The Ink That Haunts Us

Chapter Twenty-Four

The flight from Seattle to Denver wasn't nearly long enough. As soon as we landed, I felt a little panicky. Was I really going to see my friends again? Was I ready for this? Would they be happy to see me or mad at me for disappearing for so long? There were so many questions flowing through my head and I didn't have an answer for a single one.

    As I sat in the taxi, on my way to the shop, I started to question whether I should have called first or not. Things had been so hectic and I had been too terrified to call or text to let anyone know I was okay or alive. They had no idea that I was coming back. I realized now, that may have been a poor judgement call.

    There was no turning back now. They would just have to take the surprise. This wasn't going to be easy for any of us. My face was still healing, as were a few different spots on my body. A few of the worst were visible and there wasn't any way to hide the bandages. The handprint bruises on my cheek were almost faded away. My lip was still healing from where it had been split wide open multiple times. The small burn on my forehead would scar.

    When the taxi stopped outside the shop, I couldn't seem to find the strength to get out of the car.

    "This is the place, right?" The driver asked, looking unsure.

    I nodded, staring at the familiar building. "Yeah, it is. Is it okay... Do you mind if we just sit here for a moment?" My nerves and emotions were all over the place. The last thing I wanted was to go in there, take one look at my friends, and burst into tears.

    Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath. You can do this, Saw, I thought. It'll be like ripping off a Band-Aid. Just get in there and get it over with.

    "Girl, you're covered in tattoos. Surely, you aren't this worked up over getting another one." The man in the driver seat gave me a confused look in the rearview mirror.

    "If only," I breathed out a chuckled. "No, there's a few people in there that I haven't seen nor talked to in months. I'm not sure they'll be happy to see me."

    "Ah," he nodded, turning his attention back to the front.

    Taking a deep breath, I handed him a few bills and stepped out of the taxi. If I didn't do it now, I would never do it. The driver helped me with my suitcase, sitting it on the curb in front of the shop.

    "Good luck," he called before driving off.

    I watched as he pulled into traffic and kept watching until he disappeared. It was now or never, I reminded myself again and before I could make a run for it, I grabbed the handle of my suitcase and pushed my way into the shop.

    Freya was seated behind the reception desk, her head down, her attention on something in front of her.

    "Welcome to Colorado Ink, how may I... Oh my God!" She had looked up and spotted me. She had been so startled at my appearance, she sat there for a moment clutching her chest as if she had seen a ghost.

    "I haven't been gone that long," I joked to cut through some of the awkwardness I felt.

    My voice must have don't the trick because she was out of her chair before I could blink. She let out a shrill that seemed to echo through the entire building before she launched herself at me. If I hadn't braced before impact we would have toppled to the floor. My arms went around her as she gripped onto me and sobbed.

    "Saw!" she cried, over and over.

    A door opened down the hall and a long booted stride came hurrying into the reception area.

    "Bloody hell, Freya! What the hell are you going on about?" When Jensen spotted us, clutching each other, he halted in his steps. "Christ!" The word was a breath on his lips. He sprinted towards us, Freya stepping out of the way to allow him access to me. Jensen wrapped me in a bear hug, picking me up off the floor. "Where the bloody hell have you been?" He thundered as he set be on my feet. He took a step back to glare down on me only to give me a horrified look as he took me in.