A Curly Predicament

 by Faith H. (ages 14-17)

A merry chuckle burst from 8-year-old Melinda Carter as she watched her young sister clamber beneath their bed. 

 “You know she’s going to find you,” she said teasingly, pausing in brushing her long, golden hair. “You shouldn’t be hiding anyway, Andi.”

“Quiet!” Her 3-year-old sister insisted, ignoring the comment. 

Melinda rolled her eyes. This night wasn’t different from any other. Next would come a knock. The thought had scarcely occurred when there was a light tap on the door.

“Come in Mother!” Melinda called mischievously. 

Elizabeth Carter stepped into the room and glided toward the bed. Melinda, smiling, turned to the bureau mirror and continued grooming her flaxen hair.

“Andrea?” Elizabeth spoke in a firm but patient tone.

Melinda could picture her little sister’s eyes squeeze shut and the vain hope that she wouldn’t be discovered by Mother. 

“Andi, I know you’re under there,” Elizabeth coaxed in a knowing voice.

Melinda heard a small sigh. She peeked over her shoulder to see Andi reluctantly crawl out from under the bed and scramble to her feet.

Elizabeth shook her head. “All right then, come on.” She patted the bed.

Andi clasped her hands imploringly. “Please, Mother,” she begged. “Could we skip tonight?”

“Andrea,” Elizabeth began in a patient voice, “if we skip tonight, we would end up skipping the rest of the week. And what is it that I say?”

Andi studied the floor and Melinda held in a chuckle. 

“‘All good little girls brush their hair before bed,’” Andi recited then suddenly looked up. “Oh, but Mother, it hurts!”

Melinda laughed gaily. “Why do you make such a fuss, Andi? I love it when Mother brushes my hair!”

Andi turned to her older sister and scowled. 

“Well, I’m not you,” she retorted indignantly. “And you don’t have pesky curls that hurt when you brush them!”

Melinda bit her lip. I suppose she’s right.

Elizabeth cleared her throat and patted the bed again. “Sit.”

Andi swallowed but made the wise choice to obey her mother and clambered onto the thick blankets in front of Elizabeth. She squeezed her eyes shut as her mother’s skilled hand swept the hairbrush through her head of thick, tangled curls.

Melinda watched in pity as annoyed and painful looks passed over her sister’s face. I wish it didn’t hurt Andi to get her hair brushed. Either that or if she’d start enjoying it. But that’d never happen. She dismissed the thought with a shrug. 

Melinda plopped her hairbrush carelessly onto the bureau and skipped toward the bed. In a moment she was nestled snugly into a mound of pillows beside Elizabeth and Andi.

“How have you been, sweetheart?” Elizabeth directed the question toward Melinda.

 “I rode my horse all around the range and,” she giggled, “Chad nearly burst with annoyance when I kept following him around.” Here Andi laughed. Both sisters enjoyed annoying their easily irritable older brother Chad. Melinda beamed seeing that she’d gotten Andi out of her sour mood.

Elizabeth shook her head at both her daughters, but Melinda saw she was smiling.

Andi sighed in relief when at last, Elizabeth gave her a final sweep of the brush and she tucked both girls into bed.

“Goodnight my darlings,” she whispered as she placed a firm kiss on each of their foreheads.

“G’night, Mother,” Melinda said, snuggling deep into her warm blankets.

“Mother, will my hair ever stop being curly?” came Andi’s small voice.

Melinda inwardly sighed. I wish there was a way I could help Andi. 

Elizabeth smiled. “Try to be satisfied and thank God for what He’s given you, honey.” Then, gliding toward the door, she blew them another kiss. “Goodnight girls, dream sweetly.” And with that, she blew out the lantern and softly shut the door behind her.

Darkness cloaked the room except for the French doors through which a burst of dancing moonlight streamed in. Andi was tired and her eyelids soon slipped close, but Melinda stayed awake for a little while longer, thinking about gruesome hairbrushes and thick curly hair.

