In Charlie's Arms

01 • Mr. Muscles

On the two week mark of the day she had been broken up with, Seraphina Pendalla decided to dye her hair.

The idea seemed sound enough when it had first popped into her head and continued to do so until she started to blow dry it, realizing that the subtle, blonde highlights she had hoped for had turned into the top layer of her hair being dyed platinum blonde.

Sera immediately started to panic, switching her mindset to recognize how horrible of an idea it was to impulsively dye her hair.

As she tried to calm herself and affirm that it wasn't that bad, she then began to notice that she had missed her roots on several pieces, the blonde a stark contrast to her natural brunette color.

It was then when she really started to panic, debating on whether she should try and dye it again or go see a professional.

This debate sparked yet another wave of panic when she remembered that her ex's new girlfriend worked at the only good salon in town, and that she didn't have the budget to even think about booking a hair appointment.

So, many hours and four box dye kits later, she was walking into work with orange hair.

Yes, orange.

"What on God's green earth . . . ?" Her friend, and coworker, Krista Dara muttered as she watched her walk into the café. Her dark eyes followed the damaged hair as Sera trudged across the the room.

"Don't talk about it," Sera muttered, opening the door to the back room to set down her purse. She happened to pass by a mirror hanging next to the employee lockers, catching a glimpse of her hair. It was mocking her at this point.

"Sera, are you alright?" Krista asked, entering the room. She had her employee apron on, strawberry sauce already smeared across the front.

Sera frowned, pointing at her hair in annoyance. "Do I look alright?"

Krista tried to suppress a smile. Key word: tried.

"It's not funny," Sera deadpanned.

"It really is, though," Krista said, falling into a fit of giggles. "Is this a post break-up manic episode or a cry for help?"

Sera rolled her eyes, opening her locker up and pulling out her apron. "Neither. I just wanted a change."

"So it's both, then," Krista muttered under her breath. She walked closer to her friend, eyes raking over her hair. "Geez, Ser, you didn't even get your roots in the back. They're still brunette."

Sera groaned as she tied the apron on, already knowledgeable of the fact.

"Maybe we can fix it?" Krista offered, her voice lifting up with hope.

"This was my attempt at fixing it," Sera informed, shooting Krista's idea down. "I dyed it five times!"

Krista's eyes flew wide, her hand coming up to cover the smile that was forming on her lips. "Five times?" She asked incredulously, amusement lacing her voice. The girl had a horrible habit of laughing at the wrong moments.

Sera gave a curt nod, slamming her locker shut. "I can't get rid of the red and I'm afraid that if I dye it again I'll go bald."