Realistic or Modern Spellbound

[Soliloquy]

Her face lit up at the sight of Theo, just as her day always did. Naturally they fell in stride with the other, taking their seats as if they'd been doing so for years rather than just under a week. The reminder that they were halfway to the Jovan flirt sanction only widened her smile which she was quick to hide behind a bite of food. Instead she focused on the banter first regarding the menu's contents (she didn't fully understand why it was a big deal if strudel stayed or went) and then about their replacements.

Oh, poor Micha. Trying so hard to win Molly while being threatened by another man's presence. Willow was pretty sure Molly was going soft for him, although she'd likely not admit it. Maybe a little more encouragement to give the good guy a chance was needed. Not to say Ethan was a bad guy, just a...well, an opportunist. For Molly's sake it'd be better for her to stick with faithful Micha.

Thoughts of who was going to play matchmaker for who were brought to a halt with Theo's announcement. She cheered with the others, sincerely proud of his dedication and passion, even if that meant they weren't going to have this time together as they did now. Leaving the worries of what they'd do for a third set of arms to handle the dining room, she leaned toward Theo. "I see how it is. Mister Al-Zakhar. Just as we're going to past the two weeks and you're trying to scurry off so you're not trapped here with me," she teased him lightly, not an ounce of malice or ill-feelings in her tone. Instead, she reached over and briefly cupped the top of his hand with one of her own. "But really, I'm proud of you, Theo."

 

[xrakkax]

“I give! It is all part of plan.” Theo mocked surrender. He laughed and took the opportunity to hold her hand, both in sincere welcome for her words, and because it meant he could feel her fingers. Theo was careful not to draw suspicion from his uncle all the same, “Спасибо.” Theo thanked her. His strong, yet tender hold, giving her a gentle squeeze.

“Da, clear up.” Jovan thumped Theo’s shoulder in specific. “Is time for work.”

The bustle of Sunday morning felt like it should have lasted much longer than it did. Theo must have gotten in two or three hair adjustments tops. Molly only got into one argument with Chekov. By the time brunch had finished the sensation that work still had to be done lingered. But the wad of cash in their hands said otherwise.

Molly sat on one of the recliners by the stage with her purse, happily counting out her lettuce and already pondering what she’d buy. Bear came over to sit by her. Jovan stood behind the counter, wiping it down. Amalia and Micha were cleaning up in the kitchen. Theo managed to slip off his apron just as Willow did. Interesting how coincidences happened like that!

“I look at link.” Theo reminded her of the contest. “I can do it.” He smiled proudly. The schedule for his work providentially skipped the days where they needed to sign up, present their skit, rehearsal, and of course, performance night. “What is in mind?” Theo questioned. “I have no preference.”

 

[Soliloquy]

She enjoyed how well they could play with the other, feeling that comedy could be a solid root of their relationship, should and when it came to be. His touch was welcomed and quickly missed as it pulled away, knowing they'd need to get to work. Still, that warm sensation he offered her lingered long after their hands parted.

Thankfully, work was fast enough for the day. Customers seemed more agreeable than normal, although maybe it was because they knew they'd need to get their meal fixes in with a smaller window of opportunity. It was a nice way to end the week, she decided.Tossing her apron and rags into the hamper, she turned to face Theo, a thoughtful look across her face as she crossed her arms over her chest.

"Mmm, well it depends. Do we want to go with something classical or a musical?" she offered, moving on in thought. "We could go all the way old school with something Shakespeare or maybe more modern to Jane Austen. I do love Pride and Prejudice and I feel like you might make a wonderful Mister Darcy."

 

[xrakkax]

After asking if this ‘Darcy’ sang, and getting a definitive no from both Willow and Molly’s snort of laughter (at the idea of such a character as Darcy doing a song), Theo decided, “I would like musical.”

From where she sat, scratching Bear behind the ears, Molly said, “Throw in a bit of acting too.” She dearly wanted to see them play off each other. “Willow what about the Lion King? When Simba and Nala discuss the Pride Rock issue, just before a certain song.” She mused, thinking how they just might feel the love that night.

