Bloom Nails Highland Park Novels & Stories

A pregnant woman like her wasn't suited for a manicure. The duo sat down in the nail salon and a pungent smell of perfume wafted their noses. It was so strong that it was repulsive. Pinching her nose, Mia looked across her shoulder to see a familiar person. She knew that it wasn't common for someone to wear so much perfume. It was Shelly! Shelly's high heels clicked as she approached the duo. She sneered, "Mia, do you know how much it costs to get your nails done here? If you can't afford it, don't even try to step foot into the place. It's not a place for you."

​Five Years Later ​"Mommy, look! I found a blue one!" ​I blinked, the memory of the cold Hamptons estate fading as the warm, floral scent of my shop, Nora’s Blooms, filled my lungs. ​Mia stood in the doorway of the shop, her wild, honey-brown curls bouncing as she held up a bruised cornflower. She was wearing her favorite yellow rain boots and a smudge of dirt on her nose. She was vibrant, loud, and the very air I breathed.

“We’re fixing that.” A few minutes later, she parked outside a cute little salon with hanging flower pots at the entrance and a chalkboard sign that read Moonlight Nails - Walk-ins Welcome! in pink letters. The windows were decorated with fairy lights, and there was a soft lavender scent in the air as we stepped inside. The place was small but cozy. A soft pop song played in the background, and the walls were painted a calming lilac. Two nail techs stood behind the counter, both smiling as we walked in.

Every officer in the city and county would be on duty, either on school grounds or in the county and the state police had some officers on loan that were assisting as well. Thursday, as soon as the bell rang, we all piled into Bethany’s Land Rover and headed to the nail salon for some pampering in way of manis and pedis. I chose the same mint green of my dress for my toes and they painted little white daisies and other little beads on them. For my regular nails, I went with French tips but instead of the standard white, I chose the same mint green for the tips. It felt great to just lay there in the chair while I was pampered, as it was something I had never experienced before.

Chapter Two: SIGHTING Later that night, Rojean dolled up to go to a place that was both a nightclub and a bar that everyone was talking about. She was old enough, for sure, especially if she was going to get married soon. But she was never the kind of person to go out on the weekends, to a club or even a bar and always preferred the comfort of their apartment which Lucas didn’t mind at all even when he wanted to go out. She was in a cream coloured off shoulder dress which stopped mid-thigh and hugged her curves beautifully.

The nail technicians signaled the completion of their work, and we took a moment to admire our newly adorned fingers and toes. Izzy inspected her nails, satisfied with the bold coffin shape and the vibrant red color she had chosen. Emma went for a delicate round nail shape, painted in a nude shade that complemented her well. As for me, I opted for almond-shaped nails painted in a caramel brown color, mirroring the shade on my toenails. A job well done indeed. °°°°°° "Your hair smells so good I can't stop sniffing it," Izzy remarked to Emma as we all lay huddled together on a makeshift bed on the living room floor.

The nickname had stuck to her since her childhood days. I reached out for the light switch and turned it on. Full lights brightened the half-dark balcony. She was wearing a short-sleeved purple dress and a pair of brown platform shoes. Her silver necklace shone under the bright lights. Her purple locket was attached to her necklace. I could not miss the view of her beautifully, manicured nails painted in amethyst. It was clearly obvious that she had just returned from an outing. She looked ravishing as usual. She is Kimberly White, the only girl child and the last child of my family. Purple is the most adored person in the family.

“Do you smell it?” My frown deepened. “What nonsense are you blabbering about? Have you lost your mind?” He turned his head away from me, doing that weird sniffing thing. “The whole palace needs to be rid of moonveil blossom.” Moonveil blossom. There was nothing like that planted anywhere on my grounds. “I think you have officially lost it and you better pray to the goddess that I don’t lose my shit.” “Who put this flower here?” He motioned to the discard bouquet. “Whoever put this here is bathed in the moonveil blossom.”

It impossible for me to lift a finger without his consent. That wouldn't help. I remember I did a time, I did such. He pulled my hand along with him. Guards followed, surrounding us. Not different from caging or locking me up. Beads of sweat lined on my forehead towards my cheeks. Escaping is totally impossible. Maybe I should try, then see if Dravon would notice this. I glided my window upward, more spacious for a folded body. I stepped out into the comfort of the moon light. In between, my nails grew longer. Like a transition wanted to occur. My vision sharper enough to see ants crawling in the dark.