Chapter: Beautiful Either Way

Emily sat at her desk, carefully gliding the straightener through the last section of her hair, watching as the waves disappeared into sleek, pin-straight strands. It had become a ritual now—something she did without thinking, almost like second nature. Every morning, she woke up earlier than she used to, standing in front of her mirror and perfecting the look Alison had complimented.

She didn't mind it. At least, that's what she told herself.

When she arrived at Alison's house later that evening, her hair was as straight and polished as ever. Alison was sprawled across her bed, flipping through a magazine, but when Emily stepped inside, she lifted her gaze, studying her for a moment.

"You straightened it again," Alison observed, tilting her head slightly. Her voice wasn't teasing, just… thoughtful.

Emily hesitated for a fraction of a second. "Yeah," she said, running her fingers through it like it was no big deal. "I just—thought it looked nice like this."

Alison sat up, folding her legs beneath her. "It does," she said, smiling softly. "But so does your natural hair."

Emily blinked, caught off guard. "What?"

Alison scooted closer, reaching out to tuck a strand of Emily's hair behind her ear. "I love your curls, Em," she said gently. "They're… soft, and bouncy, and totally you."

Emily's stomach flipped. "Oh."

Alison's fingers lingered for a moment before she pulled away. "You're beautiful either way, you know that, right?"

Emily felt a warmth rise to her cheeks. She wasn't used to Alison saying things like this—not so directly, not without a playful edge. She searched Alison's face for any sign of teasing, but all she found was sincerity.

"I just thought you liked it this way," Emily admitted, her voice quieter now.

Alison's expression softened. "I do. But I also like it when you wear it curly. Or in a ponytail. Or messy after swim practice." She shrugged. "I just… like you."

Emily swallowed past the sudden tightness in her throat.

For weeks, she had been straightening her hair, thinking it made her look better, made Alison notice her more. But now, with Alison looking at her like this, she realized she never had to change a thing.

She smiled—small at first, then genuine. "Thanks, Ali."

Alison grinned. "Anytime." Then she flicked the end of Emily's hair playfully. "Though if you ever cut it short, I might have to stage an intervention."

Emily laughed, shaking her head. "Noted."

For the first time in weeks, she wondered what it would feel like to just let her curls breathe again. Maybe tomorrow, she would.