Steps - Day 1

Step 1 is the beginning of the end
Of a passionate adventure,
Made for those
Who no
Longer
Care

Late again. She was always late. Its not that she didn’t rush around. Rush around was her mantra. But the more she rushed, the later she was. That didn’t cause her to stop rushing though.

This morning, she was late for a hair appointment. It wasn’t that her hair needed it, (she always kept it short and the blonde color was still natural), but she liked the feel of that “just got my hair done” feel. Just like she liked the feel of her stylish shoes, designer purses, and flippy skirts that showed off her legs.

“Oh Mary, I’m sorry I’m late,” she blurted out as she shoved open the Hair Boutique’s glass door. “Can you still fix this mess?”, pointing to her hair which was anything but a mess.

Mary stepped away from the hair washing sink where she had been giving a gray-hair a thorough shampoo. “I’m sorry Ms. Rossick, but I waited as long as I could, then I had to start taking care of the rest of my appointments.”

“Oh Mary, you have to work me in. I can’t face the day looking like this.”

This was a weekly scene between Mary and Ms. Rossick. Ms. Rossick would come in late. Mary would say its too late. Ms. Rossick would pled. Mary would shuffle her appointments, and the day would continue.

Today would be different. Today Mary responded, “I’m sorry Ms. Rossick, I am unable to do anything for you today…”

There was a brief moment of silence, as the entire shop waited to see what would happen with this plot twist that was just introduced.

“… but I tell you what. We just added a new beautician. His name is Roberto. He comes highly recommended and has no clients yet, so I’m sure he is free. How would that be, Ms. Rossick.”

Still stunned by the change in the normal routine, Ms. Rossick just mumbled, “Well I guess …” and faded off.

Mary, in a very pleasant voice (underpinned by “I finally was able to stand up to you” feel) pointed to the drawn curtain in the back. “Roberto set up shop in the back until we can do some rearranging out here. Just go on back and let him know what you want done.”

The entire store seemed quite pleased that Mary had finally stood up to Ms. Rossick – the whole store, that is, except Ms. Rossick herself. She just gathered her self up, rewound her motor, and bustled toward the back of the room.

“He is right behind that curtain, Ms. Rossick.”

“Roberto? Roberto? I need a shampoo and a comb out and I need it quickly. I’m late for a meeting with the developers…”

As she thrust the curtains back and saw Roberto, she stopped completely, and stared.

“Hello Ms. Rossick. I’m very glad to see you again.”

Ms. Rossick didn’t move, didn’t say anything, didn’t even breath.”

“Frank?”