Saving Professor (Part 5)

Back at the window building, Petra sat on a stool with a cloth tied around her neck. She was looking nervously into a mirror.
This is the last time my hair’s going to be like this, she thought. Unless we get this work done fast, I’ll have short hair. And it’ll look really funny when it’s between short and long. But I’ll do it. I’ve always wondered what I’d look like with short hair, anyway.
“Ready, Petra?”
Professor entered the door with a short lady. She had a pair of styling scissors in her hand.
“This is Mrs. Krought. She’ll be cutting your hair today,” Professor introduced.
Petra nodded at the lady, who nodded back.
“Now how do you want it, Sweetie?” she asked.
“Like my brother’s,” Petra answered, pointing to Collier.
“That short?”
“Well, I kind of have to.”
“Okay. Now sit still and don’t move.”
Petra chewed on her lower lip as she felt the scissors cut off her hair. It was cut to her shoulders, then to her chin, and then to her ears. Collier looked on with wide eyes.
Finally, the lady took out an electric shaver.
“No, don’t do that,” Petra commanded without thinking.
The lady placed a strange-looking piece on the end of it, saying, “No, honey, this won’t make you bald. It’ll just make you like your brother.” She nodded and smiled at Collier.
“Well, okay,” Petra answered nervously. She believed the lady, but was still slightly surprised and very relieved when her hair wasn’t completely shaved off.
The lady did extra trimming up hear the top, then stood back.
“Very good!” she exclaimed. “What do you think?” she asked Collier.
“Umm… yeah. Yeah, she looks like me,” Collier answered, not able to rip his gaze from his sister. “But can you give me the same haircut so we look identical?”
“If you wish,” she lady said. “Get up on the stool.”
Petra untied the cloth and nervously put her hand up to her shoulders. There was no hair behind her neck like she was used to.
Do I want to feel my hair? I don’t want to, but I’ll have to sometime, she thought.
Collier got up onto the stool. His haircut was easier, because he was used to it. He was done in five minutes.
“You like it?” he asked, walking to Petra.
“I don’t know.”
“Have you seen it yet?”
“No.”
“Have you touched it yet?”
“No.”
“Touch it. It’s not bad.”
“I don’t want to! It’s like I’m scared, but I’m not.”
“Here. I’ll touch it with you.”
Collier took Petra’s hand and led it up to her head. He ran it across the front and down the sides.
“See? It’s not bad.”
Petra was still unable to speak. Tears swam at the edges of her vision, but she tried with all her might to stop them.
Why do I always have to be so emotional? Why did I even agree with this in the first place?
Finally, she couldn’t help it anymore. She leaned over and cried on Collier’s shoulder. He led her to a chair and sat her down.
“Petra. Petra, it’s okay,” he calmly whispered, but it was no use. It was awkward talking to someone who was crying. So he just sat here and let her cry. He couldn’t do anything that wouldn’t feel awkward, anyway.
Just then, Professor walked in without saying a word. He took a glance at Petra and his lips formed a tight line. Something that looked like sympathy filled up in his eyes, and he looked at Collier.
Collier met his gaze and copied Professor’s expression. Professor looked on for a few more seconds, then left the room.
“Petra. Petra.” Collier shook Petra’s shoulders. She responded with a mumble.
“Petra, it’s okay.”
Petra pulled away and sat up.
“No, it’s not!”
“Petra, yes, it is. We’re doing this for good, remember?”
“Why does good always have to hurt?”
Petra began to run from the room, her face still stained with tears.
“Come back,” Collier called. He walked over to the sink and put a paper towel under cool, running water. Then he went to Petra, who was slumped against the doorframe. He led her to the chair again.
“Here,” he said, handing her the wet paper towel. “Wipe your face with it. It’ll feel good, trust me.”
Petra took the towel and wiped it on her face. Then she blew her nose on it and tossed it in the trash.
“That’s better,” Collier said. “You okay now?”
Petra sniffled.
“A little bit,” she answered.
“Good,” Professor said, striding into the room. He kneeled down beside Petra. “You’re a brave girl.”