Ron Ennis Enforces a New Grooming Policy by Manny

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This is part 3 of a series. The previous two stories are:

- Simpler Times for the Ennis Family (1)
- Steve Ennis and the 1964 Falcon (2)

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"What is the meaning of this?!" Frank Smith exploded as he barged into Ron Ennis’ office clutching the newly published company grooming policy.

Frank’s face was livid. The flush of anger extended over his pronounced MPB dome, giving his head the appearance of a glistening strawberry gumdrop.

His massive handlebar mustache twitched as he pursed his lips, waiting for a reply.

Ron Ennis rather enjoyed watching his supervisor’s reaction to the new grooming policy.

The big boss had asked Ron to draft one after he’d taken the unusual step of shedding his mod shaggy hair and large muttonchop sideburns that were the rage in the mid-1970s. Ron had returned to simpler times with a crisp taper around the ears and short up the back, his hair plastered to the side with pomade and no sideburns at all. His conservative remake had been applauded by the company brass who feared their clients disliked dealing with "hippy" representatives.

"Are you angry that I didn’t run the draft through you, that it went straight to the big boss?" Ron asked casually.

Ron had been berated more than once for that type of office maneuver by bossy Frank Smith.

Frank leaned forward in an aggressive manner. "That, yes, as well as what’s in the damned thing!"

Ron wondered just how far he should go with Frank. He desperately wanted to pull a huge set of scissors out of his desk and direct them towards the ostentatious mustache Frank sported. He imagined himself first snipping off the two curls that flared up over the cheeks. SNIP! SNIP! Then, as Frank stared forlornly at the severed handlebars, Ron saw himself grabbing the massive follicle collection that remained and hacking it off down to the lip.

"No facial hair!" Frank spouted angrily. "What were you thinking?!"

"Did you see the footnote?" Ron asked facetiously. "There is an exemption for religious purposes. Or is that monstrosity on your mouth some sort of compensation for your bald head?"

Ron couldn’t believe he had just blurted that out! How rude! But it felt wonderful….

Frank was SO sensitive about his MPB. The two men were nearly the same age, but Frank’s naked dome made him look like he was from another generation.

Ron had always been subservient to Frank. It was easier to meekly accept his abusive tirades. But, since getting his hair cut very short, he had felt more assertive, more manly, more aggressive â€" more willing to stand up for himself.

Unfortunately, Ron did not have the pleasure of seeing Frank shorn of his mustache, much less doing the honor himself.

Frank stormed out of Ron’s office and marched straight to the boss. He protested the new grooming standard, but to no avail. In a fit of pique, Frank submitted his resignation on the spot.

Ron was most happy for the ensuing promotion into Frank’s old position which came with a very nice executive-level office.

Ron’s barbered look had wrought many positive changes. He was almost ready to ask barber Peter to give him whitewalls!

Now that he was head of his team, Ron found himself in the delightful position of having to ensure the new grooming policy was enforced and that his subordinates towed the haircut line.

There was one pretty boy one his team who sported thick, chestnut colored hair with striking auburn highlights. He was always dressed in the most modern clothes. Sebastian Cockburn wore his lustrous locks fully covering his ears and lapping way past his collar in back. Ron was certain the pretty boy would be loath to visit a traditional barber or submit to a set of fastfeed electric hair clippers.

"You wanted to see me, Mr. Ennis?" a meek voice asked as Sebastian poked his head in.

"Ah, yes, Sebastian. Come in and have a seat," Mr. Ennis said, flashing a friendly smile and pointing to one of the chairs opposite his executive desk.

How Ron Ennis loved occupying Frank Smith’s old office!

He watched the young man’s lovely locks shimmer in the sunlight that poured through the large window. Sebastian squirmed uncomfortably.

"I noticed you haven’t cut your hair yet," Mr. Ennis said, coming straight to the point. "It’s completely outside the new grooming policy."

Sebastian’s face froze in a ‘deer in the headlights’ expression.

"No, sir. The compliance period is until the end of the month. That’s another…." Sebastian began to explain.

"Why drag it out?" Mr. Ennis stated tersely. "Have it cut this weekend."

