The Jenkins Girl
Chapter 6 - Just a Haircut
Last time: Mrs. Roselli helped CJ take the lead. The gang got free lunch, and Chet got a date.
It was Friday morning. I loosened my hair from the ribbon and let it drop. When I turned to the side, I realized my hair was about half-way down myback. My hair is my pride and joy. Dad had long hair before he joined the fire department. Momma's hair was always short. I have her figure (and her brains according to Dad), but the hair and face-all Daddy.
It's curly also. Not tight curls, but it can resemble a lion's mane if I left it on its own too long. It was about that point. If I'm going on a date-the first date in a long time-gotta do something new. New person, new possibilities, need a new look. I decided to try that new salon called Picard's Natural Palace. It's in the little strip mall off Benson Avenue. They don't use chemical relaxers. They will use a hot comb if necessary, but all the products are herbal. Threw on a tee shirt, jeans, and my comfy hiking boots. Jumped in the car and headed out. Wondered if Chet was as excited as I was. I smiled all the way to the salon.
Chet sat at the kitchen table, scribbling on a note pad.
"Let's see, ham sandwiches, carrot sticks, celery sticks, crackers, cheese cubes, gotta make up some cheese cube things..."
Roy walked over and read the list over Chet's shoulder.
"Chet, it's just the two of you," he smiled. "Maybe you should keep it simple. Just a couple sandwiches, and something to drink. If you go to her place or she to yours after, then maybe some wine and cheese."
Chet considered the suggestion.
"You have a point Roy. Keep it simple. And it's the Kite Festival. Maybe I'll get her a kite and we can fly it around. That's cute right? Chicks dig cute stuff like that."
Mike looked up from his coffee. "Considering she bought us a catered lunch, she's no ordinary chick. Roy's right, keep it simple and fun."
"Hey Chet!" Marco called from the bay, "Can you give me a hand? Hose is stuck on the rack."
"Coming buddy," Chet hustled out to help Marco, just as John walked in and looked at Chet's list.
"Wow he's really planning this thing out. Shouldn't he just keep it simple?"
"That's what we said," Mike replied. "Saturday's the Kite Festival. Chet's gonna buy CJ a kite. Said it'll be cute."
Mike looked around, then leaned toward Johnny.
"Wanna fly a kite Saturday?" Johnny spit out the coffee he just sipped.
Just then...
"Squad 51, Engine 36, Squad 36..motor vehicle accident with injuries. Benson Avenue mall, in the parking lot. Time out 13:25."
Christian did a fantastic job on my hair. It sat just on my shoulders. Can't say what he put in it to make it behave, but it was as straight as I've ever seen it. He put a little flip to the right so I can wear a headband. It was worth every penny and the tip. I felt lighter-physically and mentally. I considered getting pizza, but decided to go straight home instead. Had a painting I wanted to finish for Rita's gallery opening.
As I got ready to leave I noticed two cars waiting for my spot. Never gave it another thought. I'm on my way out, let them fight over it.
I remember putting the car in reverse. My arm was over the passenger seat. I looked behind me to see a third car angling for the spot. The last thought I had was, "Geez, that's going to be a hell of a fight for this spot."
I know I started to roll out of the space.
I heard a bang on my right.
Then a bang on my left.
Then a bang from the rear.
I felt the driver door punch me in the ribs.
My right shoulder popped.
My head flipped forward like a bad roller coaster ride.
My left knee and ankle screamed.
I think I did too.
Vince guided the firemen into the lot. Captain Williams from Station 36 jumped out of the truck and whistled.
"What the heck happened?"
"Three cars, one parking space. They didn't even let the poor woman get out of the spot first. People-so stupid sometimes. Woman's leg is caught. She's in pain."