The Barber Belt - Rhett’s Return (Part 1 by buzzbro

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Based loosely on a true story

Chapter 1: After the Summer Buzz

Rhett (12, nearly 13) and Rian (9) were brothers, and lived with their mother Chloe in a leafy suburban neighbourhood on the fringes of a large city. Their father Chris had just started worked abroad on a new project, and will only return home for visits once every three months. It had been just over two months since Rhett and Rian’s visit to the Barber Belt in June, just before school broke up for the summer vacation. Back then, Rhett had received a full head shave, his scalp smooth and hairless, leaving his crown exposed and cool to the touch. Rian, slightly younger and more timid, had received a #1 buzz cut all over his head, leaving only a whisper of hair but enough to feel the soft bristle under his fingers.

Now, weeks later, their hair had grown out considerably. Rhett’s hair was thick and unruly, sprouting in thick, untidy tufts at the crown that refused to lie flat. The strands at his temples and along the nape were stubbornly dense, making it difficult to tame even with combing. His hair grew in very quickly, meaning haircuts usually didn’t last long without regular cutting. Rian’s hair, though shorter and less voluminous, was starting to curl at the edges, soft tendrils lifting from the sides and forming an untidy halo above his ears.

Both boys had usually received routine buzz cuts at home from their mother, usually a #2 or #3 all over, depending on her discretion. Only on certain occasions would they be taken to a barber shop, like when the clippers broke or when their mother was unwell. Even then, both boys were buzzed down to uniform fuzz without question. Their last visit to the Barber Barn was arrange more out of curiosity by their mother, after being told of the system by friends and neighbours over the weeks prior to their appointment.

The boys mother would prepare the kitchen, draping a cape over their shoulders and clipping the cape securely at the neck, humming softly as she worked the clippers through their hair. Rian typically sat quietly, accepting the familiar ritual, while Rhett was starting to resist, complaining that he wanted a proper barber to style his hair instead. He swore that the last buzz cut he received would be the last, to which his mother shrugged off as a short temper tantrum.

The equipment still smelled faintly of disinfectant and loose hairs, a lingering reminder of their last session. The boys were aware that soon their mother would call them through from the living room, insistent on tidying them up before the new school term, especially with Rhett starting swimming club, which meant long thick hair would be impractical in the pool.

Chapter 2: The Morning Buzz Attempt

It was a warm, bright morning, the sun streaming into the kitchen through the French doors and shrouding the room in a halo of golden light. The kitchen was prepared meticulously for the buzz cut ritual. The clippers sat on the counter next to a comb, a small bowl of disinfectant, and a towel ready to catch the trimmings. A black metal stool with a back support and foot rest sat proudly in the middle of the room, newspapers spread out under it to catch the fallen hair. A long black cape was draped over the back of the stool, ready to shroud the first client.

"Rhett, take a seat," their mother said, her tone a mix of firmness and routine insistence. Rhett climbed onto the stool, the legs scraping lightly against the tiled floor, his hands gripping the edges. His mother draped the black nylon cape snugly over his shoulders, the cool fabric brushing against his neck, and secured it tightly with metal poppers. Rhett felt his neck pushed slightly upwards as his mother secured the cape a little too tightly around his neck.

She clicked on the clippers, and the low hum immediately filled the room, vibrating softly through the metal stool. Rhett flinched slightly as the buzz of the blades mingled with the scent of hair trimmings and disinfectant. His mother combed through the thick, curling hair at his crown, teasing out tangles and ensuring the hair would fall evenly once cut.

Then it happened. Rhett’s stomach tightened, a sudden panic setting in. "Mum… wait. I don’t want a buzz cut. Can I… go to a barber shop instead? I want a modern haircut, like some of my friends have."

His mother paused, running a hand through his thick hair, the strands brushing against her fingers. She considered it, weighing the practicality against Rhett’s insistence. After a moment, she nodded, a faint smile crossing her face. "Alright. But you agree I take you where I think is best," she said.

Rhett immediately agreed to the terms, a smile creeping across his face with relief and excitement. His mother uncaped him then Rhett jumped off the chair and immediately grabbed his iPad to scroll through hairstyle ideas. He was rapidly searching websites for ideas about fades and other cool styles he saw some older boys have, taking screenshots of examples to show the barber.

