HaircuttingStories.com

This one is for Rocky, who believed that Jennifer's story hadn't been finished yet. He was right.

Jennifer, who had shaved her head after a breakup with her boyfriend a year and a half earlier, had discovered that Alex, who she had know for several years, had always wanted to date her. She quickly realized how much she appreciated the way he treated her and his complete acceptance of her baldness. Their relationship matured during the following year, they decided to purchase a condo and signed the papers. They will move into their newly completed Condo in April and are planning a wedding in late July. Jennifer had gotten the first laser treatment on her head a month earlier in early November. Now it is time to visit their respective future in-laws and begin making serious plans for the wedding.

Saturday, December 3rd

“I have a question for you,” Jennifer said as they sat drinking coffee after their breakfast.

“Oh? What is it?” Alex responded.

“What are we going to to do for the Christmas holidays? We've been invited to visit both our parents.”

“I know. It's a bit of a problem. Do you have something in mind?”

“Actually I do. Mom has invited you specifically. You haven't met my parents except for that time they were here and you came over for a couple of hours. I thought maybe we could go for a three or four day visit. Weren't you planning to visit your folks?”

“You're right. We should visit your folks. It's not that far and we've got the whole week plus the weekend. And my folks want you to come visit them again. We could take a day or two of vacation and easily visit both.”

That's what I was thinking. Spend Christmas with my folks and then fly back and spend New Years with your folks. That way we can do a little more planning for our wedding too. My cousin Risa and I practically grew up together and I'd like her to be my Matron of Honor.”

“That's a very good idea. We can get quite a few things settled. Maybe your Mom will be a little bit less upset with you this time, especially if she knows that my Mom thinks that you're a sensible woman even if you are bald.”

“We need to get them together sometime. I think they would like each other.”

“Probably can't happen until the wedding. There's not much time.”

“I guess you're right. By the way. Do you think that your sister Julie would like to be a junior bridesmaid. She seemed pretty interested in asking me about being bald. She's sixteen isn't she?”

“She's seventeen and she'll turn eighteen in June. She'll be going to college next fall. She thinks you're very cool. I'm sure she'd be delighted to be a bridesmaid for her bald future sister-in-law,” Alex said.

“I guess she'd have to be a bridesmaid then. I wouldn't want to insult her by asking her to to be a junior bridesmaid,” Jennifer laughed.

“I'll start making some arrangements. Will you have any problem taking off a couple of days extra?”

“I don't think so. Like you said, it's a very slow time through all of January. I need to check my appointment book. I'll be due for another laser treatment about then, but I'm sure I can work around it.”

Sunday morning they showered together, a practice that had become a special part of their routine on the weekends. Of course they had done more than just shower on a number of occasions, but today they had already satisfied each other earlier.

Jennifer draped a towel around her shoulders before she sat down in anticipation of Alex shaving her head. It was the other ritual of their weekend mornings – one which Jennifer savored almost as much as their love making.

Alex prepared a hot towel which he wrapped around her head to soften the hair that still grew. In a few moments he would apply warm shaving oil and then shave her slowly and carefully with her wet/dry electric razor.

“I really love having you shave me Alex. I'm going to miss it when my treatments are finished and I don't need to shave any more.”

“I enjoy doing it too. Maybe we can find something else that we will both like.”

“I know at least a couple of other things, but we're already doing them quite a bit,” Jennifer laughed.

“I have an idea, but I won't reveal it until later when you need it.”

Alex had become quite expert at shaving her. He started on the right side pushing the electric razor up in front of her ear to about two inches above it. Folding her ear down he repeated the process then moved further back and repeated it again. Returning to the front of her ear he pressed firmly as he ran the razor up and then back. Experience had taught him that to get the closest shave he had to shave in two directions at least. He continued the process working his way up and back on the right side. He would do the left side next followed by the remainder of the top and then the back.

Jennifer never tired of the sensuous feeling that she got when she had her head shaved. It was present when she shaved herself, but much more apparent when someone else shaved her. When that someone was Alex the feeling was utterly delicious. He had developed a method that inevitably caused her to become aroused although that might be because she associated his shaving of her with the follow on love making that often happened. Today was no different.

“It's obvious that you have quite a bit less hair now than you did before your treatment last month. If the next treatment is that effective there won't be much left for me to shave.”

“I've noticed it too. It seems to be easier to shave in the morning. I'm happy it seems to be working well. That's what I wanted – to be your bald lover and wife.”

Alex stopped what he was doing for a moment then leaned over to kiss her.

“A sexy bald lover, best friend and wife to be. I'm not sure that I deserve such unbelievably good fortune, but I'm going to love you extravagantly as long as mind and body permit.”

“Extravagant lover, best friend and husband to be, you make me the most fortunate of bald women.”

A few minutes later they lay side by side their passion growing as explored each other's bodies before they joined in prolonged love making.

---

Monday morning Jennifer and Alex chatted about their upcoming plans for the holidays on their brief taxi ride to their offices. At the location in the hall where they parted they made plans to have lunch together, shared a quick kiss and went to offices in their respective companies.

“Good morning Jennifer. You'll the early bird this morning,” Barbara, their receptionist, greeted her.

“I have a few extra things to take care of, so I decided to get an early start. You got your hair cut short again didn't you?”

“I did it Saturday. What do you think?” Barbara asked as she ran her hand through her very short, somewhat curly hair.

“It looks great. That's the shortest you've ever had it isn't it? What does Craig think?”

Barbara giggled. “Every time I go in to get it cut I want to get it shorter. He's been good about it. He knows how much I like it short. He seems to be taking to it. He'll run his fingers through it sometimes. He appreciates how fast I can get ready in the mornings and when we go out.”

“There is that. You've certainly made a big transition from that long curly style you had a year ago.”

Barbara giggled again. “I never realized how much I wanted to have short hair until you showed up that morning with your head shaved. It still gives me a little shock when I see you. You look so amazingly beautiful, almost ethereal. I want to try having my head shaved, but I'm afraid Craig would be upset. I'm going to get it cut super short this summer even if it only for a couple of weeks.”

“Well why not. You'd look even better with a short buzz.”

“That's what I think too. I'm definitely going to get it buzzed when Craig and I go on vacation in June. Oh, I almost forgot. There are a couple of meetings scheduled today for you to attend. And Even wants you to call him.”

Jennifer walked to her office, sat down and found that she had a busy day ahead of her. After a brief lunch with Alex she went back to her office. Most of the others were still not back from their lunch and she had a few minutes to herself. She dialed the number for Ultimate Image.

“Ultimate Image! This is Darlene. How may I help you?”

“Hello Darlene. This is Jennifer Colson. I need to set up an appointment with Jackie for a laser treatment. Does she have an opening on Saturday the eighteenth?”

“The only opening is at nine thirty in the morning Ms. Colson. She has several openings on Friday.”

“That's a little early, but..... OK. I can make that. Please book me Darlene”.

“I've put you down. Is there anything else I can do for you?”

“No. I'll see you on Saturday morning.”

“Thank you Ms. Colson. We'll see you Saturday at nine thirty.”