“Lion King?” Theo asked, looking between them.

“You don’t know the Lion K-- Where have you been? Under a rock?” Molly gawked.

Theo laughed, “Sort of.” He shrugged, “I was in Russia.”

“What do you know?” Molly asked.

“Hm, not much. Granya like to make me watch.” Theo admitted. “I know Pirates of Caribbean. . .The Professional. . .uh, Twilight vampire person. . .Hansel and Gretel--” He perked, “Main actress kind of look like you, in fact.”

“Oh yeah, and her brother too.” Molly chimed in thoughtfully.

Theo rubbed the back of his neck, “So nice movie. Witch and man are friends.” He shifted his weight, and looked off to the side. “I think I would be friend, if I were witch.”

Molly shrugged, “I mean yeah, if they’re nice like the one redhead.”

Theo visibly brightened. He swung his arms once and then folded his hands in front. "And you?" He asked Willow lightly.

 

[Soliloquy]

Willow also had to chuckle at the idea of Darcy singing; maybe it wasn't the best part for him after all. The idea of singing was enjoyable as well, especially given how well they had worked together Friday night on the stage. Her mental picking-through of what they could do was stopped suddenly when the announcement was made that he had never seen one of her favorite children movies.

"We are watching the Lion King," was a statement he wasn't going to get a chance to argue with. But they were on to learning a bit more about Theo, something she was quite interested in. Being compared to a professional actress brought a faint blush on her cheeks, shaking her head. "I don't know about that...although Everest, I guess I can see that."

His odd comment about witches and men took her a good few moments to think on. "I don't see why people can't get along, even if it is with witches," she decided, wiping her hands on her pants before scooping up her purse. "Just so long as the witches aren't hurting anyone, I think they should get along. But the same should go for the humans; there was no need to starting killing a witch who isn't doing harm. Don't you think so? Everyone can and should act better than they do."

 

[xrakkax]

Theo’s nod resembled a pigeon scoop, in Molly’s opinion. Did he feel awkward about the question? She couldn’t imagine why. About this time Jovan came lumbering into the main area where the three had been talking. He looked over them briefly and said, “Still here, eh?” He gave Theo and Willow a look.

“We are behaving.” Theo said, knowing his uncle’s mind. “We just talk about movie where witches and Hunters are friends.”

Jovan’s ‘huh’, sounded like a spoff with a touch of skepticism. “Hunters are no friends to witches.”

“In the movie.” Theo insisted.

“Hmph, in movie.” Jovan admitted, emphasizing the last word as he turned to turn off the light over the bar.

“Eh, art reflect life.” Theo offered. “Right?” He looked for support.

Molly fiddled with Bear’s ear, “Mm, I guess. I mean, if you think of the efforts of humanity to look past ethnicity, or religion--”

“Bloody past. Full of death.” Jovan cut her off. The older man finished switching off most of the lights and stood by the tab, ready to plunge them in the dim of the afternoon where light only came from the gaps between drawn curtains, if he decided. But he stood in wait for the girls to leave first. “Progress is trail of broken bodies, burned homes, and disease. Is lose family, friends. Take you far from home in strange land where you struggle.”

“Well. . .” Molly quieted. “Maybe.”

Theo frowned lightly, “Still progress. We work for new life, new day.” He became more resolved as he spoke, his voice strengthened. “We fight for time, Da. Then that makes future for the next generation. Otherwise we stay, and what? Die in hide hole? No, I will make friends. I will make new world.”

Molly smiled, “Yeah.” She got up and slung her purse over her shoulder. “Theo’s got a point. And I stand with Willow on this. Sure, you can have a time when you gotta fight. But the end is worth it.”

 

[Soliloquy]

In someways Jovan's words surprised Willow, although at the same time she also had seen him as quite the grumpy middle aged man so far. He was gruff, but the way he spoke made it seem like he had reason to be. He was a pessimist built on hard times and it only made him thicker skinned as a result. Willow nodded gravely as he spoke, although she couldn't say she agreed with him.

