Pride and Passion

by Tracey Mellert

  I did it! I bought the gorgeous yellow t-shirt that had Johnny Cash printed on it, with a pair of boots in the center. There was a cool looking black, tailored blazer that looked great with the t-shirt. Of course, I paired this ensemble with black jeans and cute yellow tennis shoes. The sleeves rolled up, and it looked great with jeans alone if I chose not to wear the jacket. It was casual and cool at the same time. Ok, I saw the cutest mint green dress paired with a wide brown leather belt and brown leather cowgirl boots with mint green design on it! I would never have put those colors together, but they were sweet! And of course, I had to buy the adorable white flowy midi dress, with a chambray colored long sleeve shirt that I would tie in the front. The brown ankle boots that I already bought would look great with this outfit. I took a chance on this charming olive green, high waisted jumper outfit with brown leather suspenders. The store had paired it with this cream-colored silk, loose, blousy shirt. It was very elegant, and I really liked it. I had several shoes that I could pair with this outfit already. I already had about fourteen outfits; and spent close to twenty-two hundred dollars for everything. I had to slow down, or I wouldn’t be able to buy anything for school! I was so excited to be a completely different girl this year! In the back of my mind, though, I was praying that Aunt Jimena wouldn’t tell my parents about my new clothes; or disapprove and not let me wear them.

  Kendra wanted to do a makeover; before we left on our journey. I wavered at the thought of doing it because I wanted to save my money. Kendra always had money at her fingertips. She grabbed my arm and said, “Come on, this treat is on me”! She pulled me into the hair salon, and I was dazzled at all of the beautiful people in it. We checked in with the hostess and sat to wait for our turn for a complete transformation. Kendra and I poured over the hairstyle books, trying to decide what we wanted. Kendra had the most gorgeous auburn hair you have ever seen. It was long, down past her breasts. She could wear it straight or curly, and she was always beautiful! I was pretty, but not in a striking way, like Kendra! My mother was Norwegian; so, I had that white-blonde hair that was wavy, but no real shape to it. I had a lovely golden tan that made my light-blue eyes pop. I was blessed with abounding, full lips; the problem was that I always looked like I was pouting. My upper lip was slightly larger than my bottom lip. I felt disproportioned, and it made me feel like I looked like a brat. My lashes were long but not very dark. My eyebrows were also light, which made my face seem bland. My parents were never into letting me get a cool hairstyle. They usually didn’t want to pay the money. I got the usual trim, and that was it. An attractive man called out my name, and I suddenly felt nervous. I didn’t know what to tell him to do to me. I just wanted to be pretty. I stood up and followed the man to his personal area. “Alright, beautiful, what would you like for me to do?” I couldn’t think. Suddenly, I couldn’t talk. What did I want him to do? He quirked up his beautiful lip and said, “Cat got your tongue?” I smiled because I knew he was trying to be nice to me.

  I looked at him with my big blue eyes and said, “I have to move to West Virginia and start all over at a new school for my senior year. I would like for you to make me pretty enough for a boy to like me.” I wanted to roll my eyes at my stupidity! This guy had to think I was the biggest loser EVER! Could I have ever sounded more pathetic?!

  Johnathon, aka the gorgeous one, smiled at me and said, “If I make you any more beautiful, you’ll be married before you graduate.” He had the sweetest mouth. Couldn’t he just be my boyfriend? I was crushing hard right about now! I giggled, which made me look even more ridiculous if that was even possible.

  “I think I’m just going to enhance the golden goddess that you already are. You just need a little tweaking; then you will be perfect! Come with me.” He held out his hand, and I took it eagerly. I followed him to a chair, where he shampooed my hair and conditioned it. He told me that he would give me a light Zoto perm to thicken my hair and give it more bounce. I didn’t have a clue, but I went with it. He could do whatever he wanted with me! I watched him as he methodically rolled my hair in large curlers. He then stung my eyes with some foul-smelling chemicals and placed me under a warm hairdryer. Forty minutes later, it was time to unveil his creation. I waited patiently for him to uncurl every curler he had placed, and there were many. Then, he started cutting long layers in my hair. He sprayed several products in my hair and then started blow-drying. I thought I was done, but no, he had more to do with me. He took a string and started shaping my brows, and then he started dying them another color. He told me that he was only going to enrich them. He even placed dye on my lashes for the same purpose. I didn’t care; I liked being in his presence. Finally, he started wiping and finished small final touches. He turned me to the mirror and made me look at myself.