It sounded like an order, and Sebastian winced at the command.

"You see, Sebastian, I have my eye on you to become the deputy in the unit â€" my previous position. It will be advertised next week. But, a leader needs to set the example and get onboard with new initiatives quickly. Don’t be the type who drags his feet or sulks and pouts," Mr. Ennis advised.

Sebastian swallowed hard. The thought of a promotion excited him. But, he would have to tow Mr. Ennis’ line. Truthfully, he liked Ron Ennis (despite his new authoritative persona).

"I’ll have my hair cut tonight, sir," Sebastian said, feeling as if he really had no option in the matter.

Mr. Ennis had been very direct with him; there was really no wiggle room. His boss seemed so different with his hair shorn.

Sebastian felt a warm sensation envelop him as he voiced responsive agreement. Submitting to Mr. Ennis strangely caused a stirring sensation of pleasure.

He stole a look at Mr. Ennis’ cleancut hair. So short! So slick!

Sebastian himself didn’t use grease or pomade on his hair. After all, ‘the wet head was dead’ as the fashion saying went.

"The temptation will be for you to let your hair remain as long as the policy permits. Just above the collar and ears. But that’s not how you’ll have your hair cut, is it, Sebastian?" Mr. Ennis asked, standing to assert his full dominance.

"No, sir. What would you recommend, Mr. Ennis?" Sebastian asked. He felt hard as a rock knowing that his long, pretty hair was doomed. That very evening, he would watch it all tumble off and hit the barber’s cape.

Mr. Ennis observed the lovely fiery highlights of auburn glistening in the soft mane of full-bodied, silken locks. How he would love to grasp Sebastian by his hair and give it a good yank â€" or take the clippers to it himself! What a dream to shave the pretty boy bald himself!

"Cropped close all over with whitewalls on the side," Mr. Ennis announced.

"A military length?" Sebastian murmured.

"You don’t have anything against all those boys who fought for our country over there in Vietnam, do you?" Mr. Ennis asked pointedly.

"No, sir," Sebastian quickly replied, his bowed posture accentuating his submissiveness. "They deserve our gratitude and respect."

"I’m going to the barber shop after work this evening. Perhaps you will come with me. If I like your whitewalls, I will have the barber shave my sides and back, as well," Mr. Ennis suggested. "The shorter I cut my hair, the more assertive I feel. Meet me at 5:00 p.m. sharp in the front lobby."

"Yes, sir. And, thank you, sir, for your advice. I know I will make an excellent deputy. I’m quite looking forward to your taking me to the barber shop. There is absolutely no point in delaying what needs to be done," Sebastian said, looking up at his boss and sucking up at the same time.

As he did, his massive forelock slid into his face, covering a swath of it.

"You won’t miss this one bit," Mr. Ennis said, finally gathering up the courage to touch Sebastian’s soft, shiny hair.

He gently pushed the forelock out of Sebastian’s face and tucked it behind his ear and fondled it lightly.

Sebastian groaned with pleasure. He was totally submissive to Mr. Ennis’ caresses.

"You’ll miss this?" Mr. Ennis asked as he continued his exploration of the shiny chestnut-colored hair by plunging his fingers deep into the lush mane.

"I suppose so. I’m frequently complimented on my hair," Sebastian replied honestly.

"Wouldn’t you rather be complimented for your work?" Mr. Ennis asked.

"Yes, of course. And, for other areas of performance, as well, outside the office," Sebastian noted, casting his eyes longingly at Mr. Ennis’ crown jewels.

Ron was caught off-guard by the veiled advance. That frisky lad was making a move on him!!

He escorted Sebastian to the office door and reminded him, "In the lobby, at 5 p.m."

Mr. Ennis felt almost giddy as he drove Sebastian to Mr. Lee’s Barber Shop. The handsome, young man with his male model mane was going to get a dramatic makeover.

Sebastian also trembled quietly with delight, tinged with sheer nervousness. His hair, falling in sheaves to the cape and floor as Mr. Ennis watched. He would leave the shop totally transformed.

"Will you tell the barber how short my hair is to be cut?" Sebastian asked.