Rather, she stood by Theo's inspirational words, finding merit in his more optimistic look to the future. She did prefer the idea of looking ahead than behind, seeing as what was behind couldn't be changed. She'd much rather think of what they could become, particularly her and Theo. She gave him a meek smile as they headed toward the door, Jovans silent ushering of them working.

"Yes, a new world," she agreed as they stepped out in the parking lot."Every day is an opportunity; you don't want to miss out on one just because you were thinking of the last." Molly was rearing to get to shopping and Jovan was close, which meant Theo's escorting to the car was monitored, if even permitted. "I'm looking forward to the park and picnic. Until tomorrow?"

 

[xrakkax]

Jovan stopped following at the door, to close and lock it. He was a few steps behind the three now. Still listening. They did not see the hope that what they said was true being held at gunpoint by a pessimistic mind. Perhaps it was better that way. The future had come for him already. Now it was for these three to make it for the world. May what they craft come for them one day, and may they be proud of it. Jovan still wasn’t sure about his.

Theo kept his flirting down to a minimum. The minimum being his smile. To know she’d have been a friend to a nice witch made his day. And she didn’t even know it. “Da, tomorrow.”

Jovan pat Molly’s shoulder once, since she was closest, “Tomorrow.”

Molly smiled as she went around to the driver’s seat. “Bye ya’ll!”

Theo knew Jovan was still behind him, waiting on him, so he only waved to Willow, “Have safe shop.”

 

[Soliloquy]

Their farewell was much less personal than she might have preferred. Granted, with hovering Jovan, it wasn't as though she could protest for more without provoking trouble for Theo. For his sake, she settled with the simple exchange of smiles before joining Molly in the waiting Honda, a long sigh leaving her before she could restrain it.

"So, shopping," she offered as a distraction, mostly to try and prevent Molly from the inevitable comments of her and her lover to be. "Since you're determined we do this, I figured we could make the most of it. I'll get a new outfit for tomorrow and maybe a few more pieces, just to spruce my closet up. A few," was stressed again, fearing for her blossoming savings if they hit the right outlets.

 

[xrakkax]

“Honey bun, don’t you worry. I don’t plan on burning a hole in my pocket.” Molly assured her, but the words tasted dull in her mouth. “We’ll check Almeda Mall for some nice outfit or two, but then we’re bargain hunting! I am savin’ up for an apartment that I don’t share with a hellhound. And a TV for my bathroom!” Molly grinned. She turned up Taylor Swift. And although she squawked like a gull, she sang along. “~Our song is the slammin’ screen door, sneakin’ out late tappin’ on your window. When you’re on the phone and you talk real slow, ‘cause it’s late and your Mama don’t know!~”

The ride to the Mall outside of Seabrooke felt like they were rolling over clouds. The wind had cooled enough that the sun didn’t have time to scorch their fair skin. Molly let her hair get tossed by the rush of the breeze. They’d get their hair and nails done too. A treat on her tab for all the shopping.

In fact, when they arrived to the Mall, Molly said as she got out, “Willow! We don’t have time restrictions for tomorrow morning! Why don’t we get a couple mud masks, some popcorn and m&m’s, and I can get my hot cheetos, and we can watch somethin’ tonight?”

 

[Soliloquy]

Oh yes, the only sort of hunting Willow wanted to be involved in! "Sounds like a plan to me," she agreed with the initial decision on what they'd do before Molly launched into her two person concert, admittedly joining in. Of course it was fun to splurge on heels that were to die for or a dress that showed off just the right bits and pieces, but rent still had to be paid. She was fine with taking most of it down a notch by bargain hunting. A season late didn't matter much to her, so long as it was comfortable and cute. Not to mention, if you paid half as much that meant you could buy twice as much!

