Koruu
Legacy Name: Koruu

I sighed as I examined my refection in the mirror. I smiled, straightening my shirt and fussing with my too blonde hair. Noting the time, I realized I still had some to spare before my first day of work at my dream job. My stomach flipped with nervousness so I made a cup of tea, sat down on the recliner, and pulled out my small pocket planner, pleased that five slots this week were filled with work days at my new job. Taking a deep breath, I gave myself a quick pep talk.

Today is your first day of work, Koruu. Do not blow it. This is your passion.I repeated the phrase in my head several times, but I still felt nervous. Taking a sip of the Earl Grey, I pulled out an old hair magazine hoping my work would someday be recognized all over the country. It was just a dream, something pulled from my imagination, but then again, I never imagined I would be working in a high end salon in New York. Everyone told me there was no way I could get this job, even close friends and coworkers. I found myself drawn to the mirror again, making sure every strand of hair was in its place and no wrinkles could be found on my clothing. Then I departed my humble apartment wanting to get to the salon early.

I cursed under my breath as a taxi honked at me, stomping on his breaks just feet away from me. If there was one thing I hated about New York, it was the rude people. Most of them didn't even notice me as I walked along the sidewalk and crossed the street. They had their own agendas, just like me. I couldn't blame the taxi driver for being so impatient, but the last thing I needed was for my morning to be ruined by a jerk that drove people around for a living. I resisted to urge to insult him and continued across the street to the subway.

Making sure not to miss my stop, I watched the map light up at every zone waiting for the number. I hopped off the subway glad the salon was just a block or so away. I noted that it only took about ten to fifteen minutes to get there and that was taking my time. I stood outside the gorgeous building, took a deep breath, and pulled the door open.I know Felicia. Will you stop hounding me? I have to go, someone is here.

The woman clicked off the phone, her mouth set in a firm line. She brightened when she saw me and I smiled and held out my hand introducing myself.

Oh, we haven't met yet, have we Koruu?I shook my head wondering who this woman was. She was probably mid 30's, petite and pretty, with short, dark hair."My name is Gracie and I am the assistant manager. Our manager should be here shortly."

I grinned, excited to finally be starting. Gracie seemed really nice, if only a little intimidating. She showed me my station and I was glad I had come in a couple days ago to drop off my supplies. As I set up, Gracie made a few more phone calls, each of them quick and curt.

"So Koruu, how many salons have you worked it?"

"Just one other salon, I was with them for a few years actually."

Gracie applied a coat of lip gloss and ran her fingers through her hair.

"They must have been pretty upset when you left them for us," she replied, a smirk on her face.

I laughed in response, unsure of what to say, and continued placing my colors in the cabinet. I hoped the manager would come in soon; Gaston was much more comfortable to be around. Right on cue, he walked through the door. He kissed Gracie's hand and shook mine, grinning.

"Koruu, I am so very glad you are starting today. It's going to be a big day and we have a lot of high end clients booked. I want to see your very best work."

Gaston had a French accent but it was easy to understand what he said. He fussed with his tie, humming a popular song as he walked into his office. Gaston was always happy and it boosted my confidence although I noticed Gracie roll her eyes. She was probably used to him being enthusiastic all the time but I couldn't imagine it ever bothering me. I went over my list of clients for the day. I had several and I only recognized one of the names from my last salon, Kate, a regular. I smiled knowing exactly what she would be wanting. My first appointment would be here shortly.

A woman walked through the door, confidence radiating off of her. She removed her sunglasses gracefully and stood near the counter. I hesitated for a moment but Gaston would be watching so I approached her and held out my hand hoping to match her aloofness. She smiled and I let out a silent breath of relief.

"Hello, are you Miss Roades?” I asked politely.

"Indeed, and you must be Koruu, the new stylist."

I nodded and sat her down and began combing her medium length, black hair.

"I need a touch up, my gray is starting to peek through," she said watching me in the mirror.

I nodded and went to the cabinet to get the dye.

"This won't take long Miss Roades," I said as I started working.

We made small talk. She was a business woman and mother of three. When I completed applying the dye I sat her under the dryer and handed her a basket of magazines. She took them and found one she liked. I sighed in relief glad the day was going well so far. Gaston called me into his office.

"Miss Roades looks very pleased, Koruu," he said to me.

"Yes as soon as I wash out that color I will dry and style her hair."Gaston nodded pleased. "She likes to have it loosely curled," he responded winking at me.

I thanked him for the advice and went to check on the woman. When the color was set I gently rinsed her hair and towel dried the excess water. Then I blow dried her thick locks, curling them in the process. She grinned at the finished product, paid me, and left without another word. My mouth fell open when I counted five twenty dollar bills. I only charged fifty-five for touch ups but here I had one hundred. Gaston seemed to have read my mind.

She is generous to those she likes," he said patting me on the back.

All I could think of in response was, "Yeah, I guess."

Gaston laughed but Gracie frowned. I hoped she wasn't angry Miss Roades gave me so much. I can't say I wouldn't be a little jealous of someone who got that much money from one client though. I brushed her off and went on with my day.

The next client was not a happy man. I felt like no matter what I said, it was wrong and only made him, George, more upset. Frustrated, I carefully began trimming his graying hair going slowly so I would not make mistakes. When I was finished he told me I needed to trim more off the top. I went back to work hoping to get it right this time. This guy was relentless and as Gracie styled her clients hair, I could sense she was amused. I wouldn't let it get me down. I smiled at the man and joked with him. He seemed to open up more and when I was finished he said it looked alright. I gave an inward sigh of relief and hoped I could do a better job with him if he returned.

The next few clients were fantastic. I almost spilled bleach on one but I caught myself and she began to laugh instead of become upset like I imagined. I grinned becoming more comfortable with myself. I enjoyed seeing Kate and knew her well as she often came to the salon I used to work at. She was a kind middle-aged woman. We had a fun time chatting and she was happy I found a better job.

I went home at the end of the day feeling wise. This job would have its challenges, this I knew for sure, but as long as I tried my best and made people happy I realized I could get through anything. It was out of my comfort zone to serve new clients with much more wealth than I was used to but it only meant I could pay my bills and have money left over. I grinned at the thought.

I can't wait until tomorrow!_________________________

I stood in the doorway of my new apartment. It was completely furnished and had a gorgeous view of New York. No matter how many times I had come home to this loft at the end of the day, it always gave me shivers. A year had passed since I started my job at the high scale salon in New York City. I never could have believed having enough money to live here. The apartment had three bedrooms and two full bathrooms; more than enough space. I kicked off my designer shoes and sat in the fancy recliner beside the huge window facing the city. Mrs. Harris, my maid brought me a cup of my favorite tea.

"Thank you as always, Mrs. Harris."

She smiled and asked what I wanted for dinner.I thought for a moment, "Anything Italian sounds amazing."

She retreated to the kitchen and I pulled out a copy of Celestial Hair magazine. The man on the cover was me looking handsome and polished. Inside, a spread several pages long about my career as a stylist. I had an interview tomorrow for another magazine about my plans of opening up my own salon. I would be talking about how some of the money I earned would be going to help children with cancer and making real hair wigs for them. My life was finally coming together and I am living proof that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.

Story byUser not found: stellarvixen