Mom rules the roost by P.J.

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Mark took one last slurp then rolled off of me. God what a way to wake up in the morning. I needed to come back to reality. Mark pushed that gorgeous chestnut colored fringe back off his face and announce that he was going to take a quick shower. I told him I’d follow quickly so we could get breakfast before our first class.

My name is Andy. Mark and I have known each other since kindergarten. We grew up in the same neighborhood. Our parents got to know each other through us and our school activities. We all became friends. Fast forward to today, we’re now finishing our last year of college, still together, in more ways than one. It’s the Wed. before Thanksgiving. After our last class today, we’ll be heading home for the holiday weekend.

While I was trying to get my heart rate down in the normal range again, I took a moment to do a fast review of how we got to where we are today. Call it Karma, or fate, but our families are hopelessly intertwined. And will become officially intertwined just before the Christmas break.

The similarities in our lives are uncanny. Mark lost his mom and I lost My dad to cancer when were freshmen in college. Long story short, my mom and his dad are going to be married the Friday before Christmas, just about a month from now. Mark was Happy for his dad, and he got along great with my mom. She’s pretty easy going and fun loving. Mom was trying to keep this wedding a low key, fun affair.

I generally get along good with Marks dad but find him to be somewhat of a tight ass. He’s ex-Navy and in some respects, it seems like he’s still in the service. He still has the same ridiculously short crew cut he had as an officer 25 years ago. He’s made Mark wear one all the way up to last summer too.

Things changed before we got ready to come back to school this past fall. Mark had managed to skip out on all of the ‘every 2 week’ haircuts over the summer, and…successfully dodged a last minute trip in for a scalping in before we left for school in the fall, due to work scheduling. His normally scalped sides and tiny tufted top crewcut style have now blossomed into a gorgeous head of thick chestnut colored hair. Fringe in his eyes, ears half covered, and nape covering a dress shirt collar. As far as I was concerned it was just getting long enough for yours truly to enjoy sinking my hands into it and playing with it while we fool around.

I was curious as to what was going to happen at home this weekend though. We were supposed to get fitted for our black tailored suits for the wedding. Mom felt that tuxedos would be a bit too formal for her liking, and suits for soon to be college grads would come in handy for interviewing. I’d made an appointment with Ken, my stylist to get a trim-up on my shoulder blade length auburn mane while we were home too. Mark had asked if he could come too and have Ken trim his hair up. So I’d made back-to-back appointments after our suit fittings on Saturday. He was cautiously excited to have a ‘real haircut’ for the first time. I was curious whether he would get marched off to Franks barbershop first thing Saturday morning by his dad instead for a severe scalping. Mark and I had discussed this possibility at length and Mark has said he’s willing stand up to his dad and die on that hill (figure of speech) before succumbing to another of Frank’s scalping’s.

Mark appeared, naked, and freshly showered, to interrupt my thoughts. "Next" he chirped, slapping my bare butt cheeks as I passed him.

We managed to get thru the day, and each headed for our respective homes. Mark and his dad would be coming to my house for Thanksgiving dinner. In the meantime Mark had more packing to do. His dad had agreed to sell their family home and move in with my mom and I at our house. Ours was the bigger of the two. I was excited to have him officially as a "step" brother, being boyfriends was an interesting twist. Neither of us had come out to our respective parent yet though. We were going to wait till the dust settled on the move, marriage, etc. for a bit, then drop that bomb shell. Our main concern was Marks dad, I was pretty sure my mom already knew, or strongly suspected about me, she just didn’t know I was with Mark. I was also pretty sure she’d be O.K. with it but…you never know.

Mark and his dad came over to our house for Thanksgiving dinner. All was going smoothly until we started to discuss our activities for the remainder of the weekend.

Marks Dad, whom we’d all agreed I’d call by his first name, Bruce, said he’d made appointments for all 3 of us guys at Franks Barber Shop for 10:00 Saturday. My mom had stepped out to the kitchen to begin the post dinner clean up. I quietly piped up with" that won’t be necessary Bruce, I’ve made an appointment for Mark and I with my usual stylist Saturday afternoon, after we finish with the suit fittings."