 

_____

 

The next morning dawned as the California sun peeked over the Sierra foothills. Melinda woke up in a hurry when she saw Andi fumbling around in her dresser.

“Andi, what are you doing?” she asked mid-yawn.

“Lookin’ for somethin’ to wear!” Andi replied in a whisper.

Melinda jumped out of bed. “Here, let me dress you.” 

A minute later, she’d decided on a simple white dress for Andi and a similar plain dress for herself. Lastly, she fit a pair of black shoes onto Andi’s small feet and fastened them on. Andi fidgeted.

“I don’t like wearing shoes.”

Melinda grinned. “There’s a lot of things you don’t like.”

Andi giggled.

“You can take them off after breakfast! That’s what I’m going to do,” Melinda offered sensibly. Andi looked happy at this resolution.

Out of the corner of her eye, Melinda spotted the hairbrush on the bureau. She began reaching for it when Andi stepped back defensively and groaned.

“No, Melinda, please!” Andi said, biting her lip and cheeks flushed.

What’s the harm in skipping it this once? And with a shrug, Melinda left the brush where it was. “That’s all right, I’m sure Mother wouldn’t mind,” Melinda answered with a wink.

Andi blew a curl from her face in relief and attempted a wink back.

“Here,” Melinda said, snatching up a pink bonnet and settling it on Andi’s head of tangled curls. 

“But I hate wearing bonnets!” Andi snorted.

“Yeah, but at least no one will be able to see your messy hair,” Melinda pointed out. “Would you rather wear a bothersome bonnet or get your hair brushed?”

“I’m keepin’ it on, I’m keepin’ it on!” Andi pulled the bonnet down to her ears making Melinda laugh. 

 

_____

 

   It was later that afternoon and Mother was working on a patchwork quilt while Melinda read aloud. Andi meandered into the room. After a moment she let out a loud sigh.

Melinda paused in her reading to look up.

“Mother, there’s nothin’ to do,” she complained pathetically.

“Why don’t you go outside, sweetie?” Elizabeth said, clipping a piece of thread and glancing up.

“I can’t,” Andi fingered the dirty lace lining her dress sleeves. “Chad told me to stay inside because I was getting underfoot.” She sighed and plucked at her bonnet.

“Come, sit beside me then,” Elizabeth offered pleasantly, patting the sofa beside her. Andi plopped beside her mother and tried to be quiet as Melinda continued reading. 

A few minutes later, Melinda yawned and sank back into the sofa. “I’m sorry, Mother, my voice is sore,” she remarked tiredly. 

Elizabeth patted Melinda’s hand. “That’s all right, I’m a bit tired myself,” she smiled. “I think it’s this warm sun that’s starting to come out more.”

“Mrs. Carter, I need your help,” Luisa, the Carter's Mexican maid, called in exasperation from the doorway. “Would you come to the kitchen?”

Elizabeth arose from the sofa and scurried away. 

Andi sat deep into the sofa and sighed when, suddenly, she jumped to her feet and tore the bonnet from her head.

“Ahh, there!” she let out a drawn-out sigh of relief. “That bonnet was so stuffy.” She quickly ran her small hand through her muddled dark curls and laughed.

“You’re hair’s a mess!” Melinda looked at her sister’s wild curls with a shake of her head. If only there was something I could do to help her.

“I wish I could get rid of these curls!'' The three-year-old stated with a scrunched nose. “Will they ever grow out?” Andi asked hopefully.

“I dunno.” Melinda shrugged. 

Andi looked downhearted for a moment when, suddenly, a mischievous gleam entered her eye. She crept towards Mother’s sewing basket and plucked out the sewing shears.

Melinda shook her head. “We’re not allowed to play with those Andi, put 'em back.”

“Don’t you see?” Andi smiled eagerly. “I know a solution!”

“To what?”

“My hair!”

Melinda tilted her head in confusion. 

Lowering her voice, Andi bent close and whispered, “Cut 'em off!”

Melinda gasped. “Oh no, Andi! I couldn’t!”