Jennifer slowly closed her cell phone and sat thinking for a few minutes. Saturday morning had become a special time for her and Alex. A prolonged session of love making, a leisurely shower together followed by a relaxed breakfast had become a treasured treat for them. Regardless of the stress of the preceding week they felt renewed by the time they finished their second cup of coffee. She would have to find a way to make up for it.

The remainder of the day passed quickly – filled with an unexpected number of issues to be resolved and numerous loose ends to be tidied up. She had told Evan that she would like to take two days of vacation in addition to being off for the entire holiday period and received his approval. So as soon as Alex got plane reservations they would be set. The last item of business was to talk to Deana. Deana was not the most senior of the analysts, but she had proven herself to be a good manager and coordinator and the rest of the staff respected her. She would be in charge of their group for the two days that Jennifer was absent.

“Come on in Deana,” Jennifer invited her.

“What's up Jennifer?” she asked.

“I just wanted to let you know that you'll be in charge for a couple of days the end of next week. I'm taking two days off before the holidays.”

“OK. No problem. Could I ask you a question?”

“Sure. What is it?”

“I heard that you're going to be permanently bald. Is that true?”

“It's true. I've already started laser treatments. Does that surprise you?”

“A little, but I'm so used to seeing you bald that I think it would look odd if you had hair. You're such a good looking bald woman.”

“Thanks Deana. Sounds like you have something else on your mind.”

“No. Well, yes actually. Do you think I would look good with my head shaved. I'd really like to try it.”

“I'm probably not the best judge of that Deana, but I don't see why not. You don't have elephant ears or funny bumps on your head do you?”

“No. My head seems pretty normal. I've been wanting to try it ever since I first saw you with your head shaved, and I've liked the look ever since. Where did you get yours shaved?

“There's a little husband and wife shop near my apartment called George and Millie's Barber Shop. Millie shaved me the first time. She's been doing it ever since, but not very often recently. I'll be getting it done for a few months more. Then I won't need it.”

“They're in the phone book?”

“Oh, sure. What brought this on. I know you were fascinated by me having a shaved head and you certainly like the idea, but you've said several times that you couldn't do it yourself.”

“Things have changed. Last week I broke up with Maurice. He had another girl friend. He was sleeping with her when he claimed he was working. I told him to get out and go let her take care of him. He's her problem now. So I don't have to try to keep him happy. I'm just going to keep me happy. Maybe I'll meet someone who appreciates a bald girl the way you did.”

“Well, you've always struck me as being independent and self reliant. The right guy'll come along sooner or later. You've got a lot going for you. So don't accept second or third best. You deserve a lot better.”

“Thanks. I'll keep that in mind. I just had a thought. You said you get shaved only once a week, but you always look like you've just shaved it. How do you do that?”

“Didn't you know? I shave it myself – every morning except on weekends. Alex likes to do it then.”

“With a razor!'

“Not a razor! A battery shaver. You use shaving gel or oil with it. It works quite well too. I don't think I'd want to try using a regular razor on my head,” Jennifer laughed.

“Oh. That makes sense. I guess I could buy one somewhere,”

“Any place that sells shavers will have them. The one I bought was for men, but it was highly rated.”

“Maybe I'll give myself an early Christmas present and have my head shaved, Deana said.

“If that's what you want, go for it it. Do it for yourself. You know that everyone around here will be very supportive. After all they have a bald female boss,” Jennifer laughed.

“That's funny, but you're right. I'm going to do it,” Deana responded as she rose to leave. “See you tomorrow.”

“Have a good evening Deana,”

Jennifer sat for a few minutes with a little smile, musing about how her decision to keep her head shaved for the past year and a half had influenced some of the other women. It hadn't been her intention, but she felt a little surge of pride nevertheless.
_____

Saturday morning at seven O'clock Jennifer's alarm sounded. She reached out muzzily to turn it off. They had spent the evening with a couple they had met several months earlier at a concert and found that they shared many common interests. Jennifer and Zoe had quickly formed a warm friendship. At the moment the only thoughts on Jennifer's mind was the fact that she hadn't had enough sleep, only a little light from the early morning sky was making its way into Alex's bedroom, and that she had planned something special for him this morning before she had to leave to get to her nine thirty appointment.

She nuzzled up to his back, reached over his hip and gently fondled his crotch. She could feel him stiffening as he tried to work his own hand down to her crotch as he became fully awake.

“Turn over onto your back so I can get these off,” Jennifer said as she kissed him then moved down. She tugged at his shorts and worked them off his buttocks and over his thighs to his knees where she could pull them down and over his feet.

“What're you up to,” Alex asked sleepily

“Shush. Don't move or say anything. I've got a special treat for you,” Jennifer said as she positioned herself between his legs with his legs atop hers.

“Ah..., could you reach over and hand me that bottle from the night stand,” Jennifer asked as she realized that she couldn't reach it from where she was sitting.

'Alex dutifully reached over, stretched as far as he could and just managed to reach the bottle, which he look at briefly before handing it to Jennifer without saying anything.

“You're going to smell nice,” Jennifer told him as she began a slow massage of his chest using the peach scented massage lubricant that she had purchased several days earlier. She proceeded slowly downward until she reached his thighs.

An hour later she lay on him as he fondled her smooth head and they kissed.

“Oh Lord, Jennifer!” Alex exclaimed. “How did you do that!?”

“You liked that, did you. It's my little secret. Not much of a secret any more though. You can return the favor tonight,” Jennifer told him as she pressed herself tightly against him. Her own excitement had risen to a peak along with his and she was eager to be satisfied, but she knew she would have to wait, not just because of her appointment, but also because it would take some time for Alex to recover. Of course he had other ways to satisfy her which he had demonstrated on several occasions.

“You don't need to get up Alex. Go back to sleep if you want to. I have to get ready to go. I should be back by eleven,” Jennifer said as she rolled off him and started to sit up.

Alex rolled toward her then levered himself up to a sitting position. “You're something else. You took good care of me. Now it's my turn. I'm awake enough to take a shower with you and get you shaved. We can take a nap this afternoon.,” he said as he put his arm around her and held her breast.

“You sure? You know, I'd love it.”

An hour later having showered with Alex, gotten her head smoothly shaved, and had a quick breakfast she was at the corner trying to hail a taxi. After a six or seven minute wait, one finally stopped for her. She hadn't anticipated how sparse cabs were going to be early Saturday morning.

Jennifer walked through the door precisely at nine thirty to be greeted by Darlene.

“Good morning Ms. Colson. Jackie was just asking if you were here. I'll call her.”

“I'm usually early, but I couldn't get a taxi this morning.”

“Not a problem. You're right on time,” Darlene said as she picked up her phone, pressed a button and spoke softly.

“Hello Jennifer,” Jackie said as she came through the doorway leading to the private booths.

“Hi Jackie. Time for my second treatment.”

“I know. I had it on my calendar for this week. It's six weeks exactly. Come on back. How did the first treatment turn out?”

“Alex thinks that it's at least fifty percent done – maybe more.”

“That's about what I was expecting. How's your bottom?”

“There's barely anything there and it's been six months.”