  A shockwave of utter surprise surged through me! I couldn’t believe the image looking back at me. He was a miracle worker; my hair looked like waves of gold silk, with long flowing curls. He had only slightly trimmed the length and left my hair a few inches above my hips. You could see beautifully defined eyebrows now; and the long length of my lashes, without the mascara. I looked different, like a model in a magazine. I couldn’t believe it.

  “You are the epitome of a lionized angel, Brynley. Every boy is going to fall at your feet for your attention. I wished I was lucky enough to be in your school.” He wasn’t being creepy; he was being extremely sweet and confident boosting. I wanted to cry because of his kindness and sheer expertise. He smiled at me as he was looking at my tearful gaze.

  “Thank you, Johnathon. I have never felt beautiful before. You have given me a gift that I truly will treasure and take care of forever.”

  “Sweet Brynley, you have always been beautiful. I just helped you see it, that’s all. And let me say, your eyes are the most enchanting and soul-stirring feature I have ever seen. You are going to stop hearts and break hearts, young lady.” He gently tapped my nose with his forefinger, and I smiled. He pulled the cape away from me, and I arose from my chair. I walked with him to the desk and caught Kendra staring at me as if she was awestruck; mouth opened and all! I smiled sheepishly. Kendra paid Johnathon and tipped him quite handsomely, then Kendra bought a lot of shampoos and hair styling products for us both. She nicknamed him ‘the creator’ since he created an angel. I had to roll my eyes at her!

  After we left the salon and was walking down the court, Kendra stopped me. “You’re are a goddess, Brynley! I’m serious, I always thought you were pretty, but this guy literally transformed you into a goddess!” The guys in West Virginia are going to freak when they meet you. I swear, when you stand us together, you look like a stunning angel, and I’m the dazzling devil.” She started laughing so hard that I started laughing too! It’s true, I had the white-blonde hair and quiet demeanor, and here, she had the striking red hair and fiery attitude! We were a juxtapose for sure.

  Kendra wanted to buy new makeup and perfume before we left. We spent about another two hours buying and trying on new makeup and choosing fruity and floral scents. It was important for a girl to look good but also smell good. We finished up buying some accessories for our hair, and of course, facial cleansers and moisturizers. We were making our way back to Kendra’s car when we spotted these gorgeous bikinis in the storefront window. Kendra gave me a devilish look and then guided me into the store. Yep, we bought three bikinis for each of us. The weather was still warm, and there was always a chance for a pool party! I was exhausted and stimulated at the same time.

  When we got back to my house, I took all of my new purchases up to my bedroom. I needed to pack. I couldn’t believe how much stuff I had. I actually packed six suitcases full of belongings! Between my new clothes, my old clothes, makeup, hair accessories, shoes, and other personal items, I looked like I was moving away, forever. There was no way Kendra and I were going to fit all of our things into her little, sporty car. If I had six suitcases, she probably had ten! I started biting my lower lip, a habit I had since a kid when I was worried and upset
. I called Kendra up and started telling her my concerns. “I know; I was just talking to dad a few minutes ago about what to do. There’s no way we’ll get everything to fit in my car. Dad said that he would fly you and me down to your aunts and then have a moving company bring us our luggage and my car. Call your aunt and let her know. That will save her a trip and a headache!” I was relieved. When I got off the phone with Kendra, I quickly called my aunt and told her what was going on. She thought it was a great idea and said she would pick Kendra and me up at the airport tomorrow evening.

  I gave my room a double-take to make sure that I hadn’t overlooked anything important. I had this cool backpack that was made in India; I decided to take it and use it this year. It was still in great shape, and I loved the colors and design in it. It was very unique. I took my light pink, beige, burgundy, and dark brown Coach purses with me. Purses were like a piece of the completed outfit.

