Since moving to their new house across town, Sarah’s husband Tom had took to wearing his hair much shorter and having it cut much more often than he used to. When Sarah quizzed him as to why the new look, he would say that he had found a barber he was happy with and had taken their advice regarding his hairstyle.

Sarah was not entirely comfortable with this answer and felt that there was another reason. Both of them were creatures of habit who had their own set routines, but Sarah felt that Tom was beginning to take a lot more care over his appearance, especially his hair. However, he never worked late and spent most of his time in her company, so she dismissed thoughts of another woman. Still, she remained curious.

Hence, when Tom announced that he was going for another haircut, Sarah rose from the sofa and said that she was bored and wished to come along with him. Tom paused and looked at her puzzled.

“You want to come with me to the barbers?” he asked.

“Yeah, why not?” she replied.

“Well, nothing really, but it’s just a load of blokes getting their hair cut that’s all.”

“I know. But I fancy getting out for a bit.” Tom’s attempts to dissuade her were having the opposite effect.

“Well, I could drop you off somewhere. You could do some shopping and I’ll collect you later,” he suggested.

“Don’t you want me to go to the barbers with you?” she asked bluntly.

“No. No, I don’t mind, if you really want to. It’s just strange that’s all. You’ve never come with me before.”

“Right then, it’s agreed. I’ll get my coat.” Sarah was grasping the opportunity with both hands. She sensed Tom was not comfortable with the idea of her being with him, and wanted to know why.

There was little conversation in the car as they drove to the barbershop. Sarah’s mind was racing as to why Tom was so secretive and protective of his trip to the barbers, and Tom just sat there quietly driving.

As they turned the corner, into a small parking area, Sarah caught her first sight of the barbershop. Nothing special she thought, as she looked across at the small shop. A large front window displayed framed photographs of men’s heads, and there was an entrance door to the left-hand side. The standard red and white-stripped pole sticking out to one side and, over the front window, the shop name, `Barber Shop’. How original she thought! They both climbed out of the car and walked towards the shop. It’s interior was well lit, and Sarah had a good view as she approached. She could she that the shop went back a fair distance. There was a seating/waiting area just inside the front door, and then further back were the traditional red leather barber chairs set some distance away from the waiting area.

As they entered the shop, the door chimed. At first glance, there seemed to be nobody inside the shop. Tom indicated Sarah to sit in one of the waiting chairs and, as she was taking a seat, a young woman appeared from a rear room.

“Oh, hi Tom,” she cheerfully said, as she saw who had just come in.

“Hi Mandi,” he replied, adding, “..this is my wife Sarah. Sarah this is Mandi.”

Sarah took one look at Mandi, and suddenly realised why Tom was acting strange. Mandi was stunning. She was six foot tall, was superbly slim, incredibly attractive, and had gorgeous long, straight, black hair. She was dressed in a figure-hugging cashmere jumper, a short, black skirt, and wore boots with large heels. She was a sight to behold.

“Hi Sarah,” she said smiling,” Tom’s told me all about you!”

“Has he?” Sarah replied. “All good I hope?”

“Of course, he’s a really nice guy!”

Sarah was married to Tom. She knew Tom was a nice guy herself, and didn’t need no barbershop hussy telling her about her husband. She took an instant dislike to Mandi.

“Right then Tom, let’s get started. Your hair’s grown quite a bit hasn’t it? Come over here and I’ll tidy it up for you,” Mandi joyfully said, escorting Tom to one of the barber chairs.

Sarah sat by the front window, watching her husband get caped by this hussy. She watched how Mandi’s boot pressed a lever, pumping the chair upward. She watched how Mandi sprayed his hair with water, and then combed it through. She was too far away to hear what was being said, especially with Mandi’s radio turned up as loud as it was, but Mandi’s constant laughter could be heard. Sarah continued to watch her flirt throughout the haircut, how she appeared to lean her ample bosom over him at every opportunity, and how she would stroke his head with her hand too often for Sarah’s liking!

After what felt like an eternity, Mandi dusted off Tom’s neck and pulled the cape away from him. He handed her some money before walking back towards Sarah, followed closely by Mandi.

“Doesn’t he look better?” she asked Sarah.

“Yes, I suppose he does,” she replied in a carefree way. Actually she thought it was way too short, but she wasn’t going to let this hussy see her disapproval.

“Right then Sarah, you’re next!” Mandi declared.

Sarah looked up at her puzzled.

“Come on, it’s your turn now. It’s only fair, Tom’s had his hair cut. Let’s be having you!”

Sarah couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Mandi was talking to her like she was a child.

“Go on Sarah, you were only on about your splits ends the other day. Mandi will sort them out for you.” Tom added.

“There you go, more reason to come and take a seat.” Mandi was beginning to enjoy the situation she had put Sarah in to, and added mockingly, “You’re not scared to get your hair cut are you?”

“No, I’m not scared at all!” Sarah retorted.

“Well, I’m not going to hurt you!” Mandi continued with the mocking. “So why not come and take a seat and let me cut your hair.”