Hopping out at the mall, she was quick to loop her arm through one of Molly's, the two feeding off of each other's excitement. Her impromptu girl party was well received. "That actually sounds amazing," she confessed, letting her head roll around to loosen her neck muscles. She should have nabbed more salve while she could. "We haven't done anything like that in....oh let's not say. It makes me feel like a bad friend and that we're getting old too damn fast."

 

[xrakkax]

Molly couldn’t agree more. “Oh you’re tellin’ me, I thought I saw a grey hair a week ago. And I’m not even thirty yet!” She laughed with Willow. An easy thing to do around her.

They strode in sync, arm in arm, like troops ready to take the castle by storm. Since the Pub provided a full lunch for the employees they saved by skipping the need to get any in the food court. They went straight to the clothing store they were sure would have the best outfits for Fall. Since those bargain shops probably wouldn’t have that season ready. Molly and Willow meticulously chose their clothes. After all, Molly wasn’t going to be careless! These were full price! And she couldn’t get more than one or two-- this time. Molly may or may not have had to be reminded of her previous words of being thrifty this time around.

In the end, she picked out just two. A Fall-to-Winter outfit, perfect for layering if needed, or peeling away for hotter days. The next outfit, a slinky black dress, easily accessorized with fancy scarves or golden belts, for various occasions. If she was stuck getting one she might as well make sure it’s versatile.

“Willow, I think this is it.” Molly laid out her contestants. They had been there for a while, helping each other choose. Now it was time for the final decision. "And did you make your choice?"

 

[Soliloquy]

Willow quickly found that the power of the mall and all its beautiful contents quickly sucked her in. Everything was too cute or just right, which meant she had quite the task ahead of her trying to narrow things down. She followed Molly about for the first few minutes, glancing at a top and then wincing at the price tag. This was one of few times when she really wished she still remained in the family care, where money was never a question, let alone a problem. Pretty tops aside, she wouldn't say she regretted her decision, just that a real shopping spree that meant bags upon bags of clothes would have been slightly more enjoyable.

Eventually she peeled away, fingers dancing along the hangers as she traveled the rows of clothing. A few pieces caught her eyes, although she also couldn't reason just when she'd use them, definitely a factor she had to keep in mind. Even if it was perfect, if it wasn't practical it was pointless...for now. Maybe after a few months she'd be able to buy a dress she'd wear maybe once just to have.

For now, she joined Molly at the counter, also carrying two articles. She had decided to shop with particular reasons in mind. The first was a more casual dress to wear the next day to the picnic, a mute brown that she felt went well with her complexion. She particularly enjoyed that not only because it wasn't over flashy and still cute, but also because the dress came with short linings (should any of the family Olympics take place) and also there were pockets! The second dress was significantly less casual. A dark blue lace halter dress that would catch a pair of green eyes in particular. That dress she had decided was going to be what she wore to their first date, dare she think that far ahead.

"I think I'm pleased with it," she decided, waiting patiently for her turn to be rung up. It was still within the budget she had given herself and felt like she was still rewarding all that hard work. "It's not too much, is it? I mean overdoing it."

 

[xrakkax]

As always Molly adored Willow’s taste. She herself learned from watching Willow what to wear as much as what not to. A period in her life Molly thought of as her chrysalis years when she decided to dive head first into fashion and feminine. No regrets and never looked back!

“Not at all.” Molly shook her head as she stepped aside for Willow to pay. Her clothes were folded neatly in a large rectangle, colored midnight blue, with the gold lettering of the store name in the center. “Stars, I can’t recall the last time I came here to buy something. We got the income for it. And we’re being sensible.” Molly shifted her shoulders proudly, almost a bounce. “In fact, I was thinking I’d take you and me to get our hair and nails done here after our bargain shopping. My treat.”

 

[Soliloquy]

Purchasing her tops, if was a breath of fresh air to be able to pass over the bills and not immediately regret it. Gradually, that sense of financial security was building up, even if it was a mere sliver compared to what she had grown up accustomed to. This is more than enough, she told herself confidently, ready to follow Molly out the store.