"Is that what you would prefer?" Mr. Ennis replied.

"Yes. I want to make sure it’s exactly to your specification," Sebastian noted.

"Once your hair has been cut, I also want to help you with your clothing," Mr. Ennis said, imagining himself purging Sebastian’s wardrobe of his mod threads. "Those huge collars and puffy sleeves need to go…."

"Would you fancy me with a dome head like Frank Smith’s?" Sebastian asked with a giggle.

That man!! Just the mention of his name riled Ron Ennis up. What he would do with Frank Smith, if given the chance!! Mr. Ennis could hardly concentrate on his driving.

"I find men with MPB very virile," Mr. Ennis said suddenly, surprising himself.

Sebastian’s leg shook nervously. "Uh, I, uh, was kidding about the dome head, sir," he stammered.

"And to think, that’s what I was going to tell the barber you needed..." Mr. Ennis teased.

"Were you infatuated with Mr. Smith’s dome when he was your boss?" Sebastian asked.

Mr. Ennis felt a surge in his groin. A secret attraction? So secret he had even hidden it from himself?

"It was a pity he didn’t embrace the domed look and even flaunt it. When a youngish man loses his hair like that, there must a lot of testosterone pulsating through him. You, on the other hand, Sebastian, don’t have to worry about that one bit," Ron noted wryly.

Then he continued, "Your hair is so thick, so luxurious, so long. The praise your hair receives, is it mainly from woman?"

"Yes, sir," Sebastian admitted, feeling ashamed. Taking a seat in the barber’s chair could not come soon enough.

"Well, there’s the barber shop up ahead," Mr. Ennis said as he pulled the car into the parking lot.

The next thing Sebastian knew was that he was being walked into Mr. Lee’s Barber Shop, like he was a twelve-year old boy!

"No fussing in the chair," Mr. Ennis scolded playfully.

"Hello, Peter. Hello, Mr. Lee," Mr. Ennis called out as they entered the shop. "I ought to get a commission for every longhair I drag in here! This is Sebastian, and he needs to shed the flow."

Sebastian waited nervously for one of the barbers to direct him.

Mr. Lee called him over. He grinned with delight at the task set before him â€" to put an end to yet another pretty boy and turn him into a real man.

Sebastian ascended the footrest with trepidation. His locks dazzled in the glow of neon. He pawed them away from his face as he settled into the red upholstered chair.

The large cotton cape sailed through the air. Mr. Lee fastened it tightly around Sebastian’s neck, securing it with a large metal clip.

"So, how much of this is coming off?" Mr. Lee asked.

Sebastian gulped, hoping Mr. Ennis would jump in with the instruction.

"Tell the barber how short to cut your hair, Sebastian," Mr. Ennis prompted from the waiting area, putting Sebastian on the spot to name his hair's fate.

Sebastian struggled to remember the precise length. He squirmed in the chair as he watched his doomed locks dangle in the mirror.

Finally, it came to him, and he blurted out, "Cropped close all over with whitewalls on the sides."

Mr. Lee was pleased. Yes, the lovely chestnut colored hair with fiery auburn highlights would fall in sheaves to his feet. He searched for his balding clippers amid the plethora of machines that hung from hooks on the bottom of the counter.

"The back skinned, as well?" Mr. Lee asked.

"Yes, for a rather military look," Sebastian clarified.

Mr. Lee brushed the thick mane slowly. "It’s going to be a big change," he warned.

Sebastian swallowed hard. "I know," he eked out.

"We’ve introduced a new dress code at work," Mr. Ennis told the barbers. "No more of that awful hippy look permitted in the office. And, I want my team to lead the way with extra-short crops."

"And how is it that Sebastian got the honor of being brought here in person? Did he need a little extra attention from the boss to shed his little missy look?" Mr. Lee chided, alluding to the feminine flow of hair in back.

Sebastian blushed for having been publicly humiliated for his ‘missy’ look! There was no praise from either of the barbers for his lush, shimmering flow.

He felt his head being pushed forward with an authoritative, unyielding grasp.

The clippers roared to life.

