Page 52 of Switch!
“Who cares what I look like,” I say. “It’s only a party, and I already have a girlfriend.”
“You’re missing the point,” Eddie says, shoving his way inside. “This girl I’m trying to get with, she thinks we’re both enlisted already. You’ve gotta play the part. My wingman is supposed to be an airman, not…” He gestures at me as if baffled. “Whatever this is. You guys have clippers?”
“Maybe,” I say, shutting the door and following him to my room. “If we do, I’m not about to let you touch my hair.”
Eddie spins around to face me. “You saying mine doesn’t look good?”
“It’s fine. Wait, you cut it yourself?”
“Yeah. It’s easy. If you don’t have clippers, we can go back to my place.”
“You arenotcutting my hair!”
“Then we’ll go to a barber. Please! When you see this girl, you’ll understand. Actually, hang on.”
I wait patiently as he locates a photo on his phone and holds it up. The girl is petite with raven-black hair and equally dark eyes, and yes, she’s absolutely gorgeous. Eddie is batting out of his league.
“Fine,” I say with a sigh.
“You’re the best, homie!”
My mother has clippers, I learn after asking her. They’re old and she hasn’t used them in years. Eddie insists that they’re still better than the set he has at home. Soon I’m sitting on the bathroom toilet as chunks of my hair rain down around me. I swear I’ll kill him if he makes me look dumb. When he’s finished…
“Forget your dreams of becoming a mechanic,” I say as I gaze into the mirror. “This is your calling!”
“Not bad, eh?” Eddie brushes hair off my shoulders. “I used to do this for my brother. Still do it for my dad, in an emergency. Now get out of here so I can use the latrine. And don’t forget, when we meet this girl, we’ve already graduated and are on active duty.”
I’ve had a lot of recent practice pretending I’m not in high school, so that shouldn’t be a problem. When I go into the hall to give him privacy, I take the opportunity to text Sarah.
Me:That big party is tonight. Are you sure you don’t want to go?
Sarah:My tummy is still a little off. I told you ice cream was a bad idea.
Me:Sorry.
Sarah:It’s okay. I’ll be fine by tomorrow. Just in time for your big day.
I’m turning eighteen. Finally! Although my natural body won’t be that old until February of next year.
Sarah:Make sure you don’t drink too much. I want you in good shape so we can celebrate.
We’re driving to Seattle together. It’ll be the first time I’ve visited the city, and I can’t think of anyone else I’d rather go with.
Me:I’ll take it easy. Promise.
“How do I look?” Eddie asks after opening the door. He’s squeaky clean, like he just washed his hands and face in the sink. He must really like this girl.
“She won’t know what hit her,” I say.
I’m not feeling as friendly when we go out to the driveway where Eddie’s motorcycle waits for us. It’s some brand I’ve never heard of and is barely bigger than a dirt bike. I’m not looking forward to riding it. Then again, he only paid a couple of grand for it, so it might be an option worth considering. At least he’s got his own transportation.
“You don’t really expect me to wear this,” I grumble as he hands me a small pink helmet.
“Couldn’t find a better one,” he replies, putting on a helmet that’s sleek and black. “What’s wrong? My sister never complained.”
“Ha ha. At least people won’t recognize me while we’re riding this motorized ten-speed.”
“Yeah well, my sister also has a tricycle you can borrow. Maybe that’s more your style.”