"Hair and nails?" She repeated incredulously. "Don't you think that's a bit much, Molly Mallone. I don't want you to go wasting your money on me like that. If you want to go, I'll come with and just watch you get all dolled up."

 

[xrakkax]

“Willow Mae Crosse, I will put you over my shoulder and hand you to a salonist, so help me. Bless yer Sweet-As-Tea heart, you will let me have this.” Molly’s merry tone brooked no argument. She looped her arm and strolled with her friend toward her next conquest, unaware of ringing ears who caught the famous name.

Behind them an old woman whose flesh was nearly as white as her hair and a man of black hair and terracotta skin watched them blend into the crowd in interest.

 

[Soliloquy]

Willow could feel her cheeks flushing deeply, as if she was no more than hip high and being scolded. "Now you listen here-" she had tried to object before she was jerked along against her protests. She still muttered a few half-assed remarks about having money and, "You aren't even my real mother," but there was little chance of changing Molly's mind once it was made up. Poor Micha didn't know what he was in for.

 

[xrakkax]

Triumphant, Molly said, “But a Mama Bear nonetheless!”

In line of sight was the nook lined with walls of nailpolish on one side and hair products on the other. A few customers were already being serviced on either side. Molly and Willow were only a few steps from the front desk of the salon when she stopped dead in her tracks.

An old woman was attending the counter. Her silver and black hair cropped short above her shoulders. She wore a pleasant pink and white uniform with her name tag, ‘Mrs. Nguyen’ (pronounced ‘when’ in Vietnamese) written in black curly letters on a white background. Her tiny mouth, matching color with her outfit, turned up when she peered over the top of her phone. A couple bings sounded off as she put it away.

Clearly there was no way to back out without looking suspicious. Molly apologized with a sheepish smile for stopping so suddenly for Willow.

“Welcome to Fancy Nail and Hair!” She walked around the desk, barely reaching the height of Willow’s shoulder. “Come in, sit. We do discount for new customer.”

Without recourse, Molly allowed them to be herded in. Something was wrong. But she couldn’t place what. You’re bein’ silly again. Molly chided herself. Gulping, she threw on a tentative smile. “That sounds-- that sounds-- well I don’t know, how much of a discount?”

“For you pretty girls, sixty-percent.” Mrs. Nguyen smiled and nodded. “What is name?”

 

[Soliloquy]

When Molly suddenly stopped moving, she caught Willow off guard, jarring to an awkward stop as their linked arms reached their limit of range. Her brows furrowed and she looked to her friend for some sort of clue as to what had caught her so off guard. Thankfully, she came to her senses and responded to the salon worker who was quick to their sides.

"That's a very generous discount," Willow remarked, giving Molly a light jab with her elbow. "I'm Willow and this Belle is Molly. We were looking to get our hair and nails done. Do you think you'd have time for all that? We don't want to fill up your afternoon or anything."

A side glance showed her that some of the color was returning Molly's face, although she certainly still seemed unstable. Hell's bells, Molly, what was into that girl lately. It was like that crow dream all over again.

 

[xrakkax]

There was no explanation Molly could give if she was asked. The crows, this lady. All she could do was try not to be weird and smother the nerves and the warning bells in her head. Willow spoke well of the discount and gave their names, and before she knew it they were side by side in chairs to get their hair done.

“Yes plenty of time.” The old woman insisted. “First hair. Then manicure and pedicure.”

“Pedicure? Oh, we just want the hands done.” Molly latched onto the detail, any detail, to bring herself to a normal level.

“Honey, is okay, sixty-percent off, okay? You like.” Mrs. Nguyen ran her fingers through Molly’s hair. Each time she felt tingles.

“Mhm.” Molly tried not to sound skeptical. Sixty-percent of what price tag? She questioned inwardly. Molly glanced at Willow and forced a smile. “Gonna get any color in your hair? I’m thinkin’ a hint of rose.”