  I texted Kendra and told her that my aunt would pick us up from the airport tomorrow night. I also asked her if she wanted to go to the school emporium outlet. I figured that I could get most of my school supplies cheaper there than anywhere else. They always had great sales on all of their supplies. Kendra definitely wanted to go. They had the coolest looking notebooks there. Kendra was trying to finish packing and said she would pick me up in about thirty minutes. I decided to fix a quick sandwich while I was waiting for her. I was just finishing up washing my dishes when Kendra was honking for me outside. I made sure to lock the door behind me as I made my way to Kendra’s car.

  We drove about twenty minutes to the emporium. There wasn’t a lot of people there, which was great. Kendra and I bought ten notebooks, pencils, pens, loose-leaf paper, high-lighters, and folders. We were all set. I couldn’t imagine anything else that we would need. I was starting to feel tired, and so was Kendra. I decided to stay at her house tonight, and then we would leave for the airport in the morning. We moved all of my suitcases to Kendra’s house, so the moving truck would be able to get all of them at once. I made sure that all of the doors and windows were locked. Mom had set it up with the neighbors to watch our house for us while we were gone. I was starting to feel a little melancholy as I glanced back at my home while riding with Kendra to her house. At least I wasn’t going to be completely alone.

  Both of us took our shower and dressed for bed. I laid out a cute outfit for the trip tomorrow. I decided to wear some cute, red shorts with a white, off-the-shoulder shirt with red cherries printed on it. I decided on white socks and my red tennis shoes. I had a cute red bow to put in my hair. I was going to wear a red watch and cute red crystal earrings. Kendra was going to wear white shorts with an olive-green tank top and olive green, high-top tennis shoes. She looked adorable in those colors, especially with her hair color.

  It was hard to fall asleep for the first hour or so, but I finally did. The alarm clock was going off way too early! I felt exhausted! Somehow, I was able to drag my body out of bed; and started to get dress. Kendra’s mother had made us breakfast, and we ate it quickly. Kendra’s parents would be driving us to the airport, and we needed to leave in about forty-five minutes.

  I tried to calm my nerves some on the ride to the airport. This was a big change, and I was still really nervous about it, even though my best friend was going with me. Once at the airport, it wasn’t long when we heard our flight being called. Hugs were exchanged, and promises of calls, pictures, and texts were given. Kendra and I had already checked a few bags, and then we each had a carry-on bag with us.

  The plane was comfortable; however, I totally felt the six-and-a-half-hour trip! My legs and back were cramped. The kid sitting behind us, whining most of the time, made it difficult to sleep during the ride. I spent some time thinking about how different things would be, wondering if it would be a pleasant year for Kendra and me. I hope and prayed so.

  Chapter Three:

  The plane had landed, and Kendra and I were ready to find Aunt Jimena and go home. After departing the aircraft, Kendra and I went to retrieve our baggage. With two suitcases and a carry-on bag each, we eagerly searched for my aunt. “There she is!” I was so excited to see my aunt! She was so pretty; she and my mother looked like twins. I ran to her and gave her a huge hug. She kissed my head and then said ‘hi’ to Kendra. She helped us both, with our luggage out to her car. Luckily, she had a large SUV; and there was plenty of room for all of us and the baggage. It was a little over an hour before we arrived at Aunt Jimena’s house. It was a lovely home with a Victorian style. It was light blue with white, gingerbread trim, and the driveway was long and tree-lined. I instantly started to feel comfortable. Her front porch was huge and filled with rocking chairs and a large porch swing. Her back yard went on forever until it collided with the woods. There were a small pond and a lovely gazebo, with a cozy outdoor fireplace.