“You won't need another treatment for a good long time then – maybe several years.”

“That's what I thought too. I hope my head does as well.”

“It probably will. Let's get you started. Did you take your ibuprofen?”

“Yes. Before I left the apartment. I'm all set.”

“Good. I'll put on the desensitizer and you can read a magazine for fifteen minutes.”

Jackie wrapped a cape around Jennifer's shoulders, then spread a white ointment on her head and brow area.

“Do you have much growth here,” Jackie asked indicating Jennifer's brow area.

“Not much. I've had to shave there a few time – maybe once every two weeks.”

This should take care of that. You may not need another treatment.”

Jennifer sat patiently for the next ten minutes while the topical skin desensitizer did its job.

“Time to get started Jennifer. You ready?”

“I'm ready. Actually I'm eager. I'm looking forward to the time when I can get up in the morning, take a shower, dry my self including my nice smooth head and get dressed and have breakfast.”

Jackie laughed. “Well, it does sound like a big time saver when you put it that way. Somehow you seem so completely confident about having a smooth head that I don't even think of it as unusual. And you're so good looking the way you carry it off too. It gets me thinking about it.”

“It's had that effect on a few people. Our receptionist keeps getting her hair cut shorter and is going to get a buzz this summer, and one of the women who works in my group is going to get her head shaved. I think every women should try it at least once in their life.”

Jackie stopped working on Jennifer's head and stood stock still for a moment.

“Try it once in their life,” Jackie said, an odd note in her voice as though she had just experienced a great revelation.

“Are you OK, Jackie?” Jennifer asked, a little perplexed.

“Huh? Oh, I was just thinking about something. I'd better get back to it and get you done. Do you need a break?”

“I'm fine. Go ahead and finish.”

“OK..”

“You've been awfully quiet for the last ten minutes, Jackie.”

“I've been thinking about what you said. I realized that I do want to try having my head shaved and I was trying to think of a way to persuade Wayne that it would be OK for me to be be bald for a few weeks.”

“How about St. Baldrick's? Maybe make a special pledge to keep it shaved for a month or something like that. You might be able to raise a lot of money for children's cancer research.”

“Really? Do they have that around here?”

“I'm sure they do. I saw a list somewhere and there were hundreds of events every year all over the country. There's bound to be one around here sometime.”

“I've got to check it out. I wonder how much I would need to raise? OK, you're all done except for the cortisone cream. I got so carried away I almost forgot what I was supposed to be doing.”

“It's OK. I'm glad I could help. I don't think you need to raise a lot, a few hundred would be just fine, but I'm sure you could easily raise a few thousand if you worked at it.”

“You're right. I think I could. That's a terrific idea. I think Wayne just might go for it. Thanks for the suggestion Jennifer.”

“You”re welcome. Let me know how it works out and be sure to ask me to make a donation. I'm sure Alex would make one too.”

“Wow! Thanks. That would be great. I'll ask around here and maybe in a few days I'll have so much pledged that Wayne can't say no,” Jackie laughed.

“Good luck. I'm sure you'll like having a soft smooth head. Let's hope Wayne likes it too. It'd be nice to have a few more bald women friends,” Jennifer joked.

“I'll let you know how it goes. You'll be coming back in about six weeks won't you?”

“That's right. I'm going to get Darlene to schedule it.”

“Good. Enjoy the holidays.”

“You too.” Jennifer said as she left and walked back to the reception area.

After paying for her treatment and setting up her next appointment, she donned her knit cap and headed back to the apartment.

Opening the door she called out cheerily, “hey Alex, I'm back.”

“I'm in the closet,” Alex called back.

She pulled off her cap, took off her coat and walked with them back to the closet where Alex was sorting through boxes. Two were filled with stuff, papers, magazines and miscellany that Jennifer couldn't identify.

“You're getting an early start aren't you?

“Well, I've been promising myself that I was going to clean out this place for the last year. It's your fault you know. You don't look as red as the last time, or is that my imagination?”

“I don't know. It went pretty easily. What do you mean it's my fault?”

“You sort of got my attention. I must have spent every spare minute thanking about you,” Alex said as he stood up to embrace her - coat, cap and all.

Jennifer dropped her coat and cap as she responded to his hug which she returned enthusiastically. They kissed with undiminished fervor.

“Is it tender? I wanted to hold it,” Alex said.

“It's OK. Kiss me the right way,” Jennifer said.

Alex held her head as they embraced and kissed with rising passion. After several minutes of exchanging kisses and a few more intimate gestures, they stepped back.

“I'm going to put on some more cortisone cream. I don't want to look sunburned when we go out this evening. I'll fix us a little lunch, then I'm looking forward to that nap you promised this morning,” Jennifer reminded him with a sly smile.

Wednesday December Twenty First

They got up at the usual time even though their flight was not until one thirty that afternoon. The previous day Alex had brought his one modest piece of luggage and a small overnight bag with him to work. They spent the night in Jennifer's apartment.

“I guess we have plenty of time. Shave me nice and smooth and I”ll fix you your favorite waffles,” Jennifer said as they stepped out of the shower.

“What a great deal! Stay here while I get the chair,” Alex said as he turned on the heat lamp in the bathroom.

“You want to shave me while I'm nude? That could be trouble you know,” Jennifer laughed.

“But nice trouble. I think we can stay calm just this once,” Alex said as he proceeded to apply the warm shaving oil to her head.

“There isn't much to shave. Maybe you could shave only every other day,” Alex suggested.

“I noticed that too, but I want to keep it extra smooth while we're on vacation. When we get back maybe I try letting it go for an extra day,” Jennifer responded.

The shaving proceeded relatively uneventfully, albeit with a few teases interspersed in the process.

“You'll one heck of a great looking bald woman you know.”

“So kind of you to say so. You are quite handsome yourself,” Jennifer joked with him.

A short while after their spontaneous love making they got dressed and Jennifer made the promised waffles. By eleven they were ready to go and proceeded downstairs to the lobby with their luggage to wait for the taxi that Alex had called for.

Jennifer was very quiet as they rode to the airport, checked their luggage and proceeded through security to the gate.

“Jennifer, something's bothering you. Want to tell me?”

“I was just thinking about Mom. I'm a little worried that she'll get upset about me still having no hair even though we've talked on the phone just last month and I told her I hadn't let my hair grow. I didn't tell her the last time that I wasn't going to let it grow back. I'm not sure how to deal with it. I don't want her to get really upset. And I can't imagine how Hal and Lucie are going to react. I've only met her one other time since she and Hal got married and I had my blond hair then.”

“I can see that it might be pretty stressful. You said that your Dad seemed to take it in stride. Maybe he'll help keep things on an even keel. You've been talking with Risa too. You said she was pretty blasé about you being bald.”

“Well, we did a lot of crazy things together, so I'm sure she'll just laugh and act perfectly normal.”

“If she's like that, won't that have some influence on your Mom?”

“Maybe. I guess I'll just have to wait and see. She hasn't seen me shaved yet. They were down at Disney last Christmas when I was home.”