Andi stomped her foot impatiently. “But why?! Mother was just mentioning a while ago I needed a haircut!”

“She said you needed a ‘trim,’” Melinda corrected uncertainly.

“You’ll make my hair beautiful!”

An ounce of doubt entered Melinda’s mind. Oh, but I’m not allowed to use scissors yet! “Nah, Andi.”

“Melinda, please? You must!”

Melinda sighed. It would solve her curl dilemma. No more hiding under the bed or wincing in pain from the hairbrush… She looked at Andi’s hopeful eyes.

“Please, Melinda?” Andi pleaded.

I could do a pretty good job of it… Melinda sighed. “Oh, all right,” she relented, playfully rolling her eyes. Wasn’t I just wishing for a way I could help her? “If I do it right, you won’t have to brush your hair anymore!”

Andi squealed and placed the scissors in Melinda’s hand. “All right, Melinda, make my hair pretty!” Andi pulled her sister to her feet and stood quietly before her.

Melinda sighed. Then, holding her breath and gripping the scissors in her hand, she raised them to Andi’s head and began to chop off her notoriously thick curls. 

When, at last, the job was finished, Melinda stepped back and viewed her work.

“Well, it’s…” her mouth went dry. 

Andi turned to look at her sister and smiled. “Beautiful?”

Awful is more like it.

Suddenly the sound of footsteps met their ears and Melinda paled. She whipped around just as Elizabeth entered the room.

“My dears, Luisa has a delightful supper in mind and—” Her words were interrupted by her exclamation of surprise the moment she caught sight of Andi. Then all at once, she rushed forward, eyes wide and her hand over her mouth.

“How…what…” Though her lips moved, no sound came out. Then she swallowed, seemingly collecting herself. “James!” she hollered, making Melinda wince. Turning back to Andi, Elizabeth ran her slender fingers over the remaining clumps of hair on her daughter’s poor head. “Oh dear,” she remarked in a low voice.

“What is it, Mother? What’s wrong?” Andi asked in deep concern. “Melinda made my hair pretty!”

Elizabeth turned and eyed Melinda in surprise. “Is this true?”

Melinda swallowed and gave a small nod. “Well, y-yes,” she stammered. Ooh, this wasn’t a good idea!

“Melinda, how could you? You’re not even allowed to use scissors!”

“Yes mam,’ but—” Melinda’s words faltered when she saw the disappointment written on her mother’s face. She swallowed hard and held back the tears that threatened to appear.

Just then James Carter entered the room. “What is it dear, what’s wrong—” he stopped short and blinked then quickly strode forward in disbelief. “Andi, what have you done to your hair?”

“Nothing Father, honest!” Andi squealed at once. Melinda could see the shame in her sister’s eyes though she hid it well. “Melinda cut off my hair, I didn’t! She said I wouldn’t have to brush my hair anymore and she cut off my curls!”

Melinda’s mouth dropped open but she didn’t say anything.

Father was quiet for a moment. Melinda felt the room getting hot. She peeked at Andi whose cheeks were burning.

Melinda, why can’t you think before you do something?!  She swallowed. “I’m sorry,” she squeaked at last.

Father nodded.

“Andi, please go upstairs,” Elizabeth commanded quietly. Andi’s head sank as she scrambled out of the room, bumping past Melinda without saying a word.

 

_____

 

The brilliantly orange setting sun cast a dozen long shadows across the Circle C yard, but Melinda didn’t take notice. She sat crumpled behind the henhouse with her head buried in her knees. The sobbing had subsided but quiet tears still trickled down her burning cheeks.

Her tears weren’t because she had caught the switch. A grim scolding from Father is just as bad, though. I’ve been a horrid little girl, she silently admonished herself. I’m sorry, Lord. I should have been more cautious before I acted. I thought I was helping, but now I’ve ruined Andi’s hair completely! 

