Chapter 3 - Laurance's POV

                                    

                                          
I quickly exit the chat, checking the time to make sure I won't be late for my appointment.
                          
Since I felt good that Cadenza didn't notice her lost money, I decided to treat myself to a hair appointment with my buddy, Castor. 
                          
He's crazy with the stuff he's on, but in a happier way than myself. He's always full of enthusiasm and jokes, which makes him a good friend of mine.
                          
I make sure Cadenza is at work as I walk downstairs to grab a quick snack of waffles as I drizzle them with some nicotine. The toxins enter my body as I chew the fluffy dough in my mouth.
                          
I finish with myself being jumpy yet dizzy as I put the dish in the dishwasher. I grab my key and exit the home, a good time for my appointment at 10:00. 
                          
I walk down the road, looking at the cracks that burst with grass and dirt. I step over each one as I never remembered my mother, hoping her back would break wherever she is now.
                          
I find myself at the barber as I hear Castor yelling orders from outside. Mold forms on the white and brick building, adding an urban touch to the building. I enter the door as the little bell rings, indicating a customer.
                          
Castor is wearing his usual chicken shirt while he snips hair at lighting speeds. The customers cheer as they become tipsy, their hair either looking fantastic or a mess.
                          
I giggle at the thought of them becoming sober and noticing their hair but I realize these people are like me, never sober nor limited.
                          
I sit in a chair as my reddish locks rush around. It catches in the corner of Castors eyes as he whips around, his smile gleaming.
                          
"AH! MY LAURANCE!" He yells, his raspy voice echoing in the space. He walks toward me, extending an arm. I begin to shake it, only to be pulled into a hug. 
                          
"H-Hey Castor," I begin. "I came for my appointment."
                          
"Oh yessssss," He starts, clapping. "Come, come."
                          
He motions me into a plush red chair as I sit down, facing an older mirror. 
                          
"What were you think of today?" He says, grabbing some red dye. I shake my head, motioning for him to put it back. 
                          
"I was thinking of either my natural brown from before, black, or blonde with a stripe of red. What do ya think?"
                          
He ponders for a minute, thinking of the options. He keeps beginning to speak, only cutting himself off. 
                          
"I would say no to black. The hothead that lives with you would surly kick you out for looking... Suspicious...," he sighs, bringing his head down. Immediately, he pops his head up. "PERFECT! I KNOW! TURN AROUND, ITS A SURPRISE."
                          
Out of nowhere, his workers turn me to face the wall. I roll my eyes, eventually closing them as it is no use to look at nothing. After what seems like hours of snipping, smells of chemicals, and maniacal laughing from the other customers, Castor make me open my eyes.
                          
"Open your eyes for a minute!!" He says giddily from behind me. I open them to see a women stuff contacts into my pupils. I blink them around, which causes my eyes to water like crazy.
                          
Someone twists my chair around to reveal a new person.
                          
My old orange hair is now cut short, dyed a light brown against my old darker brown locks from high school. The hair cut suits me, making me look sophisticated yet mysterious. The contacts they added also make my eyes swirl with sky blues, ocean colors, and a tinge of light free barely noticeable to the eyes.
                          
My grin only increases as I lay a twenty on the desk.
                          
"THANKS, CASTOR!!" I exclaim from behind me as I leave as quickly as possible, avoiding contact at my new look.
                          
I am a new person, and I crave more than ever before.