 

[Soliloquy]

While poor Molly might have been skeptical on every single nerve ending, the technicians generous offers only enticed Willow. They had said they wanted to go bargain hunting, didn't they? What better bargain was there than to pamper yourself at less than half price! Heck, if Molly didn't pull her away from it, they might end up being there for quite sometime.

"A pedicure though, Molly," she couldn't hide the excitement in her voice. "Think of how good that's going to feel after all week on our feet. Oh, Lord, it's been so many years since I had a pedicure." Her eyes closed at the thought of the heated towels, massaged in lotions and oils. If Molly really didn't want to do both, she would definitely pick her feet over her hands to get done. She contemplated the idea of just what she wanted done to her hair, looking at her own reflection as she tussled the strands with her nails. She hadn't been the experimenting type as she grew older, although a bit of color might not be so bad.

Then again, there was that little voice of uncertainty, currently pointing out that if she did change it up too much, what if Theo didn't like it? Oh, who was she kidding; somehow she felt like she could show up in sweatpants and shaved bald and he'd still give her that infatuated gaze. "Probably just a trim and layers," she decided, not quite as bold as she'd like to be. "I always get crazy ideas of chopping it off to a pixie cut or going to a strawberry blonde before common sense kicks in. I had a hairdresser I went to going up who always talked me off the ledge. 'You can always cut a little mo
off, but once you go short it's gone, honey. I'm ain't going to tape it back on if you change your mind, Willow!'" A strong New York accent came out as she repeated exactly how Veronica's bright red lips would chastise her as she sat on the elevated chair.

 

[xrakkax]

Seeing Willow excited helped curb some of her anxiety. Molly didn’t need to force her next smile, “Oh that woman can hush, hair grows back. And you know Theo’d think you’d look cute no matter what.” Molly unknowingly voiced Willow’s thought. “If we weren’t heading into Fall and Winter, I think I’d cut it again.” She said, picking up a laminated page of all the available hairstyles. Molly reflected one summer when she cut her locks to the chin. She was glad of it. The heat had been a monster that year. With no tresses to hug her neck, she managed to get through just fine.

Mrs. Nguyenand another woman, younger with freckles, came to attend to them. The new staff member smiled, saying in a strong Texan accent, “You girls decided yet?”

“I’ll have a hint of rose in my hair. And I want it up like this.” Molly pointed to the image of a half-up half-down bun.

“Oh honey, that will look lovely. I’ll get on it. The name’s Daisy, by the way.” She said, knowing the angle would make it hard to see her tag.

All at once Molly realized Mrs. Nguyen would be working on Willow. Her hands clenched the arms of her chair without realizing it. The Southern Belle’s face drained of some color as she felt her breathing become uneven.

Mrs. Nguyen set a dainty hand on Willow’s shoulder, taking in her customers attention. Neither saw the snap of Molly’s dagger eyes. “And what you want honey?”

Sh, sh. You’re overreacting. There’s nothing wrong. It’s okay, it’s okay. Look at Willow. Find some peace in seeing your friend. Molly wrenched her gaze over to Willow. She looked at her best friend in the world, sitting blissful and happily expectant, explaining what she wanted for herself. Molly only felt that Mama Bear inside rear up at seeing a wolf near her cub. The urge to protect doubled and sent a buzz through her head. Bad idea, bad idea!

Molly looked ahead trying to regulate her breathing. Then in the mirror in front of her she saw Mrs. Nguyen turn and walk to the wall of mixes and lotions and soaps. There was nothing out of the ordinary. The woman was mixing the shampoo and conditioner for Willow. Yet the tiny hairs on the back of Molly’s neck raised. She felt her stomach turn. It frightened Molly to sense in her the willingness to clock this old broad. Some poor little old lady who only meant to give them an amazing discount. Molly’s leg began to twitch and bounce.

Mrs. Nguyen turned around and began her way to Willow. Something inside Molly screamed. She couldn’t tell what or why. It felt like standing in the rush of a storm. Mrs. Nguyen was feet away from Willow when Molly jumped to her feet, fingers closed tight into a fist.

BING!