Melinda stayed in that huddled position for a while longer, letting the few stray tears silently wander down her face. If she’d been paying closer attention, she would have noticed the small girlish figure lurking in the shadows, gazing at her with a guilt-ridden gaze.

That night, Melinda slipped under her bed covers without uttering a word other than the solemn whisper of “Goodnight, Andi.”

Now she lay with her head buried in her pillows, feeling exhausted. At last, she was able to drift off to sleep, completely oblivious to her little sister who stayed up all night tossing and turning.

_____

 

  

   It was with slim enthusiasm that Melinda dismounted the wooden staircase and slid into her seat at the breakfast table the next morning. She wasn’t sure why, but a distinct feeling of melancholy had settled over her heart and she didn’t know how to shake it off.

   There was a general ‘good morning’ passed around the breakfast table and when Melinda looked around at her family’s faces, she realized that none of them looked upset at her. The sadness seemed to lessen and she even laughed at something with her brothers. 

She was feeling much better when small footsteps were heard and a disheveled Andi appeared on the scene. Her shoes were on the wrong feet, the buttons on her dress buttoned in the wrong holes and an uncomely hat was shoved onto her head. She swallowed in embarrassment and quickly took her seat across from Melinda.

   Melinda gazed at her sadly, suddenly remembering the happenings of yesterday, but Andi avoided her gaze.

   Father cleared his throat. “Chad, would you pray for the meal?” Chad nodded and everyone bowed their heads in prayer.

When he finished thanking the Lord for the food, Andi peeked at Melinda who was sullenly spreading butter on her toast. Andi’s cheeks began to burn. She pushed her plate away and wriggled restlessly in her seat.

“Andrea, are you all right?” Elizabeth’s concerned voice interrupted Melinda’s mood. She glanced at her little sister who suddenly looked pale.

“Andi, answer your mother,” came Father’s deep voice.

Andi looked around in confusion. She couldn’t take the pressure anymore. “All right!” she suddenly burst loudly. “It was my idea, not Melinda’s! I forced her to cut my hair, but she didn’t want to do it! I lied. It was my fault, not hers! I’m sorry, Melinda, I was horrid to let you take the blame and I’m sorry!” With everything out in the open, Andi sat back slowly and sighed in relief.

Melinda stared at her little sister with tears in her eyes while everyone else regarded Andi with dropped jaws or spoons halfway to their mouth. There was a moment of silence, then Elizabeth stood up from her chair and led Andi from the room.

Melinda didn’t get a chance to talk to her sister until later that morning when she walked unsuspectingly into her room and found Andi sitting on the bed. 

“Andi? Are you okay?” Melinda quickly asked in concern when she saw dried tears on Andi’s cheeks.

Andi nodded, jumping to her feet. “Mother tanned my hide real’ well,” she admitted sheepishly, rubbing her backside.

“Oh, Andi, I’m sorry,” Melinda offered sympathetically, approaching her sister. “You didn’t need to confess, you know. I wasn’t going to tell!”

“I know you wouldn’t have, but that just made it worse. And, yes, I did.” Andi looked shamefacedly at her feet. “I only wish I would’ve sooner.”

“Well, thank you then.”

“And, Melinda?” Andi looked up with big eyes, “Will you forgive me? Not just for wanting you to cut my curls, but for lying about it afterward too. Mother said I would’ve gotten into less trouble had I fessed up right away instead of lying. I’m sorry.”

“Of course, I forgive you,” Melinda swallowed. “I should’ve been smarter before I cut your hair and before I used Mother’s scissors, to begin with. Will you forgive me?”

“Yes,” Andi replied, relieved.

The young sisters clasped each other in a hug.

“Perhaps we should stop being partners in crime,” Melinda laughed.

 “Nah, I don’t think so.” Andi grinned mischievously. “It’s much jollier getting in trouble along with someone else!”

Melinda playfully pushed Andi’s arm. 

“Hey!” Andi cried in jest.

Both girls laughed and Melinda grinned. All was well again. And now, they could help each other stay out of trouble.

Melinda smirked. Like that’ll ever happen.