Sponged Frohawk with high burst fade.

Chapter 5

Looking at my bet slip one last time, I decided to leave my room and see if I could improve my interactive and communication skills.

The first place I chose to visit was Uncle Ken's workstation, which was, surprisingly, behind the counter.

"Hello, Uncle Ken, How is your afternoon?" I greeted this kind man with a smile as I descended the stairs.

"I'm fine, young lad, and happy to see you taking my advice," he said, smiling at me. He had one of the best smiles in the world. After exchanging greetings, I sat on the chair that had been placed in front of his counter.

"What would you like this morning, alcohol or just juice?" Uncle Ken asked me while wiping my my glasses on the counter. There were a few people in the bar at this time, but not many.

The mention of 'just juice' gave me quite a scare, but I decided to play it cool.

"Just juice is fine," I said with a nod. I was still imagining all the headaches I would have endured had I woken up early, which even gave me a slight headache now.

"So, son, have you been able to find the answers to the question I asked you yesterday?"

"Not all of them, Uncle Ken. I'm still trying to find more answers to the question. I'm sure if I can find the answers, I will be able to change my life for the better."

"Hahahahahaha, I knew you were one special lad ever since I saw you. I remember the day you came rushing in here, telling me you needed a place to stay. You looked tired, frustrated, and sad, but not broken. You had a strong passion to succeed, one I have never seen in any young lad. And I am happy I was able to help you that day."

"Thanks, Uncle Ken. I am so grateful that that you helped me when I was at my lowest. You are like a father who supports his son in a time of need." After saying this, I got up and hugged the old man.

He was a bit surprised by the sudden hug but hugged me back, which made me happy.

After the hug, I realized what I had done was quite unusual, but he just smiled at me and wished me well. I asked for his number and decided to head out.

It was around 1:30 p.m. at the time, and I had nothing else to do.

I had read enough novels and fictional stories to believe that something good would happen to me today. And that something good was getting a new haircut and getting rid of the beard of shame and depression.

Walking through Lower Manhattan in a white Chase Deer shirt and black shorts felt odd because almost everyone else was in work attire. I remembered wearing work clothes myself when I was working during my university days.

After some searching, I found a sleek hair salon. The guys inside were stylishly dressed and engaged in an interesting conversation.

Gathering my courage, I entered the salon and joined in watching the football show they had on. Contrary to my expectations, the guys didn't give me strange looks. Instead, they started asking me about football, my name, what hairstyle I wanted, and a host of other questions.

Their reception was incredibly warm. I talked about football with them and watched the Brighton and Nottingham Forest match, which was playing. And just as I had predicted, both teams scored before the end of the first half, which pleased me.

Now, all that was left was the Tottenham and Aston Villa match, which I was confident would also be a win. So, I was feeling quite elated.

I settled on a Sponged Frohawk with a high burst fade for my haircut. I had never tried that style before, and I must admit, I looked great in it. The well-shaped and trimmed sideburns made the hairstyle look perfect.

The guys even persuaded me to create an Instagram account and post pictures of myself because I looked like a model.

And I had to admit, I did look like one. I stayed at the barbershop and watched the Aston Villa match with them. And like I had expected, three goals came in the match, which meant I had won the bet. The haircut cost me $70, but I tipped them $30 and promised them I would always come for a haircut here.