"I've got to cover it up somehow." Kayla told her, with an awkward shrug.
"This is going to be way easier than I thought it would be." Hayley let out a sigh of relief, as she rushed over to hug her reluctant friend.
"What do you mean?" Kayla shook off her friends arms.
"Why did you never just make a fringe?" Hayley asked, as she gathered Kayla's hair up, and swept the front portion of it over her face. "See problem solved."
"I can't see anything, but hair." Kayla blew out a breath to get the stands from out of her eyes. Hayley laughed, but quickly moved the swath of hair back from her face.
"See, we just cut this piece into a fringe and voila, nobody will ever see your half baldness again, including you." Hayley clicked her fingers with a reassuring grin and Kayla groaned.
"It can't be that simple." She grouched.
"Do you trust me?" Hayley said, returning to her serious face.
"Yes, I trust you." Kayla replied with no hesitation.
"Good, then let's get this makeover started. We have appointments scheduled in half an hour, so it's time to move."
Kayla sat with her feet in warm water on a delightful chair that massaged her back, while a woman fussed over her hands. She had never gone to a shop for a proper pedicure or manicure before. She felt somewhere between exposed and overly relaxed at so much pampering.
"So have you decided what you're wearing tonight?" Hayley asked from the chair next to her.
"I don't really know." Kayla admitted to Hayley's loud sighs. She had been more worried about the makeover to concern herself with what to wear
"Looks like we're shopping for an outfit between appointments then."
Kayla felt a bit sad to put her stunning, sparkly polished toes back into her sneakers. She had to admit that she enjoyed the pampering with getting her nails done more than she had ever thought. The shopping for an outfit thing wasn’t high on her list of priorities, but Hayley refused to listen to her.
Dresses, shoes, jewellery, and even underwear were all a part of Hayley's internal list for her. Kayla refused to look for anything, but the dress and some pretty sandals that she found, to Hayley's immense disappointment.
They eventually decided on a deep blue dress that Kayla thought matched Isaac's eyes. She didn't tell Hayley that though. Hayley's approved the dress, and Kayla felt comfortable wearing it.
With its modest square neckline, cute little capped sleeves, and wonderful layers that fell down to her knees, it made her smile. She found it immensely cute and very wearable, especially for a girl that never really wore dresses.
"Are you ready for this?" Hayley asked, as they stood outside the hairdressers.
"Not really, but I've come this far, so there's no use going back is there?" Kayla said nervously.
"Hat, please." Hayley held out her hand, and with a deep breath, Kayla pulled off the hat that she had worn.
She had been surprised when Hayley let her leave the house complete with her favourite hat on her head. She hadn't mentioned it once in the whole of their makeover journey, but it seemed that time was at an end.
"This is the last time that you will wear a hat all day." Hayley said determinedly, as she stuffed the hat into her handbag.
"I'm not that sure about that." Kayla eyed the handbag rather desperately.
"I will ask you that when we are done here." Hayley's voice went smug, as she grabbed her friends arm, and dragged her into the salon.
Kayla stared at the image in the mirror, not sure whether to laugh or cry tears of joy. Hayley had been right about her hair. A long dark fringe covered her hideous forehead. It stopped just above her eyes, while her long hair had been simply trimmed and made tidy. She looked like a different person.
"If only I knew that this was the problem years ago," Hayley said with a roll of her eyes, as she stood behind her friend.
"Oh, hush," Kayla told her, even as she continued to admire her image.
She had stopped looking at Hayley's bag where her hat stayed a while ago. She felt that she no longer needed a hat, and Kayla never thought that she would say that. She was amazed that something so simple could make her look so much better.
"Thank you, Hayley," Kayla said softly, as tears filled her eyes.
"It's okay, girl," she gave her friend a sideways hug. "Now, let's get some lunch, before make up and go time." Hayley giggled, as she pulled Kayla from her chair.