“Oh. Hold on, honey.” Mrs. Nguyen placed the bottle she put together off to the side and shuffled to her phone.

Molly stood, a little dumbstruck, looking into the surprised face of Miss Daisy. “Is somethin’ wrong, darlin’?” Miss Daisy asked worriedly.

“I uh--” Molly spoffed nervously. Her eyes momentarily darted over to see Mrs. Nguyen huff and put her phone away. “--uh, I thought I felt a bug on me. But it’s fine. Sorry!”

Miss Daisy smiled tentatively, “Oh, it’s okay honey. Here, have a bit of tea. I’ll get it.”

Mrs. Nguyen walked over to the bottle of soap, picked it up, and said, “Forgive old lady, I got wrong bottle. Don’t worry, ten more percent off for almost accident.” She forced a smile this time.

Without explanation, everything Molly had felt melted away. Air came easier, her skin stopped puckering, and her stomach settled. She sank into her chair. The relief felt so good she could have cried. Molly turned a sheepish smile to Willow, “Last of the summer bugs, eh?”

 

[Soliloquy]

Willow had grabbed a similar book to Molly, face scrunched up as she tried to settle on one style. Maybe she could be a bit more adventurous; after all like Molly had said, it was just hair. It'd grow back, grow out, and if it ended up terrible she could just resign to a life of wearing a hat all the time. She peeked over to see just what her friend had settled on, lighting up and nodding quickly in agreement. "Oh Moll, that's too perfect for you," she encouraged. A few more flicks of the page and she settled on going the distance and trying something fresh. "I think I'd like to try being a nice reddish color for a bit. A good fall color, don't you think?" she showed a few pictures before adding, "And bangs. I want bangs." She eventually showed the salonist a hue called 'crushed garnet' that seemed to be a red that didn't quite scream for attention.



Surely it wasn't just an early mid-life crisis decision; there were plenty of reasons to go out on that irreversible ledge. It was a great way to liven up her wardrobe without having to change a piece of clothing. Not to mention she strongly felt that it helped frame her face, along with a good feathering. A few moments in her own thoughts while Mrs. Nguyen was behind her and she might have backed down just a tad from the idea. "Just not really short bangs...in case I wanted to tuck them aside." Just in case.

Her debate on length was interrupted as Molly suddenly launched from her chair. Brows furrowed together as she gave her the southern belle a questionable look. "A bug?" she repeated, head tilting to try and understand. "And you were going to punch it? I feel like I should warn Micha that you're just rearin' to get into a good fight again," she teased with a chuckle, shaking her head as Molly relaxed back into her chair. "I think you need this more than I do."

Another discount? Wow, this place must have been desperate for customers. Since Molly had tucked herself back down and seemed no longer in Bug Terminator mode, she mouthed a 'wow!' before sitting back and getting comfortable. "When was your dad coming to town again? And have you decided if you're going to put your Russian admirer through meeting the General when he's here?"

 

[xrakkax]

“Y-yeah. I guess I was, ha ha” Molly chuckled, discreetly exhaling and releasing her still-clenched hand. Then she breathed in self-assurance. Whatever her body had been ready to do, she was glad it stopped. Image coming to shop arm-in-arm and leaving in cuffs to the hoosegow for assault! The added discount came as a curious unexpected treat. Molly popped her brows to Willow’s silent words of surprise. There was no argument against Willow’s observation that this was needed. Maybe not specifically from Mrs. Nguyen, but Molly felt some relaxing was in order. That mud-mask movie night couldn’t come too soon.

Miss Daisy had come just when Willow mentioned her pining cook. “Oh, a Russian boy?” She went to work on Molly, eager to get in on the girl talk.

Molly smiled, a little too wide for her facade of carelessness she meant to put on, rolling her eyes. “Yeah, Micha. Micha Baranov.” She tried to peer at Willow, but she only saw a blurry shape when her head was tilted back for washing. “Pa is coming around for Halloween, actually. Sent me the text a day ago. Sorry, I forgot to mention it.” Lord knows they have been busy with Pub life.

