Hold my Hand

Chapter 2

P.O.V

Seth

Morning's fucking suck when they start at 4:30 am. I had the same routine for years but I still had difficulty dragging my ass out of bed. Today wasn't any different except I had to go to school after I worked out at my dad's.

I missed summer already, vacation goes fast when your working for most of it. I wasn't complaining too much though my apprenticeship was almost up at my dad's tattoo shop McCannon Ink.

Next week on my 18th birthday I finish up my Bloodborne Pathogen training which will bring me one more step closer to becoming certified, and when that happens I plan on working at dad's shop till I finish my business management classes. My plan was to take over the shop for dad when he retired in two years to focus on the farm he recently took over for my grandpa, who had passed away earlier in the year.

Finally finding the strength to roll out of bed I walked over to my night stand to shut off my alarm. I quickly dawned on my workout gear, black t-shirt and shorts. Then I grabbed my school bag and my clothes to change into before getting into my flat black 1988 Trans am and heading over to my dad's house.

I lived in a small town house that I had been renting from dad since I moved back here from Chicago last year. I paid him by working in the shop, and working at the local auto repair store on the weekends.

Pulling onto the gravel lane that led to the McCannon ranch I cranked up Pink Floyd to try to wake up. I parked in front of the building that housed dad's gym/ game room. Grabbing my shit I walked in and headed over to the weight bench.

Working out was my escape just as much as my art. When I lived in Chicago with my mom I had gotten into mixed martial arts. Training and fighting became my life. Even though I didn't live in the city anymore and hadn't fought for over a year it was hard to break my training routine.

I worked out till 7 am before walking from the gym over to dad's house which was near the old barn. I didn't even bother to knock knowing dad and my step mom Molly would already be eating breakfast and feeding their caffeine addiction with coffee, which was some disgusting ass shit if you asked me.

"Well hello there Mama dearest." I said winking at Molly as I stepped into the kitchen.

"Oh Seth quit trying to charm me I'll feed ya without all the sweet talk." She said chuckling.

"Well In that case bring me pancakes woman!" I said as flopped down in a chair at the table.

Molly was a short little thing barely reaching 5 ft 3 in, her hair was in a short bob cut, and she was always very sweet and welcoming but oh boy was she scary when she got angry. I loved her just as much as my own mother. Dad treated her like a queen, he might have spoiled her a little too much but she never complained.

Molly brought me a stack of pancakes and a glass of milk. I was shoving my face when my dad walked in singing Britney Spears Oops I did it again. Nothings funnier than seeing a 6 ft 4 muscle man that's covered in tattoos singing Britney tunes. After almost choking on my pancakes I gave my dad a fake glare, "Dad you are a disgrace to the male species right now."

"Not true I bet the gay ones would be on my side." He said grabbing some pancakes and sitting down next to me.

"Molly did you hear that dad says he's going gay.. good news for you I'll be 18 next week. Ow!" I yelped as dad's hand connected with the back of my head.

"Get your own woman son." He said with amusement flipping me the bird.

Grinning I finished my breakfast before heading to the bathroom to get changed for Hell.. oops I mean school.

Arriving at the Mediapolis High school parking lot I parked next to a blue dinky looking Geometro. Putting in my head phones I headed in to the concourse.

Mediapolis was a tiny school where everyone knew everyone, it was a hell of alot different than the Chicago schools that I was use to. Last year when I arrived here a new student you would've thought I was a fucking rock star. I was the talk of the town for weeks, it was ridiculous. I wasn't here to make friends. Friends equaled drama and I didn't need that shit in my life. All I wanted was to get through this hell hole and get my diploma so I could start tattooing full time.

It didn't take long to get people to leave me alone, if my piercings and tattoos didn't do the job my rude attitude usually worked like magic. There were a few of the girls that tried to get with me but I didn't need the drama that would follow a hook up. Small town girls always wanted more and I didn't have the time or patience for a relationship.

Not even bothering to stop in the concourse that was overcrowded with students I made my way to the halls to stop by my locker. Looking down at my schedule I found the number I'd be looking for, locker 44. The song Push by Matchbox 20 came on my I pod and I started singing along with the lyrics knowing the halls would be empty until the first bell rang.

I rounded the corner to the west hall where the junior and senior lockers were located. The first thing I noticed was a small red head kneeling in front of a locker. She seemed to be trying to shrink her bag, which was Hello kitty, so she could fit it into the contraption. I had never seen her before, I would have remembered this girl if I had. She was beautiful, my dormant sex drive had awakened and I hadn't even got a good look yet.

I forgot I was still singing till her head swung in my direction. I felt her gaze on me as I continued down the hall till I found locker 44, which happened to be directly above the mystery girl. Her eyes seemed to be glued to my arms, studying my tattoos I assumed.

I could tell when she finally realized I stopped in front of her. Her bright blue eyes widened before she looked up to meet my gaze. I had to fight back the dirty thoughts that came at the sight of her kneeling before me. Damn my attraction for this girl was growing by the second and I hadn't even spoken to her yet.

Deciding to break the silence I said in my sarcastic tone, "Your in my way short stuff."

Her face turned bright red and she stood up from where she was kneeling before muttering, "Sorry."

I immediately felt bad for embarrassing her but in my defense I didn't know she'd be so shy. I always thought red heads were suppose to be sassy. Looking at her standing in front of me I was pleased to see that my first assumption was right. She was a short little thing, probably an inch or 2 shorter than Molly.

"No problem babe. You were busy admiring the view, and sweetheart you can stare at me as long as your little heart desires." I replied with a wink as I made my way to my locker. I was a little shook up. Just her quiet sorry sent a jolt of awareness through me. It just wasn't my body that was responding to her, everything in me seemed to be interested in this little slip of a woman. I was confused. I had never had this reaction to anyone before, I wasn't sure how to go about it.

I had my back facing her as I put my bag in my locker.

"I was just looking at your tattoos. " She mumbled quietly.

I turned around to face her again and ask for her name but she was already racing down the hall. That was fine by me I had all day to see the mystery girl, my curiosity and hormones would make sure of it. Quickly throwing on the shirt I had brought to cover up my tattoos I slammed my locker shut and I made my way to my first class, Creative writing.