There was a metal box next to the bed for Magic Fingers, and a bottle opener screwed into the bathroom door. Even the bedding looked about twenty yea...rs past its prime.“What’d you do, sneak out?” Dad said, sitting on the chair. He motioned for me to sit on the bed.“Yeah…” I said. Dad tsk’d.“If she finds out…”“She won’t. She worked a double today. You know she doesn’t wake up until at least noon the day after she works a double.”“How’d you know where I was?” Dad said. He reached for a. "Wow, twice in one day, I haven't be able to do that since we wereseven," I quipped. She laughed as she wiped her tears away. Mark shook my hand. "I can't thank you enough, Ian. This means so muchto us." "You're welcome, Mark." I replied. Kristina hugged me next. "This is the coolest thing that I've ever heardof someone doing for another. You're something else, Ian." I smiled back at her. "Ian, you have no idea how happy this makes me. This is a wonderful giftthat you will be giving your sister. "Are you two going through something?" NO," I said, at the exact same time as Anna said, "YES!"The friendly barber sat there stunned. "Why do you want his hair long?" he asked Anna."It's the way it's always been since I've known him," said Anna. "It's soft and wonderful." Why do you want it cut short?" he asked me."I'm tired of hiding. There's no need for it any more. I've always liked my hair short and functional. It's easier to take care of and it doesn't get in the way. I only like long hair. Oh boy,” muttered Danny.Ian and Shauna stared at the the three of them - Betsy and Nancy were staring daggers at each other, Betsy’s look one of horror, Nancy’s one of fury. Danny seemed to be trying to sink back into the wall behind him, which was difficult to do as a large man dressed as a pregnant goth chick. Beth was merely looking on in confusion.“Uh ... do you guys know each other, then?” Ian said, weakly.Nancy and Betsy just stood, staring at each other in silence, Betsy turning bright.