Bruce cleared his throat loudly and said" you can cancel it, both of you are coming in to Franks with me. Mark has sorely neglected his appearance this past summer, and this semester at school. It’ll be good to get him back into a regular crew cut, especially since you both are standing up in the wedding as groomsmen." Looking me sternly in the eye he said "Andy, it’s high time you shed those long girly locks for something more practical and professional like a crew cut. You look like a bum with that mop."

I was stunned. I fingered my plush mane nervously. Mark pushed his thick fringe off his face. Bruce would never have addressed me that harshly with mom in the room. She didn’t stand for domineering parenting. "Sir, you’ve known me since I was a toddler. I’ve never had hair that short, never. I’ve had this longer hair since I was a sophomore in high school and you’ve never even made so much as a negative comment about it." I knew I was getting defensive but really, the sudden attack had me off kilter. I wanted to make sure he knew I wasn’t going to be bullied into doing things his way. He wasn’t my dad, after all. "I have to also remind you that I’m not a little kid anymore sir. Being 21, I’m not sure you have much authority over me, even after you and mom are married. I’ll be going to my regular guy for a trim up for the wedding, just to make sure it’s neat and well groomed. I’m sorry if that doesn’t fit with what you had in mind…sir." I held his stare until he looked down.

Mark chimed in with" and I’ll be going with Andy for a trim too sir. I’m not going back to crew cuts either sir, ever again." Mark was now locked eye with his dad.

Bruce had started to flush pink while I was talking to him. After Mark finished, he was red, red. Yikes, this wasn’t going well. "Now you two listen here. I will not have a couple of shaggy dogs stand up with me in church for my wedding. YOU TWO will come with me to Franks and get decent haircuts and that’s final."

Just then mom strolled back into the dining room. "Bruce, your face is flushed, what’s wrong honey?" she asked. I suspected she’d been listening to this latest exchange just out of view of us guys.

Bruce settled a bit and said "Oh, nothing dear. These two shaggy dogs were under the mistaken impression that they didn’t need to get short haircuts this Saturday with me in preparation for the wedding, that’s all."

"I gave mom a strained smile and said" Bruce is under the mistaken impression that I’m willing to go with him on Saturday and get one of those ridiculous crew cuts for the wedding. I informed him that’s not going to happen. I’m going to see my regular guy, and taking Mark with me this time."

Bruce got even redder if that was possible. Waiting for mom to take his side and respond.

My mom, who goes by Fran, stood behind me and stroked my long locks. I had my mane pulled back in a low pony tail. My favorite way of wearing it. "That would be fine Andy. I love your long hair. I see no reason to chop it all off just because were getting married Bruce. I think with a bit of a trim Marks will look great too. He looks so much better with hair, instead of that awful military crew cut style. Most men do. We’re not turning this wedding into some tight ass stuffy affair either."

"Fran" Bruce barked "you’re telling me you’re perfectly fine with these motley dogs standing up in church with us when we say our vows? They need to get respectable haircuts and start looking like gentlemen."

"Bruce, I can assure you Andy looks just fine in a suit, with his hair pulled back and tied neatly. Mark will be just as handsome with a small trim. As a matter of fact, they’ll probably be drop dead gorgeous If I know them." Mom winked at Mark and I.

Bruce sputtered "So you think my haircut is too military too then, I suppose?"

"Well," Fran replied, "if you’re asking, I think you’d look good with a bit more hair. Yours is so short I’m not really sure if yours is curly or straight. Just look at how gorgeous Marks is turning out to be. I don’t want to tell you how to wear it though. Do what’s comfortable for you honey, and leave the guys do the same. There won’t be any crew cuts for you two as long as I’m around. O.K. boys." She was addressing us but had her eyes locked on Bruce. Guess he’d been told.
Bruce had the good sense to be quiet, he stood up and began helping clear the table. My mom wasn’t someone to mess with when she made up her mind either.

I decided to turn the knife a bit. I just couldn’t resist. "Oh, mom, I was wondering, my hairs long enough now, I was going to have Ken, my stylist, try a French braid, just to see how it’d look. Maybe I’d do that for the wedding too if it looks O.K. I’ve seen it on several guys and I think it’s kinda classy looking. What do you think?"

