PULSE [H.S]

008

"The snake will always bite back." — Jake Roberts

A sharp pain in my side jolts me from my sleep.

When I open my eyes, I'm not in bed. I'm at a table in the back of my shop, and Pen is standing there laughing at me. I sit up, rubbing my eyes to make the world come back into focus.

Pen says, "What's up with you? I've never seen you doze off like this."

"I'm just tired. I've been waking up earlier than usual," I tell her as a yawn leaves my mouth.

Pen asks, "When are your late clients coming?"

"Around nine," I reply.

I stand up, stretching. I don't think I've ever fallen asleep at work before. I made it a point not to after Danny fell asleep once and we drew on his face with Sharpie. I look in the mirror quickly, relieved to see my face is clean.

Pen says, "Who are they anyway?"

"They're, uh, from Knockout Arena," I tell her nervously.

Her eyes widen, and her mouth falls open in shock. I didn't tell her that I went back there or that I'd been taking lessons. I was nervous to tell her and then quit because she'd be disappointed in me. I wanted to make sure I was going to commit to it before telling anyone.

She says, "What? Okay. Fucking explain."

I tell her about going back for lessons and joining as a member. I don't tell her what happened to make me want to go back, and she doesn't ask. I also tell her about hanging out with them at a bar, which brings a whole new wave of shock to Pen.

"Holy shit, who are you?" Pen jokes, "That's awesome, Kiz. Is Clove giving you more lessons?"

I say, "No, this guy Harry is."

"A man? Is he hot?"

"He's hot-tempered," I reply with a laugh.

An hour later, Clove walks through the door with Zayn and Niall trailing behind her. Suddenly I feel nervous that they're here, in my business, in my space. They all look around the place, taking it in.

"Kiz!" Clove smiles and exclaims, "This place is so sick."

"Sure is," Zayn agrees.

I smile at them. "Hey guys, feel free to make yourselves comfortable." I point at the couches and then ask, "So, who's getting something?"

Zayn says, "Not me today, but I'll be back."

Clove says, "I was thinking of getting a snake. Do you have red ink here?"

"We do, and you're in luck. I love doing snakes," I say.

Niall says, "M'thinkin it's going to be a last-minute decision on my end."

It doesn't surprise me that he has no idea what he wants. He seems like a very impulsive and carefree person. Judging by the vast array of tattoos on his skin, I can tell he doesn't take them too seriously.

I nod. "We have some books if you want to look at any designs."

Pen appears from the back room, saying, "Or you can try my $100 mystery tattoo gamble if Kiz doesn't mind sharing."

I introduce all of them, and then Niall says, "What's that?"

Pen says, "The gumball machine is filled with random designs. For $100, you turn it, and you have to get the design whether you like it or not."

Niall's eyes light up, clearly excited about the idea. It's terrifying to me, I would never gamble with something that's permanently going to be on your body. But, I've never been a risk taker, and Niall clearly is.