“Go on Sarah, you might as well. You’re here now anyway!” Tom was trying to encourage his wife.

“I didn’t come here to have a haircut!” Sarah said firmly.

“I know, but you are here and you did say you needed a haircut didn’t you?” Tom queried.

“Yes, I did!”

“There you go then, let’s get this show on the road,” Mandi triumphantly declared.

Sarah rose to her feet, and Tom put a guiding arm around her as if to support her as she walked towards the waiting barber’s chair. Mandi strode ahead, picking up the cape from off the back of the chair and shaking it loose. She then turned the chair to face the approaching Sarah, whilst holding a delighted grin on her face. Sarah looked up at her expression, and Mandi gave her a mischievous wink.

“Take a seat please,” Mandi teased as Sarah reached the chair.

She wasted no time in swinging the cape around Sarah and tightly fastening it around her neck. Sarah felt surreal, as she looked at her reflection in the large mirror. There, stood behind her, was Mandi and Tom. Mandi placed her boot on the pedal and pumped the chair up a couple of times.

“Comfortable?” she enquired.

“Yes, I think so.” Sarah nervously replied. Now caped, she felt extremely vulnerable. Mandi, on the opposite hand, seemed to have grown with confidence. She had her victim where she wanted her.

Mandi combed out Sarah’s black hair slowly, as if marvelling at its length. “How long has she had this style?” She asked Tom.

Sarah thought it was odd that she direct the question to him. It was her hair after all.

“For as long as I’ve known her. She’s had it trimmed regularly, but she’s never had any other style. It’s always been the same shoulder length bob.” Tom advised.

“I like it bobbed!” Sarah interrupted.

“How about you Tom, do you like it bobbed?” Mandi cheekily asked.

“I think she could change it more often.”

“So do I. How about if we try something shorter?” Mandi suggested menacingly.

“How much shorter?” Sarah was becoming uncomfortable with this conversation.

Mandi picked up her scissors, slid the blades into Sarah’s hair and snipped. Sarah was unable to see how much she had cut from the back of her head, but could gauge that it was substantial by Tom’s expressi
on. Again, the blades of the scissors were brought together and Sarah could hear the crunch of her hair being cut. Again, and again, and again. Mandi appeared to be cutting straight across the back, level with the bottom of Sarah’s ear!!

“What are you doing??” Sarah cried out.

“Giving you a bob to die for, now sit still. I haven’t finished yet!” Mandi replied in a low, firm voice.

Sarah now felt like a child, helpless and vulnerable. She watched her husband, through the mirror, as he just stood there seemingly enjoying every minute of her torment.

Mandi reached forward and unhooked the electric clippers from the counter. With a click, the clippers burst into life. Sarah sat motionless, terrified by the image of Mandi holding the clippers. Mandi caught her looking and smiled at her.

“You will look so sweet with short hair Sarah, “she gleefully said.

“Don’t cut it too short, please!” Sarah began to plead with Mandi, which Mandi revelled in. “I don’t like short hair!”

At that moment, the head of the clippers touched Sarah’s nape, and she felt Mandi push them upward, stopping at where she hair cut the length with her scissors. Repeatedly, the clippers were pushed into her neck, and upward to her new hairline. Then Mandi jabbed the clipper head against her temples, and around her ears. Sarah could see her beloved shoulder-length bob transformed into a pudding-basin style.

“That’s beautiful,” remarked Tom.

“Do you like it sweetie?” Mandi asked him.

“Yes, it’s perfect!”

“It just needs to be wet shaved all round and we’ll be done. That is, unless Sarah would like it shorter?” Mandi chuckled.

With that she hung the clippers back up, picked up a razor and shaving bowl, and began soaping up Sarah’s neck. She plastered soap along the shorn sides of her head, above her ears and alongside her temples. Then, with military precision, she scraped the last remnants of hair off with the razor.

Sarah was left sitting there looking at her new pudding-basin hairstyle, through the mirror’s reflection, as Mandi stepped back and admired her work.

“Isn’t she great?” Tom asked Sarah.

“What? Look what she’s done to me! I look like a freak! Tom, how could you do this to me?

“Don’t you like it?” He asked grinning.

Sarah looked at him in disbelief. Why was he laughing, couldn’t he see she was upset? How could he be so heartless?

Tom then slipped his arm around Mandi’s waist.

“You were going to find out soon enough anyway, but you’ve forced the issue insisting on coming here today. I’m leaving you Sarah. I’m tired of you and your ways. We’re finished!”

Sarah sat there devastated, she had never imagined that Tom could be so cold.

“The good news is that I’ve given you a super haircut! Now you won’t look so frumpy when you go out dating will you?” Mandi sarcastically added.

Sarah leapt out of the chair and ran out of the shop crying. Tom watched her leave and suddenly felt guilty over how he had treated her. They had spent happy times together, and she really didn’t deserve this.

Mandi, still smirking, picked up her broom and began sweeping the long, black tresses into a pile.