As Bruce went into the kitchen, I heard him exclaim, "Oh my god."

Mom giggled. "Are you really going to do that?"

"I donno. If Bruce keeps on about getting scalped for the wedding, I just might. He’s ruining what was a good start to us getting together as a family. I can’t believe he’s being this much of a jerk."

Mark piped up with" Welcome to my world. He still thinks we’re 10 years old. Ugh. Well, like I told you at school Andy. I’m prepared to die on this hill. Fran, any chance I could stay here for the rest of the weekend if things go badly with him tonight at home?"

"Yes, of course, you know you’re always welcome here Mark, You’re pretty much family now anyway." Fran smiled warmly at Mark. "I want to know if he’s still giving you grief O.K.? I’m going to talk with him tonight. He’s getting way too up tight about this wedding. It’s not like it’s the coronation of the king for god’s sake."

Mark and I went into the family room to watch football. Bruce came in a bit later and quietly watched along with us. Other than comments about the game there was no further discussion about haircuts, thank God.
Mark and Bruce left late. I pulled Mark aside and told him to call me once he’d gone to bed for the night. I headed for bed myself. Shortly after, my phone buzzed. Mark said here was no further discussion about haircuts at all. Good. We chatted for a few minutes, then said our good nights.

I went over to Marks on Friday to help with the packing. Mom came over a bit later too. The movers were coming next week. Bruce and Mark were very appreciative of the extra help. We stopped shucking boxes around and ordered pizza for dinner. Bruce did mention that his offer was still open, he’d take us both with him to Franks tomorrow at 10:00, only if we wanted too though. NO pressure. I could tell by his expression looking at Mark, that he was hoping Mark would capitulate and go at least.

We both politely but vehemently declined again. I would pick Mark up and get us to the suit fitting. Bruce could meet us there. We’d go to my stylist later in the day.

Fran said "don’t go crazy guys. Just get yourselves neatened up. You’re both fine as is without even going, really."

Bruce gave her a scowl but made no comment.

I picked Mark up with plenty of time to get to the high-end men’s clothiers Bruce had selected for our suit fittings. I could tell his luscious locks we freshly washed and dried.

I’d washed my hair and left it loose, I didn’t want Ken to have to deal with the shape that having it in a low pony tail gives it. I actually liked how it looked loose, so did Mark.

We walked into the shop and met Bruce. More than a few heads turned to check us out. As luck would have it, the young gentleman that was to do our fittings clearly had the hots for both Mark and I. I was waiting to see if Bruce picked up on this or not. The clerk was unabashedly flirting throughout the whole fitting process.

The clerk wasted no time getting us suited up, then slowly made the measurements on each of us for alterations. Much to Marks chagrin, he spent an inordinate amount of time on me. More than once he gathered my long locks and moved them so he could get a measurement he wanted. Carefully apologizing each time.

Bruce was clearly displeased when I stopped to take the time to fix my long locks when we put the shirts on. I wanted to check out our current hair with the suits on before we went to see Ken. I definitely needed the neck fuzzies and sideburns neatened a bit if I was going to wear it tied back. I was ecstatic to see Marks collar almost fully covered with nice thick locks. After a head-to-toe inspection by me, I quickly determined he looked good enough to jump right there in the fitting area. If the clerks flirting was any indication, he thought so too.

I finally noticed that Bruce had been to his barber. Mark and I quietly commented to each other that Bruce had indeed been to the barbers this morning, but wasn’t sporting his usual shaved side crew cut. He’d just had the edges neatened up. His hair actually looked pretty good. We decided not to comment and provoke more disparaging remarks about our own locks though. Or push him into getting all that progress shaved down again.

The clerk made a comment about how stunning we both looked with the suits on. Bruce piped up "too bad they look like shaggy dogs with those mops though."

The clerk gave us a knowing look. "Oh, sir, that’s part of what’s making them look so hot sir." He grinned at Bruce. Bruce just shook his head in disgust.

As we got ready to leave, Bruce quietly said, "Your moms expecting us all for dinner tonight at your house Andy, don’t be late O.K. guys?"