Meanwhile, Rian, waiting patiently at the kitchen table, was called forward to take a seat on the stool. Rian was a fan of buzz cuts, preferring the shortness of the stubble and practicality over longer styles which required daily styling. It walk helped that he suited buzz cuts perfectly, the right velvet fuzz framing his young face bringing out his blue eyes and sharp features. Ever the willing, he submitted to his mother’s clippers, receiving a #2 buzz cut without protest. The sound of the clippers, the light vibration on the scalp, and the small showers of hair falling to the kitchen floor formed a familiar rhythm for Rian.

Chapter 3: Planning Rhett’s Next Haircut

After finishing Rian’s buzz cut, their mother, Chloe, tidied the kitchen with methodical precision. She unplugged the clippers, rinsed the attachments, and wiped the counter clean, her movements efficient and practiced. The hum of the clippers had faded, leaving only the soft scrape of the broom as she swept up the stray tufts of hair. The scent of freshly cut hair lingered faintly in the air, mingling with the warm aroma of the tea she’d brewed earlier for the boys.

Once the counter was clean, Chloe turned her attention to the folding stool she had used to reach the boys’ heads comfortably. She lifted it, clicked it back into its hanging position, and walked it to the storage cupboard. Carefully, she slid the stool along the wall-mounted hooks until it settled securely, then hung the boys’ cape and the clippers over it, ensuring everything was neatly organized and ready for the next use. Each item was placed with precision: the clippers hung so the cord didn’t tangle, and the cape folded over the stool, smooth and untwisted, its edges aligned. She took a moment to step back, satisfied with the arrangement, noting how ready everything was for future buzz cuts.

Rhett, meanwhile, had settled at the kitchen table with his iPad, scrolling rapidly through various haircut websites and social media pages. He paused frequently, tapping on images that caught his eye, pulling up close-up shots to inspect the fade, texture, and styling of each cut. He muttered quietly to himself, absorbed in the possibilities.

After a few minutes, he leaned back and looked up at his mother. "Mum, look at these three. I really like them. Can I get one of these done by a barber?"

He swiped to the first image—a high skin fade with the top left thick and textured, styled forward slightly. "I like this because it’s short on the sides, easy to manage, but the top is styled," he explained, his fingers tracing the lines of the haircut on the iPad.

The second style was a modern mullet: short, tapered sides with a longer, layered back, flowing naturally and with a small fringe at the front. "It’s kind of retro," Rhett said, "but it’s really in right now."

The third image showed a fade with a subtle geometric design etched above the temple. "This one’s cool because it’s unique. Just little lines and shapes, not too much."

Chloe leaned against the counter, crossing her arms, studying the images carefully. "Hmm," she said, nodding slowly. "The first one is practical—manageable, not too different from what you usually have. The second… well, it’s fashionable, but the long back could get in the way, especially with your swimming. And the third? That design would look neat, but it requires maintenance. You’d need to keep it fresh every few weeks, and I’m not sure you’d keep it up properly."

Rhett’s excitement was tangible, his eyes shining as he explained what he liked about each style, moving from one picture to the next, swiping through the iPad with enthusiasm.

Meanwhile, Rian wandered through to the living room, glancing back and forth between the kitchen and the television, leaving Rhett and their mother behind. Rhett followed shortly, eager to continue scrolling and imagining himself with each style, while Chloe stayed in the kitchen, deep in thought.

She weighed her options carefully. Should she start letting Rhett choose his own haircuts, giving him freedom and independence? Or should she continue enforcing her usual approach, keeping his hair short and tidy with buzz cuts? She glanced at the neatly stored stool, cape, and clippers, thinking of how neat and practical the boys’ hair had been after their previous buzz cuts, and their recent Barber Belt visit.

Her mind wandered to practicality. Rhett’s swimming club would start soon, and long hair could become inconvenient and difficult to manage, especially with early morning training. Compared to the low-maintenance buzz cuts they usually received at home, the trendy hairstyles Rhett desired seemed less practical. The mullet could snag in his swimming cap, the geometric design might grow uneven before school started, and may even contravene school rules, and the textured fade, while stylish, could require daily upkeep with products she didn’t feel he would be mature enough to use on a daily basis.

