Altogether unusual

The sound of shattered glass...

'Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process

he does not become a monster.

And if you gaze long enough into an abyss,

the abyss will gaze back into you.

Friedrich Nietzsche'

NOW

It's late. I had a lot of work at the parlour. Some all black tribal tattoo to fill in. Jeremy made the contour and had me fill it in. The first time he had asked me to do a filling I jumped up and down and embraced Eve, who was there to pay me a visit. To be fair, she had hoped I'd escape early for us to be able to have a drink out, but she was so happy for me, she stayed through the entire session and took photos. And I looked like a total badass with the tattoo machine in my hand!

I think it's passed 9:30 when I step into the house. I expected my parents to have dinner in the kitchen, but as I enter, I hear all masculine voices. My mother is nowhere in sight.

"Look at that hook! Oh my!"

"She cannot see where she's punching now! Did you see that?"

"Definitely winning by gathering points, although she could easily knock her out!"

"Feisty little beast! Good feet movement!"

"Ooooh! I did not see THAT coming!" the voice screams.

I watch them both. Beers opened, long legs sprawled, leaning forward in expectation, watching a boxing game. "Jonathan?" I almost yell, not believing my eyes. They are watching one of my matches; my father has them taped. Yeah! I am aware. Total embarrassment! Like the baby naked pictures of you, which your mom shows to everybody. My mother has one in her wallet. Showing it to everybody. Want to see my chubby, naked ass? Just talk to her for a bit! You'll see! One moment you are talking about towels, and the next you hear 'Wanna see a picture of my daughter when she was a baby? Oh, she was a darling!'

"Hey there, girlie! Good game! I'll think twice next time I want to upset you" He comes to me and kisses my cheek. I stare at him wordlessly. Yet again. I swear to you guys, I am not that stupid usually!

"Get a beer and stay with us, Clarisse! We're watching your matches."

"Sorry dad, not in the mood. I had a long day. I'll just take a shower and turn in. Good night, Jonathan!" I give my father a hug and head upstairs.

The warm water washes over the day and I give up to it gladly. Feeling more relaxed now, and ready for sleep, I step out of the bathroom, only in my knickers, towel drying my hair.

"Black lace does become you, Clarisse!" I let out a squeak, while trying to cover myself with the towel. His voice is deep and somehow alluring, in that Hannibal weird way.

"What the hell are you doing here, Jonathan?"

"I'm staying tonight. And by the way," he says with the biggest grin, "I can still see one of your baps."

"What the fuck is a bap?"

"It's a synonym for breasts. Hello there, fellow!" His blue eyes sparkle in amazement, while he waves at my boob.

I growl at him covering myself with the first thing at hand, and go to my closet to search some clothes. How am I supposed to know his stupid slang?

"Mhmmm, you look good in my shirt, girlie."

Oh, for the love of God! Seriously? Can this be more embarrassing? I take down his dress shirt, pretending to my own pathetic self that I don't want to burry my nose in it. He always smells perfect. I guess I already said this several times. And I don't have a smell fetish, but God help me! Have you ever had a guy who imprinted on you by the way he smelled? For starters, Jonathan smells like he never broke a sweat in his life. Or if he did, his glands are genetically built against nature. Then, his scent is always fresh, like mountain air. And the masculine edge....sometimes I am afraid I'll just wait for him to sleep and then go smell on his clothes. Stupid. I know. Also addicted. And stupid a couple more times. After a night he spends at my place, I find myself burying my nose in the pillow he used.