A Twist of Fate

Anastasia tossed her ebony hair and balanced carefully, attempting to sit gracefully at the cramped desk. The heels of her gothic boots made the feat difficult. She groaned as their homeroom teacher launched into the day’s announcements: It was Spirit Day tomorrow. Imagining the ruckus that would upset her carefully orchestrated routine, Anastasia scowled. She’d heard Riley, a popular girl in their grade, making elaborate plans to dye her hair in the school colors for the occasion.

After school, Anastasia pondered the thoughts that had persisted throughout the day. Tired of feeling ill at ease with people ridiculing her, she figured it was time to break out of her mold and shake up her classmates. Anastasia realized her efforts might go unnoticed in the chaos of Spirit Day, but nevertheless, she set her jaw and marched into a variety store. Perusing the array of hair products, she spotted an unusually shaped bottle on the bottom shelf. “Change the color of those tresses,” the label invited. “Say the word and the color is yours.”

Intrigued, Anastasia carried two bottles to the register. Anastasia considered her options; how could she best blend in? The school colors were emerald and bronze, and she definitely did not desire even a hint of blonde. Mission accomplished, Anastasia stared at her sparkling green hair in the mirror, contemplating her course of action with the second bottle.

“A small surprise for Riley,” she mused. Holding the container, she briefly wondered about its permanence but said the words, “Transform Riley’s hair to charcoal gray.”

In disbelief, Anastasia did her best to ignore the taunts that greeted her for not wearing gothic clothing. Her only consolation was Riley’s surprise. Making certain to join her for lunch, Anastasia deliberately showed Riley her drink.

“Why is it such an unusual color?” Riley took the bait.

“It’s special.” Anastasia smiled and offered the bottle. “Would you care to taste it?”