"Yes sir, we’ll be back there in plenty of time for dinner sir" Mark replied. We hustled out of the shop, it had taken us more time than I anticipated to get our fittings so we had to hot foot it over to Kens to make our appointment.
We walked in to Kens shop. I could tell Mark was getting anxious. Ken walked over and greeted us warmly." Ah, my favorite client is finally back in town. I was wondering if you’d be in this weekend, or wait till Christmas break. I’m glad to see you Andy."

I introduced Mark, saying it would be his first time in a shop like this and to please be gentle with him." I laughed and patted Marks back reassuringly.

"WHO’s first?" Ken chirped, walking is back to his private station in the back.

"Let’s let Mark go first "I replied. "Before his anxiety overwhelms him."

"O.K. Mark, take a seat" Ken said, patting the chair back. As he caped Mark, he asked, "what are you looking to do Mark?"


"Well, I’ve never actually had hair before this. I’ve always had a close-cropped crew cut. so, I’d like to keep as much length as possible, just trim off the wispy grown out ends. I’d also like a couple of ideas for styling it neatly when I need to. I like the fringe hanging down but I realize that doesn’t look very polished." He colored up slightly, looking over at me.

"I love the low hanging fringe Ken, I think it’s sexy on him" I replied wolfishly.

Ken frowned glancing from me to Mark" Damn, I think I get it now. Why are all the cute ones always taken" He replied chuckling. Mark and I locked eyes for a moment and chuckled.

Ken combed Marks thick locks down all around. "Ah, I see what you mean about the wispy ends. Yes, we can do a lite trim for you sir "he chirped. "I won’t need to take much off at all. It’s still short enough that I’d recommend keeping a side part for now though. "

Ken started snipping gingerly on Marks left side. I was happy to see his ears stay almost half covered. Ken snipped his way across the back next. Leaving a nice thick length below his nape. He made short work on the right side, then stood back for a minute. Mark couldn’t see through the thick chestnut fringe to observe the looks between Ken and I.

As if to make sure I was paying attention Ken slid the shears in about halfway up Marks forehead. "I think this is about as long as I can keep it for you guy. "He made as if to close the shears on the thick heavy fringe.

"Stop right there, Ken" I barked. Mark flinched in the chair. "No way are you chopping off that much of his fantastic fringe!" I barked again.

Ken laughed, "Just checking to see if I had your full attention, or not Andy. Glad to see you’re watching me."

He moved the shears down, below Marks eye on the left, and snipped. A few uneven wisps fell to the cape.

I sighed in relief. "That’s much more like it sir" I replied.

Ken continued snipping at a slight angle, towards the right side. When he finished, he ruffled the fringe. "There Mark, how’s that feel.?" Ken asked.

"OMG Ken, this feels wonderful. He flicked the fringe to the side, then glanced into his lap. There was a not so insignificant pile of short locks there. "Ugh, that’s a lot of hair. I didn’t want it short man." Mark said sighing loudly.
"Babe", I said. "He hardly took off anything at all, just look in the mirror."

Just then the high pitched swine of the clippers started up. Mark looked panicked. "Andy! Whats he going to do?! I don’t want this all chopped off!"

I walked over and touched marks shoulder. "Relax babe, he’s just going to clean up the neck fuzzies, and a bit in front of your ears, that’s all, right Ken?"

Ken smiled devilishly. "Yup, no worries, Mark. Unless you’d like me to take it down shorter, a nice tight taper up the back maybe" Ken replied, laughing manically.

"No, no, oh God no, please Ken" Mark responded, getting louder.

"He’s still getting used to having hair Ken", I said." Now we have to acclimate him to how it gets cut here at a first class shop."

Ken deftly removed the neck fuzzies, and squared off Marks sideburns. "There! Done! He exclaimed."

Mark finally looked up at his reflection in the big mirror. Swinging his head from side to side. Ken grabbed the big hand mirror and held it behind him so he could see the back.

"Oh, wow, this IS still long, NICE!" he said smiling at Ken.

