Brooklyn:
After being forced to spend one summer in Italy with her grandma, Brooklyn always found her way back to the cobblestone streets but not for the feeling of a summer never ending, but for Valentino, a boy who radiates trouble and sees throu...
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POV: Brooklyn ꧁Summer #2 ꧂ "Good decisions come from experience. Experience come from bad decisions" – Mark Twain
"If you don't want to do it, then you don't have to." Val runs a hand through his hair for what I guess would be the thousandth time. He brings me closer when a man who is at least 6'11 passes by, covered head to toe with tattoos, and heads into the tattoo shop that I'm currently leading against.
"But I have to," I whine, biting at my already short nails, which earns a glare from Valentino. I spit the nail out while looking at him in response. He drinks when he's stressed, but I can't even bite my nails.
Last night, after coloring in some of Val's tattoos, I announced I would get one myself, which he just laughed at like it was some sort of joke, but I was serious. I don't care that I have a fear of needles; I have to prove Val wrong. Although right now, I'm not as bold as I was last night.
Valentino crouches right in front of my balled-up body against the wall of the store and says, "I swear it doesn't even hurt that much; it just depends where you get it. Baby, you'll be just fine."
I guess he was right—the pain is temporary, but the swag is forever, right?
Tell me how that swag feels after your dad disowns you. The little voice whispers, but I ignore it. Telling myself I have a little tattoo is not that bad.
Valentino offers me his hand and helps me stand. We walk into the building hand in hand, a chiming bell announcing our arrival.
"Ayyye, Valentino, long time no see, here for another one." A tall guy covered with all types of piercings heads towards us, taking off the black gloves on his hands.
The person with whom he's working lays awkwardly on the chair, clinging on for dear life.
I try not to question how reliable the guy is.
"Not really; my girl wants one though." When the guy's eyes meet mine, I wave my hands and flash the brightest smile.
"Well, oh, well." Mr. Piercing walks a little closer to me, smiling mischievously. Once he steps a little closer, Valentino grips him by the collar of his shirt and yanks him away. The glare he gives him can literally kill him.
"Don't get too excited, Ragazzo; touch her a little too much, and I'll use those fingers to shove down your throat."
The guy gulps and nods repeatedly, muttering how he understands, and heads back to finish the awaiting client.
Val takes a seat and hands me a notebook of sketches; there are butterflies down to skulls. I scan and scan and still don't see anything that quite catches my attention until I find one tucked in a corner.
a beautiful star.
It's simple yet holds a little meaning. I try not to think about Valentino being a little part of the reason why I chose it when I show Luca, aka Mr. Piercings. I know Val knows he's got a little to do with it, but he doesn't say anything; he just glares at Luca as he gets his supplies ready. I swear his hands shake.
