The women do an angry step dance and exit the stage.

No one on stage except for NOVELETTE.

NOVELETTE takes a seat in chair, removes her red wig and addresses audience.

NOVELETTE:

What did you think I was a natural red head! Well I got to get going ‘cause I have a party to go to and ladies you know how long it takes for us to get ready. Nails, hair, outfit! And let’s not forget all those little extras. But I cut out all those little extras. No more squeezing this body into a tight girdle. No I tell you. I’m loving this body now. Took awhile and a few hard lessons but now I’m loving every inch, every curve, every pound. It’s all mine and I love it! Feed it good food, to keep it strong, healthy You have to nourish it. And mi go to gym, but I’m not killing or starving myself. And I don’t know maybe it’s age could be wisdom, or maybe it’s working in this shop for so long. But I see far too many of you women rushing in here, trying to get it right. Be right. Do it right… and no matter what you do, you just don’t feel right. Cause if you’re not ok with the woman inside, nothing else matters. Nothing. (two beats) Anyway it’s party time. I got to go! Party time these are the good times!

She gets up to leave, and NIA rushes in.

NIA:

Novelette I know I missed my appointment, but please could you just squeeze me in.

NOVELETTE:

Listen here, Nia, I told you, come for four o’clock. It’s now nearly nine o’clock.

NIA:

Letty, you never start me on time.

NOVELETTE:

That’s not the point. An appointment to me isa guarantee that you will show up on time. An appointment doesn’t mean that “A” I will start you on time or “B” you can come waltzing in here anytime you feel. Now the shop is closed. Day is finished. Shop lock up and time for everyone to go home and that includes you! Bye!

NIA:

Please, Novelette, I got a funeral I’m going to tomorrow.

NOVELETTE:

(softening) I’m sorry. I did hear about your mother, how are you doing?

NIA:

Oh I’m doing ok, but I guess Sandy’s taking it hard, her and Mom were close.

NOVELETTE:

Well come Nia. What are you having?

She passes her the magazine but then quickly grabs it back.

As a matter of fact you know something give me back my magazine. Because I have no time today for fancy hair styles, pictures in a magazine, and you wanting me to give you false hopes and promises, because I am a hairdresser—

NIA & NOVELETTE:

Not a magician.

NOVELETTE:

So what are you having?

NIA:

As good as you are there are somethings that not even your magic can fix.

She looks in the mirror.

You know what take it off.

NOVELETTE:

What? All of it? Are you sure?