The car rocked me from side to side as I traveled the unfamiliar roads. The roads were a fine black ink, an occasional tint of green from the trees were seen.
The scenery was quite busy, the streets were a marriage of sounds, from horns honking to distant chattering in the surrounding area. I took time to admire the fine day.
It was a very sunny day in London; which was quite rare. The continual rainfall from the week before had washed every sidewalk and gutter clean. The air was kind of fresh even though traffic fumes lingered. The clouds cleared and the sidewalk was buzzing with activity.
Arriving, John stopped the car in front of the building. I opened the door and stepped out. He soon drove off to the parking lot.
"The others should be gathered there already." he stated.
"Okay." I answered walking up to the building.
The security guard gave a curt nod, opening the door for me. Thanking him, I walked in. The beauty salon is such a calm space that the tension within me evaporates as soon as I enter through the double doors.
Soon after, I was approached by an employee. Leading me up the stairs, we stopped at a door.
Music drifted out the cracks of the door that was left ajar. I slid in, immediately being greeted with gorgeous ladies, "Come in dear," the mayors wife said.
I looked up to see them watching me. I opened my mouth to form an excuse for why I didn't come earlier, "Sorry for being late."
"No problem."
Most days my nails are clean and clear, ready for whatever the day does bring, yet today I felt like I could try something new so I took a seat in one of the salon chairs.
The woman who I later discovered as Alisa worked with confidence. Her hands moved delicately with a smile on her face. Se seemed to enjoy her job very much.
Describing what I wanted, she nodded her head in understanding taking in what I was saying.
***
Nail polish was a special occasions thing for me. So when I saw how beautiful my nails looked when she was finished, I couldn't help but crack a smile.
It was a fun experience for me. I felt so girly in the pretty hues.
I eventually warmed up to the girls. I couldn't help but enjoy their company. Being with women who you could relate to was relaxing. It was such a positive experience. Yet, I was sad that it had to end as I would have to return home soon.
Inhaling, I relished the temporary feeling of freedom. For soon it would be harshly snatched away and I would be brought back to the reality of things once again.
"Oh what a doom I was condemned to."