“Just stay calm and hold your head up. Your family will come around. Sooner or later they'll get over it and will stop noticing that you're bald. They'll just focus on Jennifer the person. Just remember that I love you and that a lot of people love, respect and support you.”

Jennifer leaned over and put her head on Alex's shoulder. Normally she was very self-confident and had not the slightest misgivings about being bald, but as she got close to home and her family a completely unexpected feeling of anxiety had surfaced. She took a deep breath and tried to relax. Some time later the flight attendant came through the cabin offering beverages. She requested some apple juice which she sipped for the next few minutes. They would be landing in half an hour. She made a conscious effort to compose herself.

“You'll be just fine. Just relax. They'll be happy to see you and we'll get them to focus on meeting me so they won't have time to make a to do about you still being bald. It will be OK,” Alex reassured.

“It's so ridiculous Alex. I had no problem walking in to work with my head shaved or going to places with you, and here I am acting like a flighty teenager.”

Alex laughed. “All those people didn't matter. This is your family. And you're on their territory rather than them being on your territory. That makes all the difference. Once they get used to the idea and realize you're still the Jennifer that they've always known it will work out. Just be yourself.”

Alex took her hand as the plane made it's final descent and bounced once as it touched down. After the usual announcements and thanks from the crew the plane stopped at the gate. Passengers immediately stood up and opened the overhead bins to retrieve their belongings. Alex remained seated.

“There's no rush. Let them all go. We can be the last off.”

“Oh. OK. Maybe I can get calmed down a little. I wonder if Hal and Lucie will be there as well?”

Alex had put his camera and a laptop in a small carry on bag. After all except a few people had made their way to the front of the plane, he stood up and retrieved it from the overhead bin. Jennifer slipped into the aisle just as one of the flight attendants was making her way to the rear galley. She stopped to wait for Jennifer to allow her to pass. She started to move past then paused.

“I hope I'm not saying something stupid, but I wanted to tell you that I think you look stunningly beautiful. Your head is just awesome!”

“Well thank you very much. It took a lot of courage to tell me that I expect and I appreciate it. Most people don't dare say anything because they're afraid I might have cancer. I don't. It's my choice.”

“Oh! You're right. I wanted to say something earlier, but I was afraid I might offend you. I took a chance. I wasn't sure, but I thought you didn't look or act like you were on chemo. How long have you been shaved?”

“About a year and a half now. I discovered that being bald could be very liberating.”

“It must be. Will you keep it shaved?

“Well, yes and no. I'll remain bald because I'm about halfway through laser hair removal. I'll stop shaving in a few months.”

“Wow! You can't get much more committed than that! I would love to be working here with a bald head. I'd really like to try it although I doubt I'd be as gorgeous as you are. I'd better get back to work.”

“You'd make a great looking bald flight attendant. Give it some serious thought,” Alex said as he as Jennifer proceeded down the aisle.

The conversation had reawakened Jennifer's confidence. Her tentativeness was suddenly replaced by her normal, and instantly recognizable, self-assurance. Alex's own worries about what might transpire when they were met evaporated. They departed the plane as Jennifer smiled at the pilot and another flight attendant at the exit and responded easily to their good-byes and other words.

They emerged from the jetway into the waiting area and headed down the corridor toward the security exit where they expected to meet Jennifer's family. Nothing was said for a few minutes until Alex broke the silence.

“What did you think of that? She seemed pretty impressed by your bald head.”

“Well, I'm glad she had the courage to talk to me. It's funny how people seem to assume that if a woman is bald she has cancer and is on chemo. I've never known anyone like that who didn't wear a wig. Anyway she obviously had a little bald envy,” Jennifer commented laughing.

“I think it does happen, but it's rare. It's so rare to see a bald woman that people just automatically assume it's due to chemo. They don't think it might be for some other reason, especially being bald by choice. That's almost unheard of in most parts of the world. So she had to be quite taken by your bald head to break the taboo.”

“I guess you're right. There they are!” Jennifer said excitedly as she raised her hand and waved.

Moments later they were all hugging and shaking hands. Hal and Lucie were there along with Jennifer's parents Alice and Ray.

“I'm so glad you all came and I'm so happy to be back home for a few days. Let me introduce my fiancé Alex Wilson. Alex this is my brother Hal and his wife Lucie.”

“Glad to meet you Alex. So what do you think about having a bald wife,” Hal said laughing.

“Alex smiled. “I like it just fine. You're lucky to have a sister like her and I'm a very fortunate guy to have Jennifer willing to marry me.”

Jennifer hugged Alice. “It's going to be wonderful to be here with everyone for the holidays. I've been looking forward to it,” she said.

“I'm so glad you you decided to come. How have you been! Is everything going OK with your Condo?” Alice started asking questions, a characteristic that Jennifer knew well.

“Everything is going very smoothly Mom. We're looking forward to settling down.”

Jennifer turned to Ray who she had turned to for comfort and support when Daryl had broken up with her.

Ray greeted her with an enthusiastic hug and kiss on the cheek. “You're looking very elegant and quite beautiful.” he told her as he surveyed her traveling clothes which consisted of a long and full split skirt in a silky fabric with a black and white pattern topped with an embroidered long sleeved silk blouse.

Jennifer hugged him again and planted a kiss on his cheek in turn. “Thanks Dad. That makes me feel better.”

Lucie had greeted her warmly, but had not commented on her baldness. Jennifer had expected as much. It would be a day or more before Alice might have something to say.

“Let's go get your luggage,” Ray said interrupting Jennifer's conversation with Hal and Lucie.

Shortly the luggage was stowed in Ray's mini-van and they were on their way. It was a forty-five minute drive and there was plenty of time to engage in conversation. Surprisingly Lucie seemed to be genuinely interested in Jennifer's baldness.

“Jennifer, Alice said that you've kept your head shaved for a year and a half now. How often do you shave? Doesn't it take a lot of time?”

“I've got the answer to those questions down pat,” Jennifer laughed. “I shave every day, otherwise it feels bristly and I don't like that. As to the time, it's less than shampooing and blow drying and a lot less that styling it. It's only about fifteen minutes maximum.”

“I can see how it would take less time, but what about the negatives? Don't people think you're weird? And how can you go places like that?”

“I'm sure some people do think I'm weird, but probably more think I'm sick or have cancer. As far as going out, I just do what I've always done. I don't even think about it. I go to work every day and sometimes I meet people. Of course Alex and I go to all sorts of things, parties, movies, shows, whatever. It doesn't matter. I know it seems weird, but mostly people take it in stride after they've seen me for the second or third time.”

“Jennifer has a lot of self-confidence. That's one of the things that attracted me in the first place. So when she showed up a work with her head shaved I knew I wanted to get to know her better. She looks just fine to me. Actually she looks a lot better than fine,” Alex interjected.

“You were always the adventurous type as I recall, always trying something outrageous. I guess you never quite got over it. I think she looks sort of exotic, but still quite arresting and beautiful in an unusual way,” Hal said said to Lucie.

“I can see that Hal. It's just hard to get my mind around the idea that a woman with no hair can look attractive, but if I don't think about it I can see that it's true,” Lucie rejoined.