"You may have to give your fringe a little push, or a flick of the head now and then to keep it out of your eyes, but I don’t think you need any product to wear it like this. O.K.?" Ken stated. "I’ll get some matte finish pomade and we’ll try a couple of more conservative styles." He proceeded to rummage thru one of the drawers below the mirror.

Mark took the opportunity to look directly at me with raised brows. It only took a moment for him to register the lust in my eyes. "I take it you approve babe?" he asked.

"Oh, yeah, I approve, I definitely approve." I replied huskily.

Ken took a dab of pomade, rubbed it thoroughly between his fingers and instructed Mark on how to apply it as he worked it into Marks locks. He then took the brush, and began carefully brushing the sides back, then the fringe to the side and back. Mark was instantly transformed. He was smokin hot, at least in my eyes. Kens to if I read his face correctly.

"Oh my, Mark, you do clean up well sir." Ken stated flatly.

All I could think of was Mark in that tailored black suit. I’ll have a hard time keeping my hands off him, yeesh.

Ken smiled warmly, "I think my work here is done Mark. Wouldn’t you agree?"

Mark smiled and nodded enthusiastically. "Yes sir, you done good. I really like this. I don’t see how dad can complain about this, do you Andy?" he said. Swinging his head from side to side again.

"I’ll bet he hates it Mark" was all I could say.

Ken brushed Mark down and unsnapped the cape. "Normally I’d wash your hair first before I cut, but I could tell it was freshly washed and conditioned this morning. Since we didn’t take much off, I don’t think you need a wash, do you?" Ken inquired.

"Nah, why ruin this" Mark replied, smiling. He hopped up out of the chair and waved his hands in a flourish, indicating it was my turn in the chair.

I sat down. Ken pulled out a fresh cape. "Ah now for my favorite head of hair" he murmured quietly.

I smiled. "You don’t need to wash me again either, unless you feel you need to. I only want the ends evened up and remove any split ends. We can discuss the possibility of a bit if careful layering after the trim, O.K.?" I asked.

"Your wish is my command prince Andrew," Ken replied, laughing.

"Oh, brother, Mark said. Now I know why he likes coming here. Wow." Mark asked to use the rest room and disappeared for a few minutes.

"Ken", I asked conspiratorially, taking out my phone and showing him a pic. Do you think you could try this on me? Do you think I have enough length?"

Ken took the phone and studied it, there were several views for him to look at. He looked back at me and asked" Really, are you serious about this? I mean yes, we can certainly try it if you want to but….really?"

I laughed. "Yes, I’m deadly serious. If you think you can do it, when you finish trimming, just start right in. Don’t say anything to Mark. Let’s see how long it takes him to notice. O.K.?" is replied quietly.

"Sure, sure, "Ken replied. "This should be interesting. I don’t get to do that very often."

Ken and I had only just finished our discussion when Mark walked back into the private area and resumed his seat on the guest chair.

Ken dampened me thoroughly, then proceeded to even up my plush mane. I preferred the more blunted thick look to the ends vs, the thin wispy look. I also liked it a bit shorter on the sides and longer in back. He always cooed and moaned theatrically when he ran his hands through my locks. This garnered several eye rolls from Mark. Personally, I loved the touch time as he sectioned, then took each section in between his fingers at my scalp and let it slide through almost all the way to the ends. I could let him do this all day. Cooing and all.

Soon enough there was a small pile of short locks in my lap. "I don’t think you need any layering right now Andy, not if you want to try the other thing" he said quietly. I was undecided as to how to wear it for the wedding. I wasn’t crazy about a man bun. My go to was always a low tied pony tail. I thought with my color, and texture, it looked very professional and classy. I was nervously excited to see how a French braid would look.

Ken proceeded to section my hair off. He started the braid right at my forehead, just like the pics. He was incorporating the hair from the sides of my head into the braid also. I was dying to see how this turned out. I had one eye on the mirror, and the other on Mark.

He had only gotten a few criss crosses in when Mark jumped up and walked over. "YOU aren’t!" he barked "Holy s**t, you are, Oh my god. My dad’s going to have a stroke! YOU evil s**t!" He was incredulous, giggling and laughing.

