When he was finished there were five small three-strand braids running from the front of her head over the top then woven into a thick French braid running down her back. Two additional braids ran from behind her ears and swept down and through the French braid. The whole thing moved her hair off of her neck and lifted the heavy mass upwards.

"Oh my god Meara! You look beautiful!" Aisha gushed.

"Very lovely!" Rana agreed.

Ernst and Lucas looked at Ed in surprise.

Meara stood up carefully as if the braiding might unravel at any second.

"You don't have to be so cautious. It's a tight braid. As long...