Running With the Wolves

Chapter 8

"I can't do this," I wheezed, hugging myself. "I can't do this!"

"Oh, shut up. You don't even have the dress pulled out of the closet," Rose laughed, shoving me down next to my vanity. "First I'll do your hair, and then your makeup, and then we'll get you into that dress, okay?"

"Do I have a choice?"

"Nope!" She chirped happily. I rolled my eyes and crossed my legs on the little bench, assuming the position for my torture.

"What are you doing?" I asked as she leaned over my shoulder and grabbed something. Her face reappeared into my vision, a creepily white smile plastered onto it. It quickly turned into a grimace, however.

"Oh, my gosh. Are those caterpillars on your face your eyebrows?" She screeched. I winced and sighed.

"Yes?"

"I thought I could fix this. But, I can't. We have to go to that salon in town. Come on. Get in the car."

I scowled at my best friend. "Are you freaking kidding me? A salon? Rose, why can't you do it?"

"Because these-" she held up the tweezers she'd grabbed earlier, "-are not going to cut it."

"Ugh!" I groaned, throwing up my hands in defeat. "Fine! But you're paying for everything."

She grinned and took my hand, dragging me out to her car and tossing me in. As she pulled away, I grumbled about salons and everything I hated about them. In Texas, they reeked of hairspray and nail polish.

"They're not like that here in Deep Valley," Rose explained. "Especially not my favorite one."

When we pulled up, I immediately noticed the difference. This one looked like a house. A regular, two-story house with cute little shutters in the front that made me smile. It was probably originally painted red, but over time, it had faded to a rusty color that reminded me of my sister and mother's hair. Rose led me in, where we were greeted by a very, very short lady.

"Hello, Rose!" She exclaimed, pulling my friend into a tight bear hug. Her wise looking eyes found me directly after, squinting as if to recognize me. "Oh, hi, dear. My name is Margo. I own this old dump."

"I think it charming," I replied, smiling at her warmly. "My name is Angel. It's great to meet you."

"Likewise, dear," She told me, a sweet smile spread across her face. She turned back to Rose. "So, what will it be? The usual, or are you trying something else with you friend?"

"Hmm. I was thinking... could we get one of everything? The mineral bath, the seaweed wrap, Swedish massage, mani and pedi, my darling little flower here desperately needs her eyebrows done, so I guess I'll get mine done, too. I think that's it, Margo!"

Do regular salons even do all of that? I shook my head and closed my mouth. Rose was right, this definitely not like those fire traps back in Texas. Margo simply smiled and nodded, before leading us down a long corridor and into a room in the back. Two old style porcelain tubs stood side by side, already full of steaming hot water. As I scanned the room, I realized that everything Rose had asked for had a specific set up in different parts of the room, a few attendants rushing around and perfecting everything.

"Strip," Rose commanded, already pulling off her clothes. I choked on my own sassy retort, watching as an attendant helped her into one of the baths. Another came up to me.

"Is this your first time?" She asked. I nodded dazedly, looking around me. This was not what I'd expected. "Well, we're going to soak you in a nice hot tub filled with mineral water. It will pull those toxins right out, I think." I whirled and looked at the young woman next to me. She couldn't be serious. She didn't know what these things did?