"Ken, stop!" Mark barked. "Start over again! Go slow, and explain exactly what you are doing. I want to be able to at least attempt this on Andy later, O.K.?" he said, grinning at me evilly.

Ken started over, and slowly explained as he moved from front hairline to the nape at my neck.

"We’ll have to find something suitable to clasp it with at the bottom, but there it is" Ken said, tugging the braid gently.

I loved it! I’m always willing to take a walk outside the box, and this was a perfect example of that.

"So," I said addressing Ken. "Looks like there’s enough length, without looking goofy, yes?"

Ken held up the hand mirror so I could see the back. "Oh, my yes," I murmured, more to myself than the others.

Ken called Mark over to hold the ends firmly while he rummaged around for a clasp. With an "Ah, hah", he produced a small dark colored one and fastened it in place.

The braiding was perfectly executed. The braid didn’t pull my face out of shape like I though t it might either. It was sleek and handsome. I didn’t feel any tightness or pulling on my scalp either. Wow. This was a whole new experience with my long locks. I shook my head to see what would happen. Nothing. Nice. Maybe mark could do this every once in awhile if he got the hang of it.

Kens last action was to also remove the neck fuzzies and trim m up my side burns too. Once he’d finished that he declared me done.

Ken gave me a quick brush down and removed the cape. "I’m assuming you want to keep it braided, right" he asked looking inquisitively at me.

"Yes" I barked. Looking evilly at Mark. "Most definitely yes, since it turned out so good. Wouldn’t you agree Mark?"

Mark was unabashedly staring at me. "Yeah, sure, O.K. he said, grinning. You know, I didn’t think it would look this good but man, you look so hot, in a studly Viking sort of way." Mark gave me a low growl.

Ken cocked his head. "Hmm, you know, your right. I hadn’t thought of it that way but yeah, it does look handsome in a Viking sort of way.

"Well Ken, I may be in for you to do this once more for me at Christmas for the wedding, not sure yet though. We’ll have to see how well received it is at dinner with the folks tonight first." I stood up and admired his handiwork in the big mirror again.

Mark laughed heartily "you won’t have to worry about a wedding babe, dads gonna keel over dead when he sees you at dinner tonight." We all chuckled at his remark.

I stood up and checked myself in the big mirror again. With my broad shoulders, and height, it looked fantastic. I’d been afraid it might come off as too feminine but, no way. I made a mental note to grow a bit of scruff and a stache and see how it looked with that before we came back for the wedding. I wondered if Mark could do it as well as Ken had. Hmm we’d have to see. Mark seemed to be O.K. with this look too, at least for now. We both knew his dad was going to flip out.
As we walked thru the shop, up to the front counter, I felt all eyes on me. It was a unisex shop so there were guys as well as girls getting various things done. I got a wolf whistle from one of the other male stylists as we passed by. I’m sure with the braid, and my unusual auburn color, there would be more wolf whistles before we got home.

Mark couldn’t stop staring at me as we drove away. "Let’s try an experiment babe, I said. I want to stop for coffee at the at shop we like. Take my style out in public. See what happens. YOU game?"
"Oh yeah. I can’t wait to see this." He replied.

As predicted, all eyes were on me by the time we walked thru the shop to the counter. It made me just the tiniest bit uncomfortable. As I said before I wasn’t afraid to try things outside the box so I soon got used to the stares. I was waiting for the first unsolicited comment that was sure to be coming though.

I could still feel all eyes on me when we sat down with our coffee. It didn’t take long for someone to approach us either. Surprisingly it was an older gentleman. I braced for what I expected to be a tongue lashing. It never came. "Excuse me son" he said quietly. "I just couldn’t pass by and not comment on your striking hairstyle. While its quite out of the ordinary, it looks fantastic, especially with that unusual color. It suits you perfectly. Well, that’s all. Enjoy yourself son." He winked and glanced at Mark.

"Well, thank you for the compliment, sir. It’s a first for me so that’s good news." He nodded again and smiled. Then walked off and out of the shop.

"Babe, I’ll hand it to you…you’ve got balls of steel. No freaking way would I ever try that, and then go out in public too boot. You are also smokin hot, in case I haven’t mentioned that in the last few minutes." Mark laughed.