Chloe sighed, leaning back against the counter. She found herself leaning heavily toward another buzz cut for Rhett—short, tidy, and practical. Yet a thought occurred to her: Rhett had previously experienced a full head shave at the Barber Belt, and it had left him neat, clean, and ready for any activity, including swimming. She considered the process, the professionalism of the staff, and the speed with which the boys’ hair was managed. Perhaps another trip to the Barber Belt would be best.

She text her husband, who was still working abroad, asking for his take on the matter. He fingers hovered nervously over her phone, while she tentatively opened WhatsApp and began typing her first message.

Chloe: "Hey, Chris. Quick question… Rhett refused a buzz cut today. He wants to go to a barber for a modern style. I’m thinking about taking him back to the Barber Belt tomorrow."

She hit send and waited, tapping her fingers on the counter. Within a few minutes, her phone buzzed with a reply.

Chris: "Wait… Rhett refused a buzz cut? He’s always been fine with them. Are you sure?"

Chloe smiled faintly and typed back. "Yes, he’s adamant. He wants a modern style with a barber. I tried talking him out of it, but he won’t agree to a #2 at home."

Chris: "Hmm… I don’t like the idea of him getting a modern style at a barbershop. He’s just not responsible enough yet to manage products or maintain the cut properly. He’ll end up looking messy within a week."

Chloe nodded to herself as she read the message, feeling vindicated. "Exactly what I was thinking," she typed. "That’s why I’m leaning toward taking him back to the Barber Belt. They can give him a proper head shave. It’s neat, practical, and perfect for swimming."

Chris: "Agreed. That makes sense. Swimming will be easier with it tidy. Go ahead and book it for him."

Chloe smiled, relieved to have Chris’s agreement. She quickly typed back. "Done. I’ll make the appointment for tomorrow morning. I think it’s the best way to handle it."

Chris: "Good. Can you send me before and after pictures this time? I don’t think we took any last time."

Chloe paused, realizing he was right. "Oh, you’re right—I forgot to take any last visit. I’ll make sure to capture it tomorrow."

Chris: "Perfect. Thanks honey. Let’s just make sure Rhett knows it’s for his benefit and for swimming club."

After a few moments, she made her decision. "Alright," she murmured to herself. "He’s going back to the Barber Belt."

Chloe picked up her phone and dialed the Barber Belt. The line connected quickly.

"Good morning, Barber Belt, how can I help you?" a cheerful receptionist answered.

"Hello, this is Chloe Johnson," she began, keeping her tone calm and deliberate. "I’d like to book an appointment for my son, Rhett Johnson, for tomorrow morning, please."

"Certainly, Mrs. Johnson. What time would suit you? And I see in the system that Rhett was previously booked in with Rian Johnson at the last appointment. Would Rian also be attending?"

"Ten o’clock, if possible. And no, it will be just Rhett this time."

"Perfect. We have you down for 10 AM. When you arrive, please check in at Reception. We’ll ensure everything is ready."

"Thank you very much," Chloe replied. "We will see you tomorrow." She ended the call, placing her phone down quietly on the counter.

She did not give anything away to Rhett or Rian, keeping her decision and the appointment completely secret. Rhett continued swiping through haircut styles, animatedly explaining his ideas to anyone who would listen, blissfully unaware that he would receive the same neat, practical Barber Belt haircut he had before. Chloe observed him silently, a small smile on her face, knowing that tomorrow would proceed exactly as she intended.

Chapter 4: The Morning of the Appointment

Rhett woke before the sun, the first golden rays of morning filtering through the blinds and painting stripes across his bedroom floor. He rubbed his eyes and stretched, feeling the wild tangles of his hair sticking up in all directions—bedhead in its purest form. Thick, unruly, and sticking out at odd angles from the crown, it framed his face in a chaotic halo. He ran a hand through it and sighed with excitement, imagining the sleek, modern haircut he had decided on the night before.

By the time he padded into the kitchen in his pyjamas, he was practically buzzing with anticipation. He sat on the sofa with a bowl of cereal balanced on his lap, the crunch of cornflakes mingling with the sound of the morning cartoons on the TV. "This is going to look so cool," he muttered to himself, staring at his reflection in the stainless steel of the toaster and the glinting window across the room. He had chosen a short fade on the sides, longer textured layers on top, maybe even a slight angular fringe—something trendy, something that would finally look like the other boys at school.

