Morning Announcement Blues

Jackie slumped in her chair, her long black hair falling like a curtain across her face. She picked at her skull earrings while Mrs. Henderson droned on about math homework.

"Attention students," the principal's voice crackled through the intercom. "Tomorrow is our monthly grooming day. All students will visit the hair salon for their complimentary haircuts."

Jackie's stomach dropped. Around her, Ollie went completely white. Remi started chewing his fingernails. Mike gripped his desk so hard his knuckles turned white. Carson slid down in his chair like he wanted to disappear. They all exchanged terrified glances.

"No way," Jackie whispered, touching her shark tooth necklace for comfort. "Not the clippers."

"Those devils aren't getting near my head," Ollie muttered, his voice shaking.

Mrs. Henderson smiled sweetly. "Don't worry, children. The hairdressers are lovely ladies who just want to help you look your best."

Jackie and her friends didn't look convinced. Their wild, monkey-like hair seemed to stand on end with fear.

The Emergency Meeting

The school bell rang, but Jackie and her friends didn't move. They sat frozen in their seats like statues.

"We need a plan," Jackie whispered, touching her shark tooth necklace. "Those clippers aren't getting anywhere near us."

Ollie's hands shook as he packed his backpack. "What if we just don't show up tomorrow?"

"They'll find us," Remi said, biting his thumbnail. "Mrs. Henderson has our addresses."

Mike slammed his textbook shut. "This is a disaster. My hair will look terrible short."

Carson pulled his hood up over his messy brown locks. "Maybe we could hide in the janitor's closet?"

Just then, Mrs. Henderson walked over with a bright smile. She held a clipboard with their names on it. "I've signed you all up for the first appointment slot tomorrow morning. Nine o'clock sharp!"

Jackie's stomach twisted into knots. She looked at her friends' terrified faces and made a decision.

"Meet me at the old oak tree after school," she said firmly. "We're going to figure this out together."

The friends nodded, their wild hair bouncing as they finally stood up to leave.