Boomerang (English version)

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

EdwardThe truth is, I wasn't overly excited about the notion of heading to South America. We could have easily gone to the Caribbean, but last year James had fallen for a girl from there and wanted to surprise her. Most of the six had voted to head to South America; only William and I had voted for the Bahamas. But it didn't matter all that much, it didn't seem too bad; the place was called Punta del Este, they said.In the photos, it looked alright, it was small but supposedly there was a lot of partying, and that's what swayed me in the end.Last year, I went on holiday to Mallorca, Spain, with Anne, my ex-girlfriend, so I couldn't join my mates. But this time I was going alone, so I didn't have to give explanations to anyone, I could be with whomever I wanted whenever I wanted.I decided to finish packing my suitcase; I was going to miss my room, my home, and London. I couldn't imagine being away for over two months; this is my home. I was also going to miss the ability to be alone; it's been a year since I moved away from my grandparents. My dad wanted to make it up to me for the rough years and bought me this duplex in the centre of London, although I know that can't fix anything, I couldn't turn it down, it was something I needed. Living alone gave me independence, the freedom to do what I wanted, bring whomever I wanted, move a pin without anyone asking me why I was doing it. Although I visited my grandparents often, my dad's parents, they were a bit intense; my grandmother was always on my back, which was a bit suffocating, whereas my grandfather was my partner in crime in everything.They raised me since my mother died when I was 7, and they've taken on all the roles since then because my dad was busy working and dating new girlfriends every two minutes, who were only with him for his money. Until he found Kate, my new stepmother.So, last year, for my 21st birthday, he gifted me this flat, which surprised me a lot, and I've lived very peacefully since then.I peered out of the large window, watching the Thames and the boats passing by, a unique view. Last week, it snowed, and it looked spectacular from up here.I knew that when I arrived, I had to catch up on my assignments. I was in my final year of Civil Engineering, and I had decided to take two months off before focusing on my final thesis.The sound of my phone distracted me from the view I was lost in. I turned around and picked it up from my bedside table. It was James, I answered.—Hello, what's happening? — I said, flopping onto the bed.—Ed, are you coming to Charlie's? I'm getting another tattoo — he sounded enthusiastic.Charlie is an acquaintance, he's our tattoo artist. James has a bunch of tattoos on his arms. But he hasn't beaten me, I've become somewhat addicted to them. I had my entire arms tattooed, my hands, something on my chest, knuckles, wings that span horizontally across my back, only something on my legs was missing.—Alright, yeah — I agreed, sitting up immediately — Are you already there?—Yeah, I'm here.—Good, I'll be there in 10 minutes — I ended the call.I made my way to my dressing room. Since I was in jogging attire, I decided to put on my tight black trousers, my black t-shirt, and my black Converse shoes. Anyone would think I'm off to a funeral, but no, I like black, it's my colour. To finish off, I put on my jacket, also black. I headed to the bathroom, which is attached to the dressing room, tidied up my hair a bit, and ruffled it to give it some shape. I grabbed my keys, wallet, lighter, and cigarettes from the dresser by the entrance of my room. I walked down the hallway to the stairs that took me to the ground floor of the house, crossed the living-dining room, and made my way to the exit.I pressed the button with enthusiasm, and to my relief, the doors opened immediately. A solo trip! Not that I'm antisocial, but making conversation in an elevator is as uncomfortable for me as wearing tight shoes. So, I enjoyed the brief journey to the basement without having to exchange awkward words with strangers. I headed to the basement, took the keys to my black Audi R8 from my pocket, unlocked the car, and got in. I started it up and drove to the exit door of the parking area.Charlie's tattoo studio was about 10 minutes from the city centre, so I'd have at least 10 minutes to decide if I wanted to get something inked before heading off on my splendid vacation.***Upon arrival, I parked my car without much trouble, about 50 metres from the entrance of the shop. I put my hands in my pockets, trying to keep them warm from the infernal cold, and headed towards the place.It was 4 in the afternoon, and luckily the area was quite calm. The city centre, on the other hand, was an absolute chaos. That had caused me to be delayed by ten minutes more than planned, which, for me, was a sufficient reason to unleash the monster of bad mood within me.I pushed the door of the shop, and the bells chimed. I was greeted by Morgan, the receptionist with fuchsia hair and a body covered in tattoos. She looked like a rainbow on the wrong path.— How's it going, Ed? — she greeted, extending her hand.— Alright, and you?— Good, your friend is already crying in there — she pointed to one of the rooms in the shop.— Doesn't surprise me in the slightest — I replied with an ironic smile, turned around, and headed towards the indicated door.I opened the door without knocking, and there was James covering his face as if he had just witnessed a global tragedy instead of a simple rib tattoo. He was a master of exaggeration, no doubt.— Crying already, are we? — I mocked.— How's it going, Ed? — Charlie asked, smiling, momentarily setting aside his task.— Good, what are you getting done, bro? — I asked James, who was still in the same position. I sat down on a side examination bed, ready to witness the live drama.— A single eye — he managed to say with a pained expression.I shook my head and couldn't help but chuckle at the situation.— And you, Ed? Are you getting something done too? — Charlie asked, his needle still buzzing on my friend's body.— I don't know, honestly not feeling much of an urge — I confessed, making a reluctant grimace.— Well, you'll think of something.— I was thinking of getting something on my rib, something epic, like a giant bacon sandwich — I said, smiling, knowing I was joking.Charlie looked at me knowingly, understanding my sense of humour, but James shot me a glare; he seemed to be really struggling.After 20 minutes, Charlie finished his work, and to be honest, the tattoo on James looked impressive. It was an eye, a simple eye at least 5 centimetres in size, tattooed on his right rib. What was the meaning behind it? I don't know, nor did I ask as I wasn't sure if there was one. James looked at himself in the mirror as if he were admiring a Renaissance masterpiece.— I'm heading to the Starbucks around the corner for coffee — James said, grabbing his jacket. — Are you guys coming?— Thanks, mate, but I've got another appointment now — Charlie replied.— I'll join you — I said to my friend, grabbing my coat. We bid Charlie farewell and followed the "drama king." As we walked to the café, I thought that tonight we were setting off on a journey, for two months, and I tried to imagine what those days ahead had in store for me.