Alison's POV
"Yes Mrs. Tillman. You too. You have a wonderful rest of your day. Tell Jimmy Happy Birthday for me" I request as my overworked hands grasp a rickety, old broom and dust pan.
Sighing loudly, I quickly sweep up the mess on the floor and plop myself in the stylist chair, groaning and feeling even more frustrated with every passing second.
Why do I have to do this? I'm just now feeling like I can look at myself in the mirror. I'm just now getting on my feet again and building a consistent, loyal clientele.
I've poured so much of myself into Essence, a little hair salon on Bourbonelle Drive. I designed, constructed, operate, and manage my salon all on my own. I take pride in my work and the friendships that I have developed since I opened the salon. I hate that I may have to give it up for good. I've called this small town in Georgia my home since I was little. This is where every bright light and every dark day in my life has played out. How can a small town girl like me pick up her life and move to the big city?Don't get me wrong, I've been through enough change in my short life so I'm more than capable of adjusting to a new environment or circumstance. That being said, I simply being selfish and don't want to have one more change in my life.
My father, Kenneth Dilaurentis, has been my anchor through the rough waters of my youth so now I guess it's time to return the favor. About a year ago, my mother and father moved from this small town to the Big Apple in pursuit of an eventual run for the open Senate seat in New York. For 15 years, my father has been this town's fire chief and has worked tirelessly for the benefit of the citizens of our town. Through the partnership of other fire chiefs in neighboring towns, a greater network of support and involvement among citizens has developed. Poll anyone in the grocery store and they will tell you, "Chief Dilaurentis has changed this community".
Almost instantaneously, my father was elected the new fire chief of New York in a landslide victory. Now he has his eyes set on the senator position available in the next election. Ever since I can remember, my dad has always been a good ole country boy, born and raised with a pleasant temperament, proper morals and values, and a desire to do right by another person. Family has always come first and no matter what happens, no matter the mistake, he loves you unconditionally.
Sadly, I was the problem child for my parents. My brother on the other hand is a living, breathing angel. He skirts through life, never having to try or want for anything. Life has simply dropped everything in his lap. Trials and tribulations are not something that he understands because he's never had to walk through fire like I have all of my life.
As I empty the register and stuff the wad of cash in my purse, I pause at the doorway and admire the world I've created for myself in this once dilapidated salon. I'm going to miss the smell of freshly washed hair, the sound of blow dryers, the potent smell of hair dye, and the endless stories that stem from voices that sit in the plump stylist chair. When I look around, I see all of the special times that I've been apart of. From weddings, first day of school new cuts, bad break ups, to 50th wedding anniversaries, I've seen it all. I've transformed them all because people have blessed me with the opportunity to be a member of their life.
Flipping around the open and closed sign as I exit the doorway for what feels like the final time, I fail to suppress the persistent tears that make their presence known as they trail down my cheeks. Why is saying goodbye always so difficult for me?
Tomorrow I will catch my flight to the big city in order to attend a community gathering in the Bronx that is hosted by the fire department and the local police that patrol the streets on a daily basis.
"Improve relations, encourage a sense of family" my father drones on each time he calls to remind me of the event. "I want all of my family by my side. We have to lead by example" he continues to preach. Although I want to gripe about all of these upcoming demands, I can't seem to bring myself to do it. He seems so excited and genuinely passionate about changing circumstances for the better.
"Alright Alison," my brain tells myself, "You need to suck it up. Your parents have walked through hell with you so you need to be there for them now that they've come calling. It's honestly the least you could do. Think positively. Don't play a victim to your circumstance. Who knows...unchartered adventures could await you. This could change your life for the better. You could meet people that could change your life for the better. Open your mind Alison. Maybe even open your heart while you're at it".