Back at Hayley's house, Kayla felt a bit awkward and filled with trembling nerves. She wasn't sure what Isaac would think of her new style, and she wasn't sure if she wanted to know. He might hate it and what then. Now, as their date crept closer, she was feeling a lot more on edge and uncomfortable.
"Hey, are you girls back so soon?" Kayla turned at Isaac's voice.
She heard his harsh intake of breath, and wanted to look away. His heated, amazed gaze captured hers, and he appeared spellbound. He stood there looking wonderfully handsome as always, but a little on the stunned side. They stared at each other for a long time, before he smiled a very appreciative smile.
"Kayla?" Her name came out soft with a hint of disbelief.
"Great, Isaac, you've gone and spoiled everything!" Hayley's frustrated voice sounded, breaking them apart. Hayley jumped in front of Kayla, and glared at her brother.
"How?" Isaac asked, with a puzzled frown.
"You took away the surprise! Get away from us now. You can see her when you're ready for the date." Hayley pushed at her brother but he refused to move even an inch.
He sent a wink to Kayla, before reaching out a hand to her. She shyly clasped his hand, as she stepped past Hayley. He pulled her over next to him, and smartly ran for the door. Kayla trailed behind him with a laugh. She still wasn't used to her new fringe, which bobbed in her face with her movements.
"Isaac!" Hayley's fury was immense, as she quickly tried to follow them.
"C'mon, hurry." Isaac called, as he somehow snuck them around until they were at the bottom of the staircase.
She followed with sneaky steps, glancing back fervently to look for Hayley. She had no idea what they were doing, but she was having an immense amount of fun hiding from Hayley.
They crept up the steps together, with Kayla trying to contain her giggles. They made it to the top level, and she found Isaac pushing her into a room. Without realising it, she had entered his bedroom, where he claimed that no other girls had been. He closed the door behind her with a snap, and her enjoyment disappeared.
"I like this," Isaac ran a hand through her fringe, as he backed her against the door.
"Do you?" Kayla asked, as she watched him carefully.
"Yeah, you look different, but it's a good different. It's always nice to see your face." He sent her that brilliant smile, which twisted her insides pleasantly.
"Hayley stole my hat." Kayla admitted, as he leaned in closer so that she could hardly breathe.
"That sounds like my sister alright." He said, while pushing his body flush against hers.
Kayla sucked in a breath. This was the most physical that he had been with her all week. He had done nothing, but hold her hand, give her a chaste kiss on the cheek, or a quick hug for the last few days. This was a completely new Isaac.
She was thrilled and captivated, as he pressed his forehead to hers. Her breath caught, as his lips softly brushed against hers. She felt dazed and filled with tingles that radiated from her lips all the way through her body with a shattering intensity. Just as he wrapped his arms around her waist, a hammering noise shook the door and Isaac grinned.
"I guess I had better let you go," he said in a low voice, as he pressed his lips to hers again.
"Yeah," she mumbled out an agreement, as he took the chance to steal yet another kiss.
She felt rather dizzy. A flushed, happy dizzy that made her wish for even more kisses from him. He left her breathless, and wanting every time their lips broke apart.
"Kayla, do you even realise that you're in his room?" Hayley's wo
rds from outside the door dragged her from her wonderful haze.
"What the?" She snapped her head around, and sure enough, the room looked unfamiliar. How had she forgotten that she was in his room?
"I had to find somewhere private," he admitted freely. "Plus, you know that no girl has ever truly been here but you." He said the last words against her ear, and she shivered.
She looked at him, took in the depths of his beautiful blue that were blazing with heat. She saw that earnest little blush, which always seemed to fill his cheeks when he was talking to her about important things.
She sighed, a happy noise, as her concern about being in his room dwindled. She reached out a hand shyly to touch his face. The reminder of his midnight admission, and how she hadn't quite believed him at the time, but she did now.
"I know." She told him before smiling at him.
Her admission shocked him, as much as her staying in place. She believed him, and that was more important than anything in his world was. With a joyful realisation, he knew they she was starting to trust him. A pleasant feeling unfurled in his chest, and the intensity of it startled him.
