Same Words Different Meanings

Chapter One-Introduction

Layla Pov:
*BEEP BEEP BEEP*
It's currently 8:30 am and my alarm clock is blaring in my ear. My names Layla Steinfield life was hard growing up. I don't remember my mom and at the tender age of  6, I found my dad in our bathroom from a overdose. After that it was a series of foster homes some bad others worse. That's another story for another time. I have a 10:30 class all the way across campus and seeing as though I'm about to graduate I need to find a job. Because bills got to be PAID. I do my daily hygiene and get dressed. Just because I attend a HBCU doesn't mean imma get dressed everyday. Throwing my freshly washed 4c hair into what was supposed to be a messy bun, i put on black leggings,a black hoodie , and my crocs. I know your thinking why are you wearing all black in 80 degree weather.(My body has always been a insecurity so black is my go to color. ) I grab my keys and head out the door heading to my car.I check my phone and make sure my appointment is still secure. YUP ya girl is getting her first tattoo today... oh shit it's my 21st birthday sorry I forgot to say it. Blasting Brent Faiyaz, I stop to get something to eat then head to class.
Time Skip-
After 2 excruciating hours i finally am free of class. I run into a couple of my sorors outside of class and speak, they of course makes sure i'm still attending the school wide party tonight. Normally I'd say no but yolo. It's about 1:30 and I'm in the parking lot of the tattoo shop.... i'm starting with something small just to get a feel but i'm still scared. But I already paid the deposit so here I am. I walk in and i'm greeted by a woman standing at about 5'7, pale skin tone and blonde hair that'll make the sun scream. " How may I help you?" she says in a passive annoyed voice "Umm I have an appointment for 1:45 for Layla Steinfield" I say returning the same tone. Before she has time to respond as if directed a tall man walks to the front of the shop. I'm still staring at the blonde before I hear a almost heavenly voice say " It's ok Julie I've got it from here. I look over (more like up) and see this tall almost angelic face holding the most perfect smile in the world. "Uhh if you'd just follow me to the back" he says breaking me out of my trance. I do as told and follow him to a secluded room in the back of the shop. Don't worry it's really just a building filled with suites nothing sketchy. He asks what I want and I tell him a semi colon on the inner corner of my wrist and a flower on my ankle. But his demeanor changed I don't know what it was....

Jameson Pov:

"A semi-colon on my wrist and a flower on my ankle." The beauty infront of me said. A semi-colon.... every tattoo artist knows what those mean. How could such a beautiful person feel the need to do something so hurtful. It's not my place to ask so I just continue. I have a rule on not mixing business with pleasure but I'd drop that rule for her. I also don't even work here I own the place and many others but she just drew me in. I ask her if she wants the numbing and she shakes her head yes. "I'll start with the ankle tattoo since it'll be the easiest" she nods her head ok. I tell her every step that i'm taking but she eventually falls asleep ...she looks so peaceful. Once I'm done I slightly tap her "Miss. I finished your ankle tattoo"she'd asked for a specific flower a Lotus which is strange most women like roses but hey it's cool to be different. She smiles adoring the tattoo but in an instant it's like something switches in her and she stops and says she's ready for the next. I was taken aback BUT I did as she said an continued. Once the semi-colon was done she thanked me. I need to know more about her... So when she went to her cashapp and asked how much she owed me I become bolder than usual and said "It's on the house." I say with a grin on my face hoping she'll fall into my trap. "No I can't do that I have to pay you something" she said with real concern in her voice " Welllll since you asked maybe you could go on a date with me?" I smirk. She looks shocked but happy at the same time. She grins back and says "Sure here's my number text me and maybe we can do it sometime next weekend" I smile agreeing I say see you later and pack my things to leave. Why is she so interesting?

Her tattoos

Lotus ^

^Semi-colon tatoo: represents life after self harm

AN
this story has legit been in my drafts for like two years so yeah enjoy 😭😭