Page 55 of The Opposite of Romance
“Yeah,” she replies quietly. “I don’t like it this long. It gets in the way.”
Her dark hair currently falls half way down her back and brushing it out takes forever.
“I can see that. Grab my phone, will you? I found some hairstyles you might like.”
She takes my phone from the dresser, and I start to brush her hair. It’s impractical and time-consuming, but I would be lying if I said I won’t miss these moments if she really gets rid of the hair.
“What do you think? Found any you like?”
“Yeah, um. I’m not sure. I can’t really picture it on me.”
“Oh, yeah. Give me a sec.” Placing the brush on the bed, I take the phone, searching for the hairstyle filter.
I upload a photo of hers into the filter and give her the phone back.
“Wow, this is cool.” Her eyes widen as she tries out different hairstyles.
From buzz cuts to bobs, there are a ton of styles to choose from.
“I think I like this one.” She shows me a combination of a pixie cut and a bob that looks adorable.
“I think it would look great on you.” I smile.
Her lips pull up. “You think it would? Can I do it?” The excitement in her voice is palpable.
“Why not?”
Her smile gets even wider before it suddenly falters. “I don’t know if Dad will let me.”
My heart squeezes in my chest again. “Let me worry about that.”
“Thanks, Mom.” She embraces me in a hug, and my chest fills with air.
“Of course, honey. Come on, it’s time for bed.”
She jumps up and leaves for her room. I kiss them both goodnight, turning their lights off before retreating into my room.
I’m not looking forward to my conversation with David, but it’s time we had one. He can’t keep doing this to her.
I dial his number, taking a deep breath.
“Sadie, hi. Is everything ok?”
“Yeah, of course. The kids just went to bed. I wanted to talk to you about something.”
“Ok…” His voice drips suspicion.
“I’m going to take Liv to get a haircut.”
He chuckles lightly. “O-k. Not really a thing we need to discuss, but I appreciate you informing me, I guess?”
“She would like to cut her hair shorter. Kind of like a change of style.” Silence is the only response I get, so I continue. “Thesummer is getting closer, and she has a ton of hair. It gets sweaty, and it itches her neck and back. And it gets super tangled up. It’s not practical.”
“I see. Well, if you think it would be more comfortable for her, then sure.”
“Great.”
“Good night, Sadie.”
