Chapter 3

Pam slumped down in her chair. The tears continued to flow until they finally stopped with a vow. She vowed never to be in this situation again. From now on she was going to live and have fun and never fall in love again. She would lock down her heart. She had changed her life so much in the past few weeks. Pam was new and improved. She had a bright future ahead of her. She couldn't change her past but she wanted to erase it from her memory.

Pam needed help with the next level of her evolution as well as a partner in crime. She called her best friend from high school, Betty and asked for some company this weekend. Betty couldn't wait to see Pam! They had drifted apart because she couldn't stand to see Roy treat her friend so poorly. She had been thrilled Pam cancelled the wedding because Roy was just a jerk. Pam could do so much better!

Betty arrived on Friday night and they sat around and talked getting tipsy on wine coolers. Betty knew something was wrong because Pam's smile didn't reach her eyes. She had known her long enough to know something was up. Finally, after plying Pam with wine coolers and leading questions. Pam spilled her guts. She sobbed as she told Betty everything that happened in the past two weeks. After another wine cooler, she told her everything that happened in the office prior to that. It hurt to recall all sweet and wonderful things Jim had said and done over the past four years. Betty hugged her as Pam cried and cried.

When Pam quieted down and was hiccupping, Betty knew what needed to be done. "Look sweetie I have never been in love like that before but I think I know what you need to do. We definitely need to do the make over as planned. I am talking hair, nails; make up, clothing and spa treatments. Then we are going out on the town and break some hearts."

Pam smiled. She adored Betty. Pam nodded her agreement. "Okay. I am with you on everything except breaking some hearts."

Betty laughed. "That is the most important part. You need to get over Jim and the way to do that is someone else."

"I can't imagine that." Pam blushed. "I haven't been with anyone except Roy."

Betty patted her on the hand. "All the more reason we need to get you out there! You need a stepping stone man."

"A what?" Pam did not like the sound of this at all.

"You know the rebound guy. Someone who helps you step away from your heartbreak guy. Someone who appreciates you, who can help you mend your heart."

Pam frowned. "I don't want to use someone like that."

"It isn't really using him because he is getting something out of it too. Think of the guy as more of a medic." Betty reasoned with her.

Pam laughed feeling very drunk. "You are crazy!" They talked for several more hours, pigged out on pizza and finally went to bed.

Saturday was a busy day. Betty made them spa appointments. She convinced Pam it was mandatory to starting over. They started with massages, then facials, moving on to manicures and pedicures after lunch and finished their treatments early afternoon with hair and make up. The stylists fawned over Pam because they could smell spa virgin. They knew she was ready to take any and all advice within reason. They had seen it before hundreds of times. Women coming in to repair their broken hearts with styling products, so they helped heal them. They truly enjoyed helping these women rediscover themselves after love life devastation. In Pam's case, they were helping her find her beauty for the very first time. The stylists were giddy with power and gave her extra attention and instruction. The squeak of shock Pam made when she saw how beautiful she was equated to a salongasm. Even Betty was surprised at what Pam had been hiding. Now the owner of the salon pressed her into a promise to maintain her look and never to deny the world of her beauty again.

Pam shred a tear. "Thank you all so much." She couldn't believe this was her.

The salon owner tsked. "Enough! No tears. You will ruin your make up." He gave her a big hug and gave them both a discount for a return visit.

Betty caught her friend looking in the mirror again. "Oh stop primping you look fabulous darling." She laughed as Pam blushed. "On to the shopping part of our adventure, Pam-Pam."

Betty refused to let her friend settle for anything that didn't look great. She ensured that Pam only purchased body flattering styles and the right colors for her skin. When they returned home with a ton of bags Pam felt almost happy. Betty demanded they go through her current clothes. Pam fought over keeping pieces in the beginning until Betty dragged her in front of a mirror and said "This Pam doesn't wear that kind of thing anymore." Pam released most of her old frumpy clothing and found it was a freeing experience.

Pam was getting ready for bed. Betty stopped her. "What are you doing?"

"I, um well, I am getting ready for bed why?" Pam was a little confused by her friend. After all it was 10 o'clock at night. Betty went over the closet and pulled an outfit. A slinky dress that matched Pam's eye color was pulled.

"Nope, put this on." Betty handed it to her. "We are going out in twenty minutes, babe."

Pam's protests fell on deaf ears. She found herself in a downtown club by eleven. It was funny but she had forgotten most people don't go to bed by ten! Betty dragged her onto the dance floor. Pam loved dancing so she was beginning to have fun. She was smiling at her friend. Soon she looked up and realized there were several men dancing around them. She started laughing as it felt like she was caught in a net of men. That evening men bought them drinks and gave them their numbers. Several of them tried to move Pam to dark corners but Betty was always there to rescue her.

Pam danced until two am! She was breathless but full of energy when they were leaving. She felt great for first time in forever. She felt young, happy and free.

Betty looked at her and giggled. "My work here is done!" Pam giggled right back because she knew she was going to be okay. It was time to live for the very first time in her life.