  The rain started drizzling down. The three of us were scrambling to get our luggage inside before we were soaked to the bone. We walked into the entrance hall; I noticed she had black and white tiles. I liked them. A large chandelier hung above our heads. Aunt Jimena decided to take us to our rooms first before reacquainting us with her home. We climbed to the first landing, and I marveled at the large, picturesque, stained-glass window. The colors were vibrant! We continued to the second landing, where all of the bedrooms were located. Aunt Jimena’s bedroom was the first on the left. It was large, with her own bathroom sweet. There was another bedroom next to hers, It was a little small. Aunt Jimena gave Kendra and I the last two bedrooms on the right side of the house. The bedrooms were separated by a very large bathroom, which included a soaking tub and rain shower. It was wonderful, and I couldn’t wait to use it. I walked into Kendra’s bedroom first. The floors were real oak wood, as it was throughout the rest of the home. She had a queen bed with a cheery yellow, white, and light green quilt. The sheets were a white, high cotton count, which made them very soft. The pillows were monogrammed with Kendra’s name on them! There were some very cute throw pillows to complete the room's bright and breezy feel and look. In the corner of the other side of the room was a decent sized roll top desk and a matching brown leather chair. A large yellow and white oriental rug anchored the room. White, double French doors opened up onto a small balcony; enough room for two chairs and a small table in between them. The closet was abundant in size. There was plenty of room for all of her clothes, shoes, and a small number of storable things. I could tell that Kendra was very pleased with her new environment. I was so glad because I wanted Kendra contented and happy to be here with me.

  Kendra left her bags in her room and followed me into my bedroom. It was pretty much identical to Kendra’s, including the French doors and balcony. However, the difference was, my quilt was light and dark blue with hints of white and orange. It was so pretty and unique. My pillows were also embroidered, with my name on them. I had a white furry rug to anchor my room. I had a matching desk, except my chair was a dark navy-blue leather. My closet was identical to Kendra’s. I loved my room, and the balcony was sweet! Kendra approved of my room, as well. We slipped inside the bathroom to get a better look, and noticed that the floor was white tile and had a large, white, spongy rug. Brick lined the soaking tub and allowed plenty of room for personal items and candles. The shower was large and bricked lined. It had a bench built into it. I was in awe of our good fortune so far. Kendra and I hugged Aunt Jimena for her kindness of allowing us both to share her home this year.

  It was starting to get late. Aunt Jimena ordered pizza, wings, and breadsticks; so that we didn’t have to cook or go out anywhere. We were very tired from the trip. I ate too much, and I could feel the heaviness of my eyelids. Aunt Jimena excused us to go to our rooms and rest. I was too tired to unpack, so I decided to wait and do that tomorrow. I cleaned my face, brushed my teeth, and changed before passing out in bed. The next thing that I know it was noon the next day. I crawled out of bed and placed my robe on. As I passed by Kendra’s room, I noticed that she wasn’t there. I crept down th
e wooden staircase and found my way into the kitchen. Aunt Jimena was fixing breakfast for us, even though it was technically lunchtime. I sat next to Kendra at the island; and ate my scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast. I washed my food down with orange juice; and then turned to Kendra to ask her if she had unpacked yet. She shook her head ‘no’ as she was finishing up her last bite of eggs.

  Aunt Jimena had instructed us to go and unpack. When we finished, she was going to take us on a tour around the town. Kendra and I hopped off our bar stools and jaunted up the stairs. Each of us was inside our own rooms, putting away the things we brought with us. The rest of it was supposed to be delivered tomorrow. It took about two hours, but Kendra and I finished unpacking, showering, and getting dressed. Aunt Jimena was going to take us to the mall; so, Kendra and I wanted to dress up some; just in case we ran into any kids, we may go to school with. I chose to wear my blue jean shorts, a white t-shirt, cropped blue jeans jacket with white tennis shoes. It was a cloudy and windy day; so, the outfit was appropriate. Kendra wore dark brown shorts with a cream mid-drift, alpaca fur sweater, and she opted for brown sandals. She was a gorgeous sight, in that outfit, with her beautiful auburn hair. Her makeup was dramatic, contrasting, to where I usually used the nude and natural colors for mine. I did line my lids this time, which I didn’t do a lot. I even let Kendra line and paint my lips. She liked it, when my makeup was soft; but would highlight my lips as my main feature.