Short Stories

While Getting a Tattoo

I was going through a whirlwind of emotions before entering a tattoo shop. I had been planning to get a tattoo for so long. But I am always afraid of needles and today I decided not only to face my fear but to overcome it. I finally selected to ink my skin with the initials of my name and my husband-to-be.

I decided to get the initials at the back of my neck. This would be a symbol of our everlasting love for each other. The moment I entered the shop, my eyes landed on the different tattoos displayed on the walls. Some tattoos were colorful and some were black. I got to know they have different artists for black and colored ink.

I finally passed my first exam to decide whether to have black or colored ink on my skin. The atmosphere in the shop was a bit different but good. A hum of needles while artists were using them to engrave tattoos and the smell of antiseptics hit my nostrils. The girl at the front desk sent me to another table where they had samples of black ink.

The girl smiled, her arms covered in ink. "How can I help you?"

I smiled back and showed her my receipt. "I have an appointment with Alex."

She nodded and took my receipt. "Excellent decision. Alex is the most experienced artist in our shop and he is phenomenal in his job."

She pointed at the plush seat. "Sit here and wait for a while, please."

I asked. "How long should I wait?"

The girl was about to turn around. " Just a bit because Alex is about to finish with a client."

I smiled and nodded. I was nervous and excited at the same time. I walked over to the plush seat and started waiting for my tattoo artist. I smiled and picked up my phone when my screen showed Dane's name. "Right on time."

Dane chuckled. "So you got the tattoo or are you waiting for it?"

I sighed. "I am waiting for the artist; he is with another client."

Dane asked. "What did you select for the tattoo?"

I squeezed my eyes because, before coming to the shop, I had already made up my mind for the initials. But I didn't tell Dane about it because I wanted to give him a surprise. I only decided on the black color of the ink in the shop. "Yeah, I did."

Dane's excitement is reflected in his tone. "Really, so why are you not telling me?"

I giggled. "I am planning to surprise you."

Dane sighed. "I can't wait for the surprise."

While I was talking to Dane, I realized someone was coming to the room, so I told him I'd call him after I got the tattoo. My breath stuck in my throat when the curtain was parted and a towering figure entered the room. I stood up in fear because his personality was hostile, cold, and unfriendly.

When he looked at me, my heart skipped a beat. "Lily?"

I nodded because I couldn't say a word as I felt thorns in my throat. His bulging arms and neck were covered in ink. I rubbed my throat to breathe. "And you are?"

He smirked. "I am Alex."

Okay, his aura is dark, intense, and sexy. I didn't know how I was going to let him tattoo my skin without fantasizing about him all over me. I giggled in my heart. Maybe it will help me get through the pain.

Alex pointed me at the recliner. "Sit there." I nodded and sat on it.

Alex dragged one of the plush chairs towards the recliner and sat on it. "Have you decided what you want on your skin?"

I nodded. Alex asked. "What do you want me to do and where?"

I want your hands all over my body. I said it in my heart but the way he looked at me, it felt like he heard. I shook my head. "I want the initials of my fiance and mine. D. and L."