Chloe entered the kitchen, quietly observing him with a mixture of affection and quiet apprehension. She smiled as Rhett rambled on about the hairstyles he had picked, playing along with his excitement. "Sounds perfect, Rhett," she said warmly. "The barber will know exactly what to do." Inside, however, Chloe’s mind was a whirlwind. She felt a twinge of guilt at the thought of what he would actually experience, a pang that twisted briefly in her chest. And yet, she knew, with every rational fibre of her being, that this was the right decision. She had thought it through for hours the previous evening, weighing the benefits of another neat, shaved head for swimming club against his teenage desire for style. The balance tipped firmly in favour of her conviction.

"Alright, Rhett," she said, gently but firmly. "You need to shower and get dressed. We’re leaving soon." Rhett’s eyes widened with excitement, utterly convinced his day of modern barbering was about to begin.

Meanwhile, Rian came down the stairs rubbing his eyes, still half-asleep. Chloe handed him a bowl of cereal and a glass of orange juice. "Rian," she said brightly, "you’ll be staying here for a bit. You can go next door to play with Finn. Rhett and I have to run a little errand." Rian nodded, still munching on cereal, and didn’t seem to question her further, his attention already drifting to thoughts of play.

Chloe’s phone buzzed, displaying a message from Chris.

Chris: How’s everything this morning? How’s Rhett feeling?

Chloe typed back, keeping her expression calm and casual. Chloe: "He’s fine, completely unaware. He’s still convinced he’s getting a modern haircut at a barber shop." She hit send, taking a deep breath as she looked at the boys.

Within moments, Chris replied:

Chris: "I feel a bit guilty too… but I think it’s the right thing for him. You’re doing the right thing."

Rhett emerged from the bathroom a few minutes later, his damp hair tousled but more manageable after a quick towel dry. He had dressed with care: black jeans, a fitted black t-shirt adorned with a small red loveheart on the chest, fresh Air Force trainers, and a brand-new trendy baseball cap perched backwards on his head. He had recently begun experimenting with more teenage, streetwear-inspired clothing, and Chris had even brought him a bundle of modern clothes as a surprise a few weeks earlier. Rhett felt like a version of himself he had been waiting to fully reveal—cool, stylish, and in control.

He glanced at his reflection in the glass kitchen door, smoothed the cap down, and grinned. "Today’s the day," he whispered. "This is going to be epic."

Chloe stepped closer and spoke gently, "Rhett, go get in the car and wait for a moment. I just need to take Rian next door to Finn’s house." Rhett obeyed, hopping into the driver-side rear seat with a bounce, still completely unaware of what was about to unfold.

Chloe walked Rian next door and returned within a few minutes. She lingered at a distance, watching Rhett adjust his cap and admire his reflection in the car mirror, spinning it slightly to see all angles of his messy, wild hair. A small, bittersweet smile tugged at her lips. He was growing up so quickly—so confident, so full of teenage energy—but she remained acutely aware of the shock he would experience later in the day.

Sliding into the driver’s seat, Chloe started the car. She glanced at Rhett, who was fidgeting with the seatbelt and grinning at himself in the rearview mirror. "Excited for your haircut?" she asked lightly, striking up casual conversation. "I wonder which style would look best with your new cap."

Rhett tilted his head, "I think the fade on the sides and the longer top… maybe a slight fringe. That’d be awesome!"

Chloe nodded, her hands steady on the wheel, and casually input the address of the Barber Belt into the car’s sat nav. Rhett didn’t notice. He was too absorbed in admiring his look, running his fingers through the tousled hair that would soon disappear, completely oblivious to the plan unfolding around him.

Chloe continued chatting, keeping the conversation light, "You know, we’ll have to check out some other barber styles over time. Let you experiment and see what works best. Maybe even get a couple of new caps afterwards to try with the styles." Rhett’s eyes lit up at the thought, still fully convinced he was heading to a modern barber shop. All the while, Chloe drove calmly, the sat nav silently guiding them closer to the Barber Belt, her mind focused and resolute.

To be continued…

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