"Seriously now, I'm going to tell Mum if you two don't get out here right now!" Hayley demanded, making Isaac huff.
"She will too," he agreed regretfully, as he pulled Kayla away from the door. "We're coming. I don't know who is the bossier of you two," he grouched, as he opened the door.
"She is!" Both girls exclaimed at once, before Kayla let out a nervous giggle.
"Let's go, you," Hayley pulled on Kayla’s arm while sending her brother a stern look. "You keep busy elsewhere," she flicked her fingers at him, before marching Kayla into her room.
"What was that about?" Kayla asked when they were alone.
"I can't believe you of all people just said that!" Hayley crossed her arms over her chest. "You were in his room, Kayla." Hayley's voice rose, as she emphasised every word.
"Hayley, all he did was kiss me and complement my haircut, he wasn't trying anything else," Kayla reassured her.
"Yeah, right," Hayley snorted. "Do you even know how many girls he's had in that room?"
"Yes, actually I do." Kayla told her calmly, and her friend looked surprised.
"Damn, what lies has he told you?" Hayley rubbed at her forehead with her fingers.
"Hayley, I've been the only girl in his room, and I believe him." Kayla told her, and Hayley groaned.
"That has got to be the biggest lie ever. You know the girls he's dated, and the stories they tell about him." Hayley sent her a stern motherly frown.
"How many girls have you seen up here?" Kayla asked smoothly.
"That doesn't matter."
"Yes, it does, how many?" Kayla insisted.
"Alright, none. That doesn't mean anything." Hayley waved her arms wildly in the air.
"He has never had a girl in his room, because he uses the old tree house." Kayla stated unsubtly. Hayley's mouth dropped open, before she appeared completely disgusted.
"Ewww, I definitely didn't need to know that." Hayley jumped up and down, shaking herself dramatically, and Kayla laughed at her silliness.
"Sorry, but you kept pressing the issue." Kayla replied with a grin.
Hayley looked at her friend from between her fingers, and turned thoughtful. She had never seen Kayla looking so happy and carefree before. She wondered for the hundredth time whether she should have stayed away from the whole Kayla and Isaac thing. She really didn't want her friend to walk away broken hearted.
"Okay, now that I've scrubbed that image from my mind, perhaps we can get you ready." Hayley shuddered all over, before pointing Kayla to a chair.
An hour or so later, Hayley was nodding her head with satisfaction. Kayla had protested all the makeup that she had wanted to use, especially on her eyes. Hayley's argued back that she had to wear her contacts if she was being mostly makeup free.
When Kayla had looked at the curling wand suspiciously, Hayley had compromised, by leaving her hair to fall naturally down her back. At least she seemed satisfied with her friend’s appearance.
"You look great," Hayley said enthusiastically, as she stepped back to admire her work.
"I hate wearing contacts," Kayla grumbled, as her eye felt itchy.
"Hey, it's either that or be blind. I'm not letting your wear these ugly things on a date." Hayley held up her glasses triumphantly.
"Put them safely in their case, Hayley, or I will wear them." Kayla threatened, so Hayley gave in and stored then safely away.
"You look much better without them. Even if you got better frames it would improve on those." She flicked a hand towards her glass case.
"Maybe I will." Kayla mused, making her friend grin.
"I like this new 'can do' attitude of yours. It beats the old 'homework is everything' motto that you used to have."
"Hey!" Kayla went to protest, as a soft knock sounded on the bedroom door.
"Are you ready for this?" Hayley asked, turning to her friend.
In one swift second, all her earlier anxiety and nerves sprang forth to flare inside of her like crazed butterflies. She swished her hands along the soft material of her dress to calm her sweaty palms and edgy stomach. Her growing apprehension fought with the excitement about what could happen in the next few hours.
This may be her one and only chance of ever having a date with Isaac. Her worry about screwing up the date continued increasing, but she made herself walk forward. With as much calmness as she could muster, she forced the negative emotions away.
