Problem Kid

Chapter 96

"Good afternoon!" I say to Tix as I walk into the staff room, dumping my bag on a chair and sitting down to finish my milkshake that I got from McDonald's before coming in. I have been craving McDonald's banana milkshakes so badly during the last few weeks.

"Afternoon, how did your appointment go?" They ask, sitting down at the table with their fresh cup of coffee.

"It went good, here I'll show you the scan photos!" I pull a wad of them out of my bag and push them over the table towards Tix. We've built a pretty nice friendship during my time here so far and though I am friends with all the staff here, me and Tix are much closer.

"Awhhh she looks so cute! I love the one where you can see her hand up by her face," Tix fawns excitedly. "She still moving around like mad?" They ask, looking up at me and passing the photos back. I nod enthusiastically.

"Oh yes. I was kept up almost all night last night because she just wouldn't stop. She's driving my crazy!" I groan.

"Honestly props to you for managing all this, I think I'd die if I was kept up all night constantly by that. Kids are cute but from a distance," I laugh.

"Is this you telling me that you won't babysit?" I joke.

"Oh I'll babysit but I'll be happy to give her back when I'm ready to leave and I am NOT doing nights," they say in mock disgust.

"Yeah I don't blame you. I'm not looking forward to the sleepless nights and crying. But I'll put up with it. It'll be worth it in the end," Tix nods.

"Motherhood looks beautiful but hard for sure. You're definitely cut out for it though, you're a tough cookie. And at least you've had practice with Summer," I laugh loudly.

"I think a dog and a human baby are two very difficult things," I stroke Summer's ears as she looks up at the sound of her name.

"True. Well, I'd better get ready to head back out. Lunch is nearly over and I'm setting up for a vertical industrial in a sec. You should probably find Maxwell too, he's waiting for you in studio 1," I stand up, resting my hand on my stomach.

"Alright, enjoy! See you in a bit," Tix waves, heading out of the staff room as I put my empty McDonald's cup into the bin and head over to studio 1. Maxwell is sat on the piercing chair on his phone.

"Hey, Tix told me you wanted me?" I say with a smile. He looks up and places his phone down with a mischievous smile. "What are you planning?" I say nervously.

"Well, I wanted to go over your work with you..." he says and I feel a little anxious, worried I've done something wrong. "Take a seat," he says, gesturing to the chair. I sit down slowly, sighing in relief as I reach the chair.

"So, you've been piercing on fake skin for a while now and honestly your progress has been amazing. You've mastered it already and your technique has been strong and consistent. I've got someone coming in for a first lobe piercing soon and I wanted to see if you're ready to give it a go on a real person?" I sit there in silent shock for a moment before responding.

"You mean it? You're not fucking about? You actually think I'm ready?" I am amazed. I knew I'd be piercing a real person eventually but I didn't think it would happen yet. Maxwell nods with a grin.

"Everleigh, you're ready. You are definitely ready. I've spoken to the client and they're happy for you to pierce them. It'll be half price since it's apprentice rate of course but I didn't even get to mention that before they agreed. You up for it?" I nod eagerly.

"Yes, I'm definitely up for it!" I say, a grin spreading across my face.

"Well, you better start setting up then!" He laughs, gesturing to the cupboards. I practically jump up, quickly washing my hands and starting to prepare as Maxwell watches with a glint in his eye. I get a fresh tray out and load it up. A 1.6mm needle, gauze, clamp, marking pen and alcohol wipe. I look over at Maxwell before choosing jewellery.