HC/Rachel
From Create Your Own Story
The door to the shop swings open. Evelyn goes in first, followed by Charlotte. You go in after them, kicking at the door viciously as you go past. You could murder Evelyn. Well, not murder. You wouldn't go that far. But you could definitely do something.
Your step-sister Charlotte looks over her shoulder at you. She looks terrified. Any other day you might have smiled at her reassuringly, but just now you feel like you hate her almost as much as you hate Evelyn.
The shop is empty except for a boy sitting in a corner reading. He doesn't look like he works here. In fact, he doesn't look much older than you.
'Where's Jane?' Evelyn asks.
The boy looks confused. You know why, of course, but you're not going to say. 'I'm sorry,' he says. 'She's away on holiday. She won't be back for a week.'
'But I had an appointment for today!'
The boy goes to a ledger on the counter and flips through it. 'Evelyn Smith,' your step-mother says.
'I'm sorry Evelyn.' The boy closes the ledger. 'I'm afraid your appointment is for next week.'
'But we're going on holiday tomorrow,' Evelyn says. She turns to you. 'Rachel I thought I told you to book it for today.'
You shrug. 'I guess I forgot. My bad...'
'You're going to have a decent haircut Rachel, whether you like it or not. I'm not taking you on holiday looking like that.'
You clench your fists in rage. Stupid Evelyn. Why can't she just leave you alone? She's not your mother.
Evelyn turns to the boy. 'Well, you look a bit young, but I guess you'll have to do.' The boy starts spluttering something but Evelyn cuts him off. 'You don't have any other bookings for today, do you?'
'No, but...'
'Look,' she says, 'I'm in a bit of a hurry. I'll pay you for another appointment if you want.' She pulls some money out of her purse, counts it out and holds it out. The boy hesitates, then takes the money and smiles. 'What would you like me to do?'
