:: my stylist friend ::

Weirdly
It feels my heart with that awkward tinge
when I saw my hairstylist today

At first,
I had the heart and thought of "betraying" him
to visit another hair salon to do up my hair
and it wasn't the very first time
such thoughts have always risen
each time the bell rings for a haircut
but i have always banished those thoughts
and go back to him no matter what..

when he left klearcut earlier this year
i thought i shall move on and visit another place
but my "bond" with him was so strong
I followed him to his new workplace

its a quiet corner of orchard
at a rather run down shop in cuppage plaza
where its only him n his lady boss
tending to the little hair shop
but it was with him
that i felt comfortable
and that my hair was in good hands
and i'm paying for a great value

Zen may be just 2 years older than me
but he miraculously brightens up my dull look each time
and adds boomz to my hair
and a smile to my face

after that one visit to this "new" place in june
i thought i wud nv return
hahahaha..
because it just didn't fit my stature..

but i missed him so..
he's like a friend
his warmth
his character
those 1 hour interactive sessions once in a long while
for the past 3 years..

it was by chance that i looked for him on facebook 3 days ago
when my hair alarm rang once again
or that i feel hiao to have a new do
and i popped down today
when i entered the building
i question myself why? why i come this place to cut my hair?
the answer was simple: my friend, Zen..

the relationship from stylist and client has evolved
we are friends with that special touch..

and one of the first few opening sentence was:
This might be the last time i'm cutting your hair for you.
I felt the tinge of bitterness
he then told me that he was returning to JB later this month
to venture out and with his friends,
open a salon of his own.
i felt happy for him..

although I do not know if i can go visit him
and receive his treatment again..
(i certainly do hope so.. if i have the time)
i could sense during our conversation
how much he wish i would continue patronising him
despite the distance..

the conversation drifted from one which was sad
and it being the last hair cut..
into a more cordial one
where i shared with him about my life in the last three months
since i saw him
and the trends i picked up
and my possible design business venture..
and into him hoping that i will go over
and we can continue this special friendship..

Ken Hirai's over emotional Ken's Bar album was playing in the background
and the both of us spoke with a little tear oozing out somehow

when the job was done
and i had my new do
getting a little wash
and his nimble little amazing hands running thru
my hair to give it the brilliant style with wax
i can't help but reflect on the wonderful hairstyles he has helped
me create.. and the confidence i had each time..

then it was as if we were separating into worlds of drastic unknown
not known if i will meet him again..
he gave me his mobile back in m'sia
and i greeted him with that smile of mine
and somehow an affirmation that if possible
i'll go over for a visit..
little notes of how to manage
and what style i might want to create next..
then we parted..
wishing each other the best
and hoping to see one another again..

in 2 month's time,
perhaps
i would venture out into another salon and finally
without guilt,
look for another stylist
but somehow
somehow
i feel that i will take a chance in the near future
and visit him
a friend..

thank you for many wonderful hairstyles
and memories,
my dear stylist friend
Zen..

may you have a great career in front of you
and successes overflowing.. :)