Melly: ok Johnny. Just remember. Once its gone its gone.

He nodded. I got my clippers out and started. The buzzing of the motor muffled out my small gasps. His cute messy hair just lightly fell to the ground. Quickest haircut.

Melly: what do you think.

Johnny: shit...

My eyes bugged out.

Melly: Johnny! You said that's what you wanted! I asked you!

He laughed.

Johnny: I'm kidding. I'm kidding.

Melly: you're a jerk.

I smacked his shoulder. He stood up and wrapped his arms around me.

Johnny: it looks great. Much better. Thank you.

Melly: don't ever scare me like that. There's nothing worse than someone who's sure of what the want until they actually get it.

Johnny: sorry.

My face found his shoulder. I bit it.

Johnny: awo. That's not nice Melly Mel.

Melly: no but you deserve it.

He nodded.

Johnny: fine.

I smiled and rubbed his head.

Melly: cutie.

He smiled.

Johnny: I know I am.

He grabbed my hand and we made our way to where everyone else is at.

Zacky: holy shit.

Brian: what the fuck? And I let you do my hair? Oh shit. Its not gonna fall out now is it?

Jenn: really Brian? Really? Wow.

Brian: what? Jenn he went in there with a full head of bleached hair. Now he's bald. What the fuck.

Johnny: I told her to shave it man.

Brian sighed with relief. Like some heavy burden had been lifted from his shoulders.

Melly: thanks cus. Now I know how much faith you actually have in me.

Matt: I think its a nice change.

Johnny: me too.

A photographer and some other random people came in. I watched as the guys did there thing. Going in once in awhile to touch things up here and there. They looked the part. Hardcore rockers. Yeah right. More like big babies.

Jenn: you did a really good job.

Melly: thanks.

Jenn: I was wondering. If for my wedding you could do my hair...

Melly: I'd love to.

She smiled and gave me a tight hug.

Jenn: thanks so much. Really. I've been looking around and just can't find the right person.

Melly: I'm glad you've got confidence enough to ask me.

Jenn: don't listen to your cousin. He can be an idiot sometimes.

Melly: I'd understand if I was fresh out or still in school.

Jenn: whatever he's just a pissy man sometimes.

Melly: I really owe Zacky.

Jenn: his favorite drink is JD. Just a suggestion.

Melly: I might just have to buy him a bottle or two.

Jenn: believe me you can't go wrong.

Melly: I offered to take him to lunch. He said no.

Jenn: and that was a smart choice.

Melly: why?

Jenn: just because lets leave it at that.

Melly: fine.

I crossed my arms and watched some more. They were so made for this.

Photographer: ok guys that's a wrap. Thank you for coming down. Melly thank you for all your work.

Melly: no thank you for letting me be a part of this.

Photographer: these guys are lucky to have you. Its hard to find a good hairdresser now a days.

Melly: that means a lot coming from someone in your line of work.

Photographer: if you don't mind I'd like to keep contact with you for future photoshoots.

Melly: no I don't mind at all. I'd love to do some more work for you.

She smiled and we did our thing.

Johnny: aren't you just happy now. All with connections and shit.

I smiled widely and hugged him.

Melly: I am! I know its not steady but its cool, she likes my shit.

Johnny: cause you are the shit.

Melly: nice one Johnny.

Johnny: you are.

I shook my head. His hands rested on my lower back.

Johnny: I love your shit.

Melly: do you? I didn't know you liked that sort of thing.

Johnny: with you I love anything.

Melly: sorry Johnny. We're good friends but I don't like pee pee and shit. I'm not into fetishes like that. Its gross.

He smiled and shook his head.

Johnny: that's not what I'm talking about Melly Mel and you know that.

Melly: I know I know.

He stared at me with a slight smile.

Johnny: I don't think I could be as happy as I am now without you.

Melly: I am pretty amazing aren't I?

He nodded.

Johnny: like I said you're the shit.

Melly: if you keep tellin' me shit like that I'm gonna end up like my cousin.

Brian: and how's that?

Melly: sweet for letting your baby cousin stay at your house...

Brian: huh. Yeah sounds like me.

Jenn: oh shut the hell up. Go ahead say it Melly.

Melly: naw I'm good.

Brian: Johnny is there a reason why you always have to be touching her?

Johnny: yes.

Brian: what is it? Please enlighten me.

Johnny: she's hot.

Brian narrowed his eyes.

Johnny: its better than what I had originally planned to say.

Brian's eyes turned to slits. Johnny smiled innocently.

Johnny: believe me it is.

Melly: what were you gonna say?

Johnny glanced at me then looked back at my cousin.

Jenn: are you riding home with Johnny.

Zacky: why do you ask you know she is.

Jenn looked at him.

Zacky: I'm gonna catch a ride with you and Bri.

Jenn: ugh I guess you can.

Zacky: I didn't ask. I said I was.

He smiled. Oh my what a sight. She just shook her head.

Jenn: sometimes Zacky. Sometimes.

Zacky: you love me.

Jenn: only when you're not around.

Melly: damn she got you.

We all laughed.

Zacky: fine I'll give you that one Jenn.

He one armed hugged her.

Jenn: you have to. I'm giving you a ride.

He nodded. We all went our seperate ways.

Melly: so are you gonna tell me what you were gonna say?

Johnny: I'd rather not.

Melly: why?

Johnny: its one of those things that's better left unsaid.

Melly: was it dirty?

Johnny: not really. Not at all.

I frowned. My eyes stayed on his face. He never once looked at me on the drive home.