“You’re Pa is in the army?”

“The Marines.” Molly corrected, and chuckled a litte, knowing how it irked her Pa to hear people assume just about any old officer came from the Army branch. Molly didn’t think it was too unexpected. Most times people think of an army when they hear anything military.

“Well let him know a li’l old Texan says ‘Thank you for your service’, honey.” Miss Daisy chirped happily.

“Will do.” Molly brightened. Old General Malone was a grump, but he had a soft heart for good manners and patriotism.

Mrs. Nguyen chimed in, “Where he station?”

Molly’s skin tingled, “I don’t know.” Her tone came off a little sharp. Molly tried to recover, “He moves around a lot. I’d have to ask.” She forced a chuckle.

“Does your ole Pa give your boyfriends a hard time?” Miss Daisy may not have known why, but she caught on the tension between the old lady and her customer. “Got any fun stories, honey?”

For the life of her, Molly couldn’t think. It went blank and filled with the face of an eavesdropping old asian woman. Any other time Molly may have spilled more of the beans. This time, she gave a vague, “Oh you know it. He’s a good old Southern Gentleman, my Pa. But he didn’t quite give them a run.” Molly had a thought. She squared her shoulders when she was allowed to sit up again. Customers make eye contact with the staff all the time when telling stories. Molly used this to her advantage. She looked at the reflection of Mrs. Nguyen who unwittingly met the mirrored face of Molly. “In fact, he taught me how to handle unruly guys. Grew up weildin’ guns, huntin’ deer, and how to knock a fella’ down. Willow’d tell yah, I have quite the history of rowdy brawls.”

Whether or not the old lady caught on to the subtle threat, Molly didn’t know. But she did feel smug that the rest of the time the old crone kept a silent, pursed lip.

“Well it’s good to hear a woman has her fists ready. You really never know if you’re gonna come across a jerk.” Miss Daisy smiled.

“Don’t I know it.” Molly laughed, merrily this time. “But enough about Micha and Pa, Willow here has a Russian Rogue for a soon-to-be lover.” Molly managed to pat Willow with the back of her hand. “Tell ‘em honey bun. He’s a right tall, strong man, that one is.” Molly glanced with a warning look at Mrs. Nguyen.

 

[Soliloquy]

Willow couldn't help but grin, listening as Molly chatted away, particularly when she even bothered talking about Micha by name. She'd been willing to give the poor girl the grace to tap out, but instead it seemed like Molly was going to be an open book for the hairdressers. Relaxing in her chair, she let Mrs. Nguyen go to town, raking her fingers through her locks before easing her in for a starting wash. Unlike her companion, she was void of much stress, for the first time in a long time. Instead, she kept trying to think ahead to just what would be happening in the upcoming week, Monday in particular.

She could imagine the General scaring Micha out of his wits. Lover boy would likely try to apply his charm as he had so far with Miss Malone, a tactic was bound to have him face first with the stern man who had raised the brawla of a belle. "I'm pretty sure I've had to drag you away from a few fights, and in her favor I haven't seen her lose one yet," she admitted, relaxing as color was being carefully applied to each layer of hair. "That man doesn't know what he's getting into trying to chase after you. Good thing you're soft for a man who can cook for you."

As content as she'd been with the chatter centered around Molly and her admirer, Willow visibly perked up as the gears shifted and dear Theo was the topic of conversation. A visible blush showed on her cheeks, hoping that it was going to be hidden by the busy body floating about and nitpicking with her hair. "Oh I don't know. I mean he is tall and certainly strong, I just feel like he's more of a lover than a fighter," she offered, changing her mind almost as soon as she had said it. Her memory went back to the day that Ethan had arrived and how alert everyone had been. Theo was to her side in an instant and was immediately on guard. "Welllll, okay. He would be a fighter if he needed to. That's a good thing right? Keeping scum away and maybe, I don't know, one day protecting children." She'd managed to make her cheeks darkened viciously.