I replied, ‘Well, let’s just wait and see what yours looks like when its as long as mine first" I gave him an inquisitive , innocent look.

"I’m not aspiring to have anything nearly as long as yours" he replied. "there’s no way I can even compete with yours anyway, babe. You definitely got the best of the hair genes in your family."

We finished our coffee and headed out. We had a couple of quick stops to make, then headed to my house. I couldn’t wait.

We walked in the back door and said hi to mom. She was at the sink and turned to respond.

"Hi guys….. Oh good lord. Get over here, both of you." Her expression was unreadable.

She focused on Mark first. "Well, I must say, you clean up well Mark. This looks terrific. And it’s still nice and long. I don’t think your dad will be able to find fault with it. Very nice. Much better than a crew cut for sure, honey."
She smile warmly at Mark.

Mark basked in the high praise for a minute.

The next thing I heard from her was "Andrew! Wow. I thought you were kidding. I should have known better. Well, better to try this now than wait till the actual wedding day. I do have to say, it looks amazing. It’s very well done. I’m not sure it fits you though. I’ll have to let it ‘grow’ on me tonight and see. I can’t wait till Bruce see this!"

"Oh, boy! We’re about to find out what Bruce thinks right now. I think I hear him coming in the side door. Brace yourself" She said laughing.


Bruce walked into the kitchen and headed directly to Fran. "Hi, Hon, I brought a couple of bottles of wine over. Saves me from having to pack them" he chuckled, giving mom a quick peck on the cheek. He turned to say hi to Mark and I. ‘Hi boys… oh my god! Andy!" he walked over closer, to close really, and scrutinized me closely.

"Doesn’t he look absolutely stunning Dear", mom said, smiling at me.

"I am stunned, that’s for sure. Wow!" Bruce replied, bug eyed. It looks so out of place, I strapping broad shouldered guy with a …what’s it called …French braid. What is this world coming to?" I hope you aren’t entertaining any ideas of wearing it like this at the wedding….are you? God heavens!? He couldn’t take his eyes off of me though. He shook his head sadly.

Turning to Mark he said, "and you Mark, that’s quite an improvement. Still a long way to go, but handsome. Much more polished and professional looking. I don’t suppose you’ll be getting it cut any shorter before the wedding though, right?" Marks dad said, sighing and retraining his eyes on me.

Before he could comment further, I heard "Now Bruce." Mom quipped. "I think you need to start appreciating these two for the handsome young gentlemen they are becoming. I’m trying to picture them in tailored black suits standing up there with you as I walk down the aisle. My three handsome men waiting for me. I’m actually thinking I might get my hair done like Andy’s. I’ve never tried that style before.

"On you dear, it would look truly stunning. I’m hoping that Andy has now tried this and gotten the idea out of his system. Ugh." Bruce replied quietly.

I piped up "that would be cool mom. There’d be no doubt which son we related to which parent then, would there" I laughed. Bruce gave me a scowl.

Mom chuckled, then turned to address Bruce "I noticed that you must have visited the barbers today too. You don’t have your usual skinned sides and little tuft though." Mom said, brow raised.

"Well, after our little discussion the other night, I though it might be time for me to change things up a bit. You said you’d like to see what I looked like with a bit more hair so….? I’ll have to get it touched up again for the wedding though, that’s almost a month away."

"Well," Fran said, smiling at all three of us. I heartily approve of what I see here for all of you. I couldn’t ask for three more handsome men to be sharing that day with. Andy, whether you do this again for the wedding is strictly your choice dear, you have my approval though."

"Fran, as long as you’re happy, I’m happy, I guess" Bruce piped up sighing, and looking at me.

I leaned in to Bruce and softly said ‘Kinda makes a low pony tail seem pretty mundane now doesn’t it, sir?" He sighed and nodded his head, yes.

I glanced at Mark. He leaned over conspiratorially and whispered in my ear. "I can’t wait to get you back to school and into bed babe. Don’t you dare undo that braid either."

I smiled smugly and shivered slightly at the thought of what tomorrow was going to bring. My hand lightly grazing the perfect braid.

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