Ray and Alice had remained quiet during the drive. As they approached their house Alice spoke up, but not about Jennifer's lack of hair.

“Jennifer, I guess you and Alex can take your old room. Risa said she and Thom would be coming over after dinner for a short visit. She's bringing Erica and Danny.”

“That's nice, Mom. I was looking forward to visiting with them. I hope they can come over later for a longer visit.”

“Risa said that they would.”

By early evening they were all sitting around the big table in the dining room enjoying a sumptuous meal prepared by Alice with a little help from Lucie. Afterwards Jennifer made herself useful by cleaning up the table and filling up the dishwasher. A few minutes later the doorbell rang and Alice called out “They're here!”

Everyone crowded into the foyer all talking simultaneously as they greeted Risa, Thom and the two children.

“Wow, Jennifer, you look absolutely stupendous,” Risa said as she stepped forward to be embraced by Jennifer.

“I feel wonderful too. So you don't think I'm a kook?” Jennifer replied.

“Of course you're a kook, but a beautiful and smart one. Introduce me to your lucky guy.”

“Alex come meet Risa and Thom Barkey. Risa and Thom meet Alex Wilson. For some crazy reason he likes me as a bald woman.”

“What's inside your bald head impresses me even more, but I don't deny that I think bald is very appealing,” Alex rejoined.

After the usual exchange of pleasantries Risa turned to Thom, “So what do you think Thom? Would I look that good with my head shaved?” she asked laughing.

“Hum. She's quite striking, no doubt about it. You know, I might just be able to get used to the idea.”

“Cousin Jennifer can I feel it?” Erica asked.

“Of course you can,” Jennifer said as she leaned over so that Erica could feel her head. Danny wanted to have a turn too and grinned as he rubbed his hand over her head.

“Mommy it feels really nice. Can I get my hair cut like that too?” Erica inquired.

Jennifer had been like a favorite aunt to eight year old Erica from the time she was six months old. She wanted to follow in Jennifer's footsteps and looked to her for encouragement. Jennifer had always indulged her as much as she could without having Risa give her stern looks of disapproval.

Thom laughed. “Maybe you can when you grow up. What would your friends at school say?”

“They'd say it was cool,” Erica responded with absolute certainty in her voice.

Risa laughed. “I think you've made a convert Jennifer.”

“Well maybe you can get it done for your birthday Erica,” Jennifer teased her.

“Can I do it for my birthday, Mommy?” Erica asked.

“Jennifer! Don't be putting ideas in her head like that! She'll drive me crazy,” Risa said sternly, but she couldn't suppress the little grin that forced its way out.

No more was said about Jennifer's baldness that evening. The next morning Jennifer arrived downstairs before anyone except Alice.

“Morning Mom. Can I help with breakfast?”

“I could use some help. How about frying some bacon and sausage. I'm going to make pancakes and fried eggs for anyone that wants them,” Alice answered her.

“I can do that. Blueberry pancakes, I hope. Where's Dad?”

“Blueberries from a can. I couldn't get fresh. He had a lot of work to do on a proposal, and he's been working late so he could finish it before you got here. He put the final touches on it yesterday morning and it went to printing. So he was pretty tired by the time we turned in last night. He's still asleep.”

“He always works harder than anyone else doesn't he. I hope he can slow down one of these days.”

“So do I, but you know how he is – always on the go and always with something more to do.”

“I know. That's just the way he is I guess.”

“He told me not to make a fuss about your hair, but it's hard. You're going to let it grow out for the wedding aren't you?”

Jennifer paused for a long time before she answered.

“I love you and I don't want to make you sad or unhappy Mom, but this is the way I want to be. I like it and Alex likes it. So when I get married I'll be just like this. I hope that you can accept it. I'm still the same person, maybe even better. I just don't let other people tell me how I'm supposed to look, the way Daryl did.”

Alice stopped what she was doing and wiped her eyes as tears started to flow down her cheeks.

“Oh, Mom. I'm so sorry. You know I love you. I don't want to hurt you. It's just that I have to be myself,” Jennifer said as she put her arms around her Mother and held her.

More tears came. “Let me go Jennifer,” Alice said as she dropped the spatula she was holding and fled from the room.

Jennifer leaned against the counter and closed her eyes while she took a deep breath and exhaled in an effort to calm herself and not burst into tears. Finally she turned off the burners under the griddle and picked up the spatula. She tried to finish the bacon and sausages that she had started, but after a minute her own tears made it impossible to see what she was doing. She turned off the gas burner and left the kitchen to seek the comfort of Alex's arms.

Alex met her in the hallway near their bedroom. “What...?” he asked as Jennifer grabbed his hand and pulled him back into the bedroom.

“It's Mom. She got very upset when I told her I would be bald for the wedding. She started to cry and wouldn't let me hug her,” Jennifer said as her own tears threatened to overwhelm her.

Alex held her and stroked her head as he tried to think of something to say to comfort her. “I love you Jennifer. Your brother loves you, your Father loves you and I know your Mother loves you too. She just has this vision that all Mother's have for their daughters, a beautiful bride with a long veil and a fancy coiffure under it. I'll bet she's had her heart set on it since you were born.”

“That right. She's always had her heart set on something like that. I remember her talking about it when I was little, but what am I going to do. She'll feel miserable the whole time. I want her to feel happy for herself and me, but I have to be myself. I'd feel ridiculous wearing a wig.”

“I know. Maybe you can come up with something that would satisfy her. I think we just have to be patient and keep reassuring her that it will be OK and that you're still the same girl that she's always known. Besides she must have noticed that your cousin Risa was very complimentary and thought you looked great. Won't she have some influence?”

“Maybe. I hope so. Lucie didn't seem critical either, so maybe she can help. Mom has always liked her. They get along really well.”

At that point there was a knock on the door.

Alex went to the door and opened it.

“Oh, hi Alex. Can I talk to Jennifer,” Hal said.

“Sure. Come on in.”

“What happened Jennifer. I couldn't make any sense out of what Mom was saying.”

Jennifer broke into tears again. “Oh, Hal. I don't know what to do. Mom asked me if I was going to grow my hair out for the wedding. Uh, uh, when I said that I wasn't uh, she, she, she got very upset and started to cry. I started to explain and tried to hug her, but, oohh, oohh, she ran out of the kitchen!” Jennifer finally got out amidst her sobs.

“Dad's talking to her. I don't know why she's so hung up about your hair. It's no big deal. Maybe Lucie could talk to her too. She told me that she thought you looked good once she got over the initial shock.”

An hour later Lucie and Hal tried to salvage the breakfast that was still sitting where Alice and Jennifer had left it. The bacon was inedible, but the sausage was salvageable. The first batch of pancakes were cold and soggy, but there was plenty of mix left to make more.

They all sat down and ate, although there was not much conversation. Alice hardly opened her mouth except when she took a bite of food. It was a somber meal despite the festive occasion, but at least Alice didn't break into tears again when she saw Jennifer.

The next day, was an improvement, if not as joyful as it might have been. Nothing more was said about Jennifer's lack of hair, and they all spent the day finishing the tree decorations, baking cookies, wrapping gifts and doing some last minute shopping.