She walked over to the door, and reached for the handle. With a deep breath, she opened it to a handsome Isaac, whose eyes bulged at the sight of her. He looked deliciously good in just jeans, and a button down shirt.
"Wow, now that was worth the wait!" Isaac exclaimed, as he grinned at her, and she couldn't help the blush that stained her cheeks at the compliment. "Are you ready to go?"
"Yes, I just need to grab..." Kayla turned back to the room, only to find Hayley passing her handbag to her.
"Don't let him talk you into anything that you don't want to do," Hayley said in a loud whisper, which made Isaac frown.
"Hayles, relax already, it's just a date," Isaac tried to calm his sister, only to find Kayla looking hurt. "You know what I mean. C'mon," he grabbed Kayla's hand, and pulled her down the stairs.
"Isaac, slow down." Kayla told him.
She tugged on her captured hand to try to get his attention when he ignored her words. She couldn't take another step, as he stopped abruptly, and turned to her. He cupped his hands around her cheeks, and sent her a sombre look. With him being on a lower step on the stairs, they were eye to eye, and his presence overwhelmed her.
"I didn't mean that the way it came out, okay. I've been looking forward to going out with you all week. Hayley's been having digs at me about our date every single day. She keeps going on about how I have to take care of you or else. I've just had enough of it, and that's why I just said... that," his sincere words helped Kayla's disappointment lift.
"At least that makes sense now," she said in relief, as she wrapped her fingers around his wrist.
"Thank God."
He let out a breath, as he leaned his forehead against hers, which was something he seemed to enjoy doing quite frequently. As usual with his closeness, her heart began thumping excitedly. She smiled at him, as he kissed her cheek before pulling away.
A sigh escaped her, a lovesick sound, and she knew that she fell a little deeper in love with him. She knew how much Hayley could badger a person. She could be frustrating to an extreme measure, so she understood why he said what he did.
"So where are we going?" She asked, and he sent her a mysterious smile.
"You have to wait and see." He replied, as he tapped a finger against her nose. She returned his smile, and prepared to enjoy her night.
This felt magical again. To her, a chance to spend time with the guy she had a crush on since the day she first met him was far more than
special. Excitement filled her, as they walked out his front door. She couldn't wait to see what happened tonight.
Chapter 13 - Date night
"We have been driving for a long time, Isaac," Kayla said, as she smoothed her dress over her knees.
"I know," he grinned at her, before turning his gaze back to the road.
"So, where are we going?" She asked nervously.
"We're almost there, and I don't want to spoil the surprise."
"Oh, okay." Kayla went quiet, as she fiddled with the hem of her dress.
"It's nothing diabolical, you know. I thought it might be fun." He reached over to touch her hand lightly, but her nerves only increased with the sparks between them flaring up.
"I'm sure you didn't organise anything boring." Kayla tried to reassure him.
"I guess we'll have to wait and see." He repeated his earlier words, as he stroked a finger along the back of her hand.
When they arrived, Kayla wasn't sure where to look first. Isaac had brought her to a carnival. Bright lights flashed and filled the sky. The tall Ferris wheel circled around, creating a grand spectacle.
Kayla could smell every wonderful deep fried food, as her heart leapt excitedly at the captivating atmosphere. Shrieks of laughter and screams of adrenaline pumping anticipation filled the air. She grinned at him, feeling thrilled about being here with him.
"You should have told me, and I would've worn jeans," she said, as he sent her a look that trailed from her head all the way down to her bare legs. She shivered at the intensity of it.
"I think I'd rather say never wear jeans again," he stared at her legs again in such an appreciative way, making her breath catch in her throat. She blushed at his compliment, and a giddy happiness filled her.
"Sorry, but that is my staple wardrobe." She found herself teasing him a little. He opened his mouth to say something, but then closed it and grinned at her.
"True, you do seem to like covering up those awesome pins of yours."
"What can I say?" She shrugged. "Pants are much more comfortable." He laughed, and she basked in the very warmth of it.
"What do you want to do first?" He asked, as he offered her his arm.
How We Began Page 13