who is the parent?

Over a coffee with the best friend you chat about everything, she knows me better than anyone else and after a caramel latte the conversation moves to my imminent hair appointment.  We discuss a change and she flatters me about a haircut that likes on me from five years ago.  We look back nostalgically at pictures and I agree.

I wonder how and why I have aged so much in five years.  I agree a fringe is needed to hide those lines that are starting appear. The creases around the eyes that I try to fill with expensive moisturiser are looking a little deeper, a little longer. I think a fringe will be youth intensifying.

I arrive at the hairdresser who knows my hair and whims so well.  She agrees that the style of five years ago was flattering. I look up at her with my mobile and it’s pictures in my hands.  I laugh as I realise that she has cut her fringe just as I’m describing.  I convince her that I am not stalking her, that as she can see from the time imprinted on my photo, that Faye had shared with me my decision the hour before.  We laugh, even though I’m asking to leave with the same hairstyle she is now sporting.  Thankfully Trudy knows she is my hair inspiration and I have always had a girl crush on her hair.  But this time I had made the decision before I had arrived, I think she believed me!!

The cut is great, we chat like you do, we have a giggle and I leave wearing the fringe I had five years ago.  At home I catch my reflection and I like what smiles back.

I walk the short distance to school to collect Erin.  I wait with the mum’s for the classroom door to open.  Two mums notice my new hair and share pleasantries.  Shadows of our young children are spotted behind the frosted door. The door swings open, the teacher steps out and Erin is at the front of the queue (she seems to manage to be at front most days, she has wide elbows it seems) she scans the waiting parents.

Her face settles on mine but instead of a beaming smile I am greeted with a frown, with hands placed on hips as she looks at me and calls

“what have you done to your hair?”

Other parents all turn and look at me, then look back at Erin before laughing.

I’m not sure if they are laughing at me or at Erin, but it amused the masses.  Erin just looked at me disdainfully like I was a naughty child being admonished by the parent.

I think we need to readdress who has authority in this relationship!!

Sharing is caring!