Saturday Morning December Twenty Fourth

Deana

It was just shy of ten O'clock in the morning when Deana exited the train at the station that was only two block from Jennifer's apartment and three from George and Millie's barbershop. She walked briskly down the street toward the corner three blocks away. She had called the shop yesterday and spoken to Millie herself.
_____

“Hello, George and Millie's barbershop.”

“Uh, hi. My friend told me about you and I'd like to come in for a haircut. I'm coming by train and I wanted to be sure I know how to get to your shop from the station.”

“It's easy. Just get off at fifty-fourth and head down Brandywine to fifty- seventh. We're right around the corner to the left. You can't miss us. Can you tell me who recommended us?”

“Sure. It was Jennifer Colson. We work in the same office.”

“Jennifer! I'm Millie. I did her head the first time. What will I be doing for you?”

“The same as Jennifer. I finally made up my mind to have it done.”

“She's quite striking. I'll be happy to do you. I guarantee my work,” Millie laughed.

“I'll be there tomorrow morning. I'm Deana Carter.”

“I'll be expecting you.”
_____

Brandywine had shops on both sides for the first two blocks. The third block had become mostly apartment buildings with occasional ground floor shops. At the corner of fifty-seventy she turned left. There was a small drugstore on the corner and next to it a traditional barber pole was rotating slowly. Deana pulled open the door and stepped in to be greeted by George.

“Come on in and have a seat. You're next. We'll be with you in a few minutes.”

“Thanks.” Deana went down to the fourth chair which sat in front of Millie's station.

Millie, who was finishing a precise mushroom cut on an eight or nine year old boy, turned to her.

“Hello. You wouldn't be Deana would you?”

“That's right Millie. Your directions were perfect.”

“I'll be ready for you in just a couple of minutes. So you work with Jennifer?”

“Actually, she's my boss now. She got promoted a while back – almost a year ago. I like working in her group. I've wanted to try the bald look ever since she got hers shaved the first time.”

“So that's why you're here. Well, Millie can certainly do the job for you,” George laughed.

“OK. There you go Tommy. Go straight home now,” Millie said as she removed the cape from around him.

After sweeping up the hair from around her chair, Millie looked over at Deana.

“Ready?” Millie asked.

“Yes,” Deana answered as she stood up and quickly took a seat in Millie's chair.

“I've been wanting to do this for a long time. I'm looking forward to it.”

“You certainly seem eager enough,” Millie laughed as she wrapped the paper around Deana's neck and fastened the cape snugly over it.

“I am. I've already gotten a shaver and a couple of knit caps to wear outside when it's too cold to go bare headed,” Deana said.

“I guess I'd better get right to it then.”

“Absolutely. It's my Christmas present to myself. I told my best friend and my sister they could get me some special moisturizer for it,” Deana said as Millie began running a big clipper up the back of her head.

Deana's eyes got big as the sensation of the clipper going from her nape to her crown penetrated her awareness. Her hands tightened on the arms of the barber chair as her body took over and responded to the exhilarating sensation. She felt a shiver run from her head down her body followed by a second and then a third. After the third run of the clipper up the back of her head her body shuddered as she felt a flush rising up to her face and head. Millie continued to run the clipper up the back of her head, going over the same area several more times. Finally as the intensity of her response subsided Millie continued on the sides.

“I like your confidence. That's a big part of being bald if you're a woman,” Millie said as she continued to run her clipper up the sides and around Deana's ears. In what seemed like only a minute or too she had done the back and sides and had started at the front, running the clipper back over Deana's head. There was a pause as Millie switched to a different clipper.

“I'm going to go over it again with this close cutting clipper before I give you a proper shave,” Millie told her.

“I like the feel of the clipper on my head. It sent shivers down my spine.”

“I know. I felt it when you did that little dance,” Millie laughed. “You got a little flushed too. It happens to a lot of people, especially to women who're having a clipper going up the back for the first time.”

“Hum, That could make getting a buzz cut or head shave pretty enticing. Do you have many women to come in regularly for clipper haircuts?”

“A few. Sometimes they try to let it grow out, but after three or four months they return to get it clippered again. Then they get it cut shorter and shorter until somebody like their husband or girl friend makes a slightly negative comment and they start letting it grow again. There. You're clippered as close as I can do it. Now it time to get rid of the bristles. What do you think of it so far,” Millie said as she turned Deana to face the mirror.

Deana looked at her newly bare head, turning it from side to side and up and down in order to try to see it all. A smile began to illuminate her face as she realized how good she looked.

“I love it! It looks great. I knew that I was going to like it, but it's even better than I thought it would be!

“It will be even better when it's baby smooth,” Millie laughed. “I'm going to give you the works – hot towel and a hot lather shave. And afterwards you'll need to find someone nice to give you a good head massage with oil every once in a while!”

Half an hour later, her head shaved baby smooth, just as Millie had promised, Deana stood in front of the mirror admiring her new look and enjoying the luxurious feeling of her smooth head.

“I'm absolutely thrilled, Millie. It feels so wonderful, and I think I'm gorgeous like this. My sister is going to flip too. I told her I was going to get it shaved. She said I was crazy, but I'll bet she'll admit that it looks great! Deana exclaimed.

“Of course she will if she has a brain in her head. You bald ladies certainly put woman with hair to shame,” George said.

“This is the best Christmas present I've ever had! And it feels so good! I have a feeling that I'm going to be bald for a long time, maybe forever like Jennifer.”

Three customers had arrived after Deana, one of whom was a teenage girl with her hair in a short spiky style.

“You really do look good with your head shaved like that. I'd like to try that, but my folks would throw a fit.”

“Thanks. I guess most people will think I'm crazy, but I don't care. Thanks Millie. You did a great job. It's a wonderful feeling. I feel like I'm dancing on air.”

“Did you bring a cap. It's pretty chilly out and you haven't had time to get used to having your head exposed,” Millie cautioned her as she headed toward the door.

“That's right. It is cool. I'm so excited about showing off my new bald head that I completely forgot. I brought a knit stocking cap to wear. It's here in my bag somewhere. Here it is,” Deana said as she retrieved a red stocking cap with a long tassel. She pulled it onto her head and swung it around to show it off. “How's that?”

“That works fine and it looks good. You'll turn a few heads when you pull it off,” Millie said.

“Bye everybody. Have a great Christmas,” Deana said as she waltzed out of the barbershop and headed back to the station.

Jennifer and Risa

Risa, Thom and their two kids arrived shortly after lunch and would stay through the day until Erica and Danny were ready for bed. They would return Christmas day as well.

Risa was nearly as close to Alice and Ray, her Mother's brother, as Jennifer. Her parents had divorced when she was only five and Jennifer was three. For the next twelve years she had stayed with Jennifer's family most of the day while her Mother worked. Then she started college and lived at home while she attended classes at the local community college for her first two years. A welcome scholarship and two small grants had allowed her to transfer to State University for her last two years. Two years after graduation her Mother had died, leaving her without family except for Alice and Ray.

