Wildflowers

Chapter 34

Chapter: 34

We find a table in the corner and we sit across from each other. I order a milkshake and some fries, that I know he will share with me and he orders a coke. We open out math books and start on the homework together. I help him with a few questions and then he finally moves on to English and I open my history textbook. I have to take notes on some chapters, so I take out my history notebook and a pen. I read the chapter taking notes along the way. Patrick closes his book when our fries comes and he takes the ketchup on the table and puts a pile in the corner of the basket. I grab a fry and dip it in the ketchup and pop it into my mouth. I finish my notes and put the book back in my back pack and I turn my attention to the fries.

'So, what artist are you doing your art presentation on?' Patrick asks me.

I shrug 'I don't know yet, Maybe Rothko or Warhol? What about you?' I ask popping another fry in my mouth.

He finishes chewing before says 'Something impressionistic? I'm more nervous about making something in the style of whoever we choose than the presentation.'

I look surprised bwcause he is actually a really good painter and can draw better than most kids in the class 'Why, you're so good you shouldn't worry about that. Why do you think I'm picking a modern artist? So I can do something not complicated and it can pass for art' I tell him.

'Good idea' he says 'So I want your opinion on something. I was thinking about getting a tattoo' He tells me looking up.

'I actually really think it would be a cool idea, what would you get?' I ask.

'I have an idea but I was wondering if you wanted to come with me and hold my hand' he says.

'Yeah, when do you want to go? Today?' I ask.

'Sure, why not cause I have been thinking about this for a while now' he says.

Patrick pays the bill and we grab our stuff and head to the car. We drive down to Venice Beach and we park in the public lot. I know there is a tattoo shop on the boardwalk cause we pass it every time we come here and I am always tempted to get one. We walk into the shop and a man with long brown hair, a fringe vest and some jeans greets us.

'Hey, dudes how can I help you?' He asks us.

Before Patrick says anything I say 'We're looking to get tattoos do you have time?'

Patrick looks at me and is shocked but smiles.

'Yeah for sure, what were you looking to get? Something matching?' He asks us glancing down at out interlaced fingers

'Yeah, I think so' I say looking up at Patrick and he shakes his head and smirks.

'I was thinking of some traditional flowers, I brought a drawing in if that's cool' Patrick tells the guy.

'This is really good man, this would be perfect. I like the traditional surf vibes, do you guys surf' and we both nod 'Killer, where do you want it?'

'My fore arm and I want it in some color if that's cool.' Patrick tells him and he nods 'What would you like?'He asks me.

'Can I draw something up real quick as you set up?' Patrick says and the guy says 'Sure man, give me like ten minutes. Here's some colored pencils, go to town' he says handing an over a box of pencils and some tracing paper.

I dig in my purse for a cigarette and I light it. Patrick won't let me see the drawing until after its done do I just look around smoking.

'Baby, come here and take a look at it' He says and I walk over to him. It's a very pretty traditional red poppy with a yellow center with green leaves around it 'I love it but it's missing one thing' I say grabbing the pencil and I ask Patrick to add a cursive letter 'P' above the flower.