Read Online Bella Notte by Jesse Kimmel-Freeman - Free Book Online

it, I realized it was all old fashioned, and I
also realized no one from town was invited- except for Miss Ashley-
which I thought was odd. But it didn't change the fact that I had to
get ready for this entire experience.
    My Mom and Grandma
flew a beautician in from New York to do my hair and makeup.
Apparently, I'm not allowed to do my own hair and makeup on such
occasions. Who
could blame them with all the dark colors I wear and dark makeup I
put on. They were probably worried I'd do something intentional.
    So, I walked up the
stairs to my room and bathroom, to await my fate.
    When I reached my
room, I found it to be unusually bright and there was an extra
three-way monstrosity of a mirror in it. My dress sparkled like some
exotic jewel in all the light. Suddenly I felt very attracted to
shiny things. Great
now I am losing my IQ over this whole affair.
    I walked through to
my bathroom and found it to be even brighter, which I didn't think
was humanly possible. It caused me to momentarily shield my eyes.
When they adjusted to the flash bomb type lighting, I saw a short
squat woman who reminded me of a toad.
    “ You must be
Emma?” she said, with a slight New York accent. It was more
upper east side than Brooklyn. “My name is Monique and I'll be
your stylist this evening.” She gave a slight bow as she
continued.
    “ Your mother
and grandmother gave me some clue about this event, and I've seen
your dress, so I have some ideas about hair and makeup. I think your
hair should be up with curls, we can pin it with this gorgeous hair
pin. Your polish can stay as it makes a beautiful contrast to the
gold of your dress … and as for your makeup; I thought we'd
highlight those beautiful eyes and color your lips to match those
nails of yours. What do you think?” Her fast talking seemed to
confuse my brain.
    “ Um, that
would be fine. I mean, you're the expert. So, work your magic.”
I smiled and tried not to be afraid.
    She sat me down in a
portable salon chair that I hadn't noticed before. Somehow it managed
to be comfy, which I was thankful for. I wasn't thankful for the
hideous bright pink leather. Then, she misted my hair with something
smelly and started to place hard red curlers in my long black hair.
    After she finished
getting the curlers in, she blew dry my entire head. It all felt
strange and alien. My head had become some sort of space helmet.
    After my locks were
dry, she began taking out the hot plastic rollers and my hair
cascaded down in delicate tendrils. It was strange to see my hair in
such a way, but I liked it as well. The small toad-like woman with a
mushroom cut of hair began to pile the newly formed ringlets upon my
head and affix them with black bobby pins – scraping my scalp
ever so often and never muttering even an apology.
    Her final addition
to the do was to add in the hair pin Grandpa gave me. I looked
stunning and exactly like my dream- I knew tonight would be
interesting. I had a total of what felt like two-seconds to take in
my hair style before she attacked my face with powder for every inch
of my skin. I
know I'm going to end up looking like a clown or a stripper- I so
don't need all this crap on my face!
    When she finished,
she swirled my chair back toward the mirror and I was shocked.
    “ So, what do
you think, honey?” she asked as though she really wanted to
know.
    “ I love it!”
I flashed my best smile.
    My face was
transformed. My eyes were outlined slightly in black but were
surrounded in golden shimmer. The effect seemed to brighten my
already brilliant eyes. My entire skin glowed slightly and my lips
were tinted the same shade as my nails; blood red. The woman bowed
her head and excused herself.
    I was startled when
a young maid came and told me that she was instructed to help me
dress. Oh
my God! This is so annoying! Why do they feel that I can't do
anything myself? I
felt greatly annoyed with my mother and grandmother. However, I
didn't want the girl to get in trouble, so I