That afternoon while Ray, Hal, Thom and Alex watched a game and the four women helped prepare a dinner almost as elaborate as the one they would have the next day, Jennifer used the time to talk about her wedding plans.

“Risa, I want you to be in my wedding as my Matron of Honor.”

“I'd be delighted. You were my Maid of Honor and I certainly want to return the favor. I'll need to talk to Thom about it.”

“Will he object?” Jennifer asked perplexed.

“No, it's something else. I'll tell you later. Is Tony going to be in it?”

“Of course. She'll be my maid of honor. The other bridesmaid will be Alex's sister Julie.”

That sounds just right. I know you wanted to keep it simple.”

“Yes we do, but I still want to have everyone in the family involved. I want to have Thom and Hal be the ushers. And Lucie I want you to be involved too. Would you be willing to be the official greeter and get everyone to sign the guest register. I know you won't know very many of the people who will come, but I want it to be a family affair.”

“Of course I'll do it. I'm honored. Sisters-in-law don't usually get invited to participate.”

“Thanks Lucie. I really appreciate how supportive you've been. Risa, do you think Erica would like to be the flower girl?”

“Are you kidding? She'd love it. She thinks you're her fairy godmother,” Risa laughed.

“I know I've been acting like a doting aunt, but she was the first of the next generation and I couldn't help it. She's such a sweetheart.”

“Good thing you're not closer. You'd spoil her rotten,” Risa laughed.

“I suppose I would. How about Danny. Would he be willing to be the ring bearer?”

“He doesn't like to be left out of whatever Erica's doing, so I'm betting he'll want to do it.”

The discussion continued with questions about what to wear, the color of the bridesmaid's dresses and all of the important details of a wedding, even a small one. Alice began to join in as the discussion got into the smaller details. It was during the discussion of head pieces for the bridesmaids that Risa had an inspiration.

“I just had a thought. I remember seeing a jeweled net cap that you wear over your hair. It doesn't actually cover your hair because it is very open, just a lot of pearls on a silk net with large openings about an inch square. It had loose strands of pearls hanging down the sides. Jennifer, you could wear one with pearls, and the bridesmaids could wear ones with some other color glass beads. Maybe we could each have a different colored one.”

“I think I've seen something like that,” Lucie said. “That could be very attractive and different.”

“That sounds interesting Risa. I'd like to see a picture though. Do you have any idea where you could get them,” Jennifer asked.

“I don't know, but maybe a bridal shop would have some idea. If not we could just have them made if I can find an illustration,” Risa suggested.

“That sounds like a great idea. Jennifer would look very beautiful with a beaded headdress like that and a silk veil. What do you think Mother Alice?” Lucie asked.

Alice hesitated, but finally voiced some mild approval. “I guess it wouldn't look so bad. All of you seem to think she looks attractive with no hair on her head. I don't understand it though.”

“Aunt Alice, I understand how you expect women and girls to have hair, but it's just what we've always thought was normal. You've seen lots of women with buzz cuts and probably a few with shaved heads. It's getting much more acceptable. I thought she would look strange too, but when I saw her I realized she looked beautiful. She is beautiful with her bald head. If that's how she wants to look I'm all for it,” Risa said.

“At first I was inclined to be like you Mother Alice, but after being with her for the last two days, I realize just how striking and yes, even sexy she is. Just ask Hal and Thom. You already know how Alex feels. I'm sorry Jennifer. I shouldn't talking about you like that,” Lucie said.

“It's OK Lucie. It makes me feel better to know you don't think I'm crazy. And Mom, I'll be happy to wear some kind of head covering for the ceremony. I think the idea that Risa suggested could be quite attractive. I don't mind wearing something that is attractive and decorative,” Jennifer said.

“I guess I have to accept it Jennifer. Everyone seems to be against me, even Ray thinks you look splendid. I just hope our friends don't think that I've raised some kind of a crazy beatnik daughter,” Alice responded.

“Aunt Alice! How could you think of something like that? Jennifer works for a big company and has a very important job. If she wasn't a very capable and responsible person would they put her in charge of a whole group of people? Of course not. She's the same person she's always been. She just has a lot more self- confidence than she used to. You should be very proud of her.”

“I am proud of her. It's just so hard for me to look at her now. She doesn't look like my daughter.”

“Now I understand. You still see her as the little girl that you raised and sent to college, but she's a grown woman now and you have to let go. You know she loves you dearly and unconditionally. You need to be happy for her and accept her the way she accepts you,” Lucie said.

“It's OK Mom. Whatever you feel is OK. I'm not going to stop loving you.”

“Maybe I'll get over it after a while, but it's always going to seem strange to have a bald daughter.”

“Think of it this way Aunt Alice. What if she had alopecia, that condition that causes women to lose their hair. Wouldn't you accept her like that if she decided she didn't want to wear a wig all the time? There are quite a few women with alopecia who throw away their wigs. Jennifer is not much different.”

“I guess I can see that, but why would anyone just up and decide to be bald and then stay that way if they don't have to?”

“Well, I.....” Risa started to answer when Jennifer interrupted.

“Let me answer that Risa. Mom, I've had two different boyfriends who seemed to be more interested in my hair than in me. You know how Daryl badgered me to let my hair grow and get it dyed blond. Well, I'm more than my hair. I decided if someone was going to be interested , they'd have to be interested in me, not my hair. And that's what happened. Alex was interested in me, with or without hair. He loves me just the way I am. And I'm happy without hair.”

“Right on Jennifer,” Risa said.

“I second that sentiment. I can't count the hours I spent trying to use my hair to attract some guy who turned out to be a jerk. Fortunately I met Hal and he was interested in me, just like Jennifer said. I'm sure he'd be no different if I had alopecia and didn't wear a wig.”

“I understand what you're saying. I'm sorry if I hurt you Jennifer. I'll try not to think about it. Maybe after a while I'll get used to the idea. I won't make a fuss any more.”

“Can I hug you Mom? You know that I love you so much.”

Alice turned to Jennifer and held out her arms. Jennifer hugged her and gave her a kiss on the cheek. They held each other for a long moment before breaking. Some tears were present also.

“It's going to be a beautiful wedding Mom. We'll make it special for you.”

The rest of the day and Christmas day itself followed joyfully. Alice had nothing more to say about Jennifer's lack of hair, although Risa and Lucie brought it up a couple of times.

Erica persisted in wanting to feel her head and badgering Risa to be allowed to have her head shaved. Even Danny wanted to feel Jennifer's head and expressed the idea of getting his hair “cut like cousin Jennifer's.”

On Monday afternoon Jennifer and Lucie found themselves sitting alone in the family room talking about nothing in particular when Lucie brought up the subject of Jennifer's baldness.

“You know Jennifer, I've tried to be nonchalant about you being bald, but my curiosity has finally gotten the better of me. I'm very curious about how your head feels. I suppose it's silly and it feels just like you'd expect skin to feel, but would you be offended if I felt it?”

Jennifer laughed. “Everybody has that reaction. I don't know how you managed to keep it under control this long. Of course you can feel it. Don't be shy, come on over here and feel it,” Jennifer said.

