4 -TV FICTION CLASSICS

"Hi Karen, right on time!" Ann Bergen said as she opened the door of her shop to let Karen and Alan in. "You must be Alan," She said as she extended her hand to the young man.

"Hello," he politely replied.

"Alan, you have the same thick hair as your mom," she continued as she softly felt a lock of Alan's hair with her fingers. He smiled a little embarrassed at the attention. In fact, he had insisted on growing his hair out like the style worn by the rock music crowd. It was now well over his ears and dangling in his eyes.

There had been many "discussions" with his mother about doing something to give it some shape and style. His job hunting was suffering too because of his shaggy hair according to his mother. But his vehement comment was always, "barbers shave you no matter what style you want!"

He'd complain that he'd tried to tell the barber that he just wanted his bangs trimmed. Before you knew it...you would look like you were ready to enroll at West Point.

"Sure it's thick, but it's just styleless!" Alan's mother chimed in at the obvious opportunity. "Oh boy," thought Alan, "here we go again.'

"Well, it surely could use a little trim, maybe some styling," Ann suggested.

"Please, Mom. We've talked about this enough haven't we?" Alan said with a glare at his mother.

"Yes, I know," Karen Taylor replied calmly. She turned to Ann to explain. "Alan says that barbers always cut your hair short no matter what you ask for. He's had some bad experiences and now he is just letting it grow wild without any style.'

"Oh I know!" Ann replied, "Amanda's son, Mark, he stopped going to barbers two years ago. He said the same thing."

"He did?" Alan said with obvious surprise at the support. Mark was several years older than Alan but everyone knew him. Rich, good-looking and played in a band which got him any girl he wanted.

"Sure, he's says that he is never going back to short hair. And his hair looks great all the time! You should see the girls chase after him," Ann bragged.

"Isn't his hair very long and shaggy by now?" Alan's mother asked.

"Not at all. It's probably just a little longer than Alan's here. Just a minute, I'll show you," Ann said and she stepped into her living room. She was back in a few seconds with a photo of Amanda Richardson and her son, Mark.

"This was taken just last Christmas. Isn't his hair beautiful?" Ann said with pride.

Alan and his mom looked at the photo. Mark looked a lot like his mother. Mark's hair was full and almost shoulder length. It was wavy and curly all over with full bangs that swept back to the sides.

HAIR TODAY, GOWN TOMORROW -5

Alan needed a job. His long hair wasn't helping either but he refused to get it cut.

In fact, it was remarkably similar to his mother's. Her hair was just a little bit longer. "Oh that does look nice," Alan's mom exclaimed, "doesn't it Alan?"

"Yeah, it's cool," Alan pronounced truthfully. If only he could get girls like Mark did.

"Mark is so lucky to have such naturally curly hair!" Mrs. Taylor said as she handed the photo back to Ann.