It seemed like an eternity for Sebastian as he waited for the teeth to strike and begin chewing off his locks right at the scalp.

"You’ll find short hair much more practical," Mr. Lee commented casually as he drove the clippers up through the nape, tight to the scalp half way up the back before easing off a bit.

"Timber!" Mr. Ennis whooped from the waiting room as he watched the first massive clump of hair fall to the barber shop floor.

Sebastian swooned and gripped the arms of the chair under the cape.

Mr. Lee returned to the nape, eager to strip off more of the flow.

As Sebastian’s transformation ensued, the other barber engaged Mr. Ennis in chat.

"Say, how did Mr. Coulton react to Kenny’s flattop?" Peter asked.

"In a predictable way, for that bully," Mr. Ennis scoffed.

"He shouted at him and reviewed his firm belief for the umpteenth time that fathers and not sons should determine the length of the lad’s hair," Mr. Ennis continued explaining. "Poor Kenny! He came and spent a few nights at our house until Mr. Coulton cooled his jets. The boys are such good friends â€" they didn’t even mind being cramped in a bed together. But they love their matching flattops and look fantastic as a pair racing around in Grandpa Clarence’s red 1964 Ford Falcon convertible."

"Do they have dates for the prom?" Mr. Lee asked. "My twin nieces are hoping to arrive in that red convertible! It’s the talk of the high school."

Then the attention shifted back to Sebastian’s makeover. The cape was covered with cut chestnut-colored hair. Mr. Lee had his eye focused on the surviving forelock. Whacking off the fringe was his favorite part of transformations….combing in all down straight over the face and then taking it almost all off.

SNIP, SNIP, SNIP!

The mass of shimmering hair fell. Sebastian caught the tail end of the fall and blinked his eyes in shock and astonishment. He was unrecognizable.

"On top, what did you want?" Mr. Lee asked.

"Give him a #3 on top with skinned sides," Mr. Ennis piped in from the waiting area.

"Oh, that short!" Mr. Lee remarked.

"Yep, I don’t want Sebastian fiddling with hair at his desk. He needs to be focused on his work," Mr. Ennis replied.

Sebastian watched Mr. Lee swap out the blade on the clippers and then proceed to mow down the top.

He loved the feel of the clippers travelling down the top of his head, sending all remaining length to the cape and floor. He was certainly looking like a soldier now!

He couldn’t wait to feel his shaved scalp or tidy clipped pelt. Even more, he couldn’t wait for Mr. Ennis' praise and affirmation.

After partially removing the hair-laden cape, Mr. Lee applied a warm, moist towel to Sebastian’s head.

It felt divine!

The barbers and Mr. Ennis chatted while Sebastian’s virgin scalp was prepared for the lather shave.

"Someone needs to take a paddle to that bully, Coulton!" Mr. Lee remarked caustically. "I hate it when he talks about spanking naughty children. He needs a dose of his own medicine."

Mr. Ennis imagined himself giving the bully an over-the-knee paddling. He shifted with excitement on the hard chair of the waiting area and crossed his leg. That would be a thrill! First, Mr. Coulton paddled, and then, Frank Smith!!

Mr. Lee began to apply lather to Sebastian’s shorn sides and back. It was warm and thick with foam. Sebastian groaned with delight as the barber massaged the lather into his tender scalp.

Then, with a straight edge razor, he began to carefully scrape with foamy lather away, along with the stubble.

"I think about 97% of your hair came off this evening, young man," the barber chuckled as he scraped Sebastian clean.

"As long as the boss is pleased," Sebastian noted with a tone of humor.

"I am! So pleased that when I come for my next haircut, I want the same shaved sides and back," Mr. Ennis declared.

"Whitewalls for the boss!" Peter exclaimed. "Bring the whole office by for a group shearing, Mr. Ennis."

Once the haircut had ended, Sebastian looked and felt like a new man. His soft, feminine lines lay on the barber shop floor. There was so much cut hair to sweep up!

He gingerly felt his virgin scalp for the first time. So silken, so smooth.

In only Mr. Ennis who caress his shorn head, Sebastian thought to himself as the two walked in the dusk toward the car.

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