“Wow, it is nice and soft. I thought I'd feel some bristles, but it's just smooth and soft.”

“That's right Lucie. It's the laser treatments. Even if I didn't shave you'd hardly even notice any hair for several days and what you did see would be fine and soft. By the time the wedding comes around there'll be almost nothing and I'll have stopped shaving. Please don't tell Mom, but I couldn't grow any hair now even if I changed my mind,” confided.

“Oh. I know you're having laser treatments, but I didn't realize it was that advanced. So, for all practical purposes you're just like those women who have alopecia.”

Yes. That was a very good analogy that you and Risa used. That's the way I am now. Nothing can change it.”

“I've reached the point that I think you look beautifully sophisticated and elegant.”

“Thanks, Lucie. Somehow it grows on you. You have to have some confidence and maybe that's what comes across.”

“It does. And the ideas get into your head too. At least it got into mine. Maybe someday I'll try it. Probably not though. I don't have that much courage and confidence.”

“You never know Lucie. Maybe you do.”

Alex continued to shave her daily, but there was very little growth now – probably no more than one tenth of the original. Much of the remaining hair was lighter colored and fine, a consequence of the laser treatments. Jennifer was effectively bald although she would have at least one more treatment.

Monday morning Jennifer and Alex borrowed Alice's car and went to visit Risa and her kids. They had just gotten into the house when Risa wanted to show them something on her computer.

“Come on Jennifer I found a picture. I've got it on my computer,” Risa said enthusiastically.

“Oh my. I like it Risa. I wouldn't mind wearing something like that at all. Can you put it on a disc and print a copy for Mom?”

“Sure. I think it does look nice. It would be especially nice with your wedding gown. Of course her glasses distract from the look, so you probably don't get the full effect,” Risa said.

“Do you think the bridesmaids would be interested in wearing something like that?”

“I don't see why not. It would be different and interesting. We could wear that instead of the usual thingies. I have an idea where I could get them made too. I'll check it out.”

“That would be great. I'll show the picture to Julie, Alex's sister. I'll let you know if she and Tony go along with the idea.”

“Mommy, if I'm the flower girl I want to wear one of those with no hair,” Erika said with conviction.

“We'll talk about it later, when the wedding gets closer,” Risa said hoping that Erica would forget about the idea after Jennifer had left.

“You're very persistent, aren't you,” Jennifer said to Erica.

“What does persistent mean?”

“It means you keep asking and trying to make something happen, or to do something yourself. When you keep asking something over and over someone might say you're pestering them,” Jennifer said with a little smile.

“I want to have no hair just like you, cousin Jennifer. I'm going to keep asking until Mommy let's me get it cut like yours. I'm going to be persisant.”

Risa rolled her eyes and gave Jennifer a look that said, now look what you've gotten me into.

“We're not going to talk about it any more until after school is out,” Risa said firmly.

“But....”

“No buts Erica,” Risa warned her.

“I think you'd better pay attention to your Mommy, just the way I always did,” Jennifer said trying to repair the damage that she had done.

“OK, I'll wait till school is out, then I'll be persisant again.”

Jennifer coughed trying to keep from laughing.

“OK, Erica, just mind you Mommy and give me a hug. Alex and I have to go back to Aunt Alice's house now. I'll see you again in the summer when you come to Groveton for the wedding.”

“OK. I'll mind her, but I want to have my hair cut off before I come.”

“Whatever you Mommy says is what you should do. Bye.”

“I'll let you know what I find out about the beaded head covering. It will be a fine wedding.”

“Thanks Risa. I couldn't hope to have a sister better than you.”

“Go on. We always got along well, not like sisters,” Risa laughed.

“I think you're right. I'll see you in July. Say goodbye to Thom for me.”

That evening with Alice and Ray was very relaxing for Jennifer. She spent time with Alice discussing plans for the wedding and talking about the condo that she and Alex would move into in late April or early May.

“As soon as we have things in some semblance of order I want to have you and Dad come visit. There are lots of things to see and do that are easy to get to without driving. You've never been able to see much of the city when you've visited. And you can help with getting things sorted out for the wedding.”

“I'm sure Ray would love to come and so would I. I'll talk to him about it. Let us know when you'd like us.”

“I will. Probably in May or maybe in June. We'll figure it out later. I'd better go get my stuff packed so I'll be ready to leave after breakfast.”

Tuesday, December 27

Jennifer and Alice

Alice had gotten up early to fix a special breakfast for Jennifer and Alex. She was chopping sweet orange and yellow peppers for omelets when Jennifer arrived – her head freshly shaved smooth.

“Morning Mom. Can I help?”

“Sure. There's sausage in the fridge that needs frying. It's nice having you in the kitchen with me just like you used to do when you were ten years old. You loved to fry the bacon and sausage.”

“I still do Mom. It was always one of the best times because we felt so together.”

“I want to be together with you too, but you're not ten years old any more. You're almost thirty – a mature woman with a bald head. When I think about it like that I can see you the way you are. You're quite beautiful and very elegant looking. It was time for me to let go wasn't it? You're not ever going to have any hair again, are you?”

“It was time, Mom. And no, I'm not going to have hair ever again. I do love you. It's a different kind of love now, but it's just as much and just as strong.”

“I know. Come here and give me a hug. I want to feel you bald head. It's time I discovered why everyone oohs and aahs when they feel it.”

Jennifer Laughed and hugged her making sure her Mom could feel her head ,which she did, then gently stroked it with her fingers.

“It is soft and smooth, and it does feel nice to run your fingers over it. I probably did that when you were a tiny baby.”

“I expect you did. Every Mother does that to her newborn. I think we all have some kind of subconscious memory from babyhood of being held close and having some one who loved us hold, pat or stroke our bald heads.”

“I'm sorry I made you feel so bad that morning. I wanted to hold on to my little girl. That was foolish of me. I just hadn't come to terms with the adult Jennifer. I have now I think. You're my wonderful smart and accomplished beautiful bald friend and adult daughter, not my little girl.”

“And we're going to have a wonderful time together fixing breakfast for the six of us,” Jennifer said blinking back the tears that had welled up.

“Yes, but first I have something for you,” Alice said. “I'll go get it.”

A few minutes later she returned with a small box.

“I knitted this years ago. I was going to give it to you as a Christmas present, but I changed my mind because I thought it wasn't much and I bought you something instead. I had forgotten all about it. I remembered it last night. I know it's not much, but I'd like you to have it it anyway. Somehow it seems appropriate.”

Jennifer opened the box and lifted out what proved to be a knit cap with a small tassel.

“Oh Mom! When did you make this? It's beautiful.” Jennifer tried it on. “It's perfect. It's a wonderful gift. I'm going to be wearing it everywhere.”

“I think you were in college and you had told me how cold it was on campus in Wisconsin. I hope it makes up a little bit for the way I acted earlier. I wouldn't want your beautiful bald head to freeze.”

“You don't need to make up for anything. You're a wonderful Mother. I'll tell everyone that my Mom made it for me. Now let's get this breakfast on the road,” Jennifer said as she put the sausage links into the skillet, still wearing the knitted cap with the little tassel.

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