Summer Escapade

Chapter 11. The Tattoo

Chapter 11. The Tattoo

"Are you sure you don't want to jump in the pool?" Mel asked Jaz who was currently busy with her phone on the rattan chair.

After we had our breakfast, Phil went to try the scuba diving while Jaz and I ended up here in the pool. Jaz can't try the scuba diving since she still felt tenderness on her shoulder and she's scared to swim while I myself didn't really feel trying it. Maybe later when Jaz is with Phil.

Jaz paused to look at us. Mel was beside me waiting expectantly for her answer. "No, thank you. I'm fine." Give it to Jaz and her mood swings.

Mel shrugged and we decided to leave her alone. We played on the pool running amidst the water and swimming. Finally we got tired and decided to rest on the pool side just in front of Jaz.

"So Raph, who is Jaz?" she asked which made me tensed. I didn't recall ever telling her about Jaz. I must've openly shown how confused I was because she added, "That one tattooed on your back. Is she your girlfriend?"

Oh. I mentally sighed of relief. I looked at Jaz who again paused from what she's doing and was now looking at me waiting for what I will say. She gave me her "What-The-Hell" look and I chuckled because of the situation. I quickly returned my glance back to Mel who was patiently waiting for my answer.

"Jaz is my ex-girlfriend..." I paused dramatically. I sensed from my peripheral side of view that Jaz's mouth fell agape. I wanted to burst out laughing.

"Oh..." Mel smiled, relieved. "You must have really loved her back then to have her name tattooed in your body."

"I guess..." I said remembering that time I got the tattoo. We were still in high school, the guys of the Gang were having fun in one of the bleachers of the school. This chic from the third year class passed by and Jake declared he can make her his girlfriend by the end of the day. I booed that time because I didn't really believe that. So he glared at me and struck a dare. Being a guy, it will hurt my ego if I decline. You see, the gang was very fond of dares. Either to pass time, to do something or just a habit. Striking a dare meant fun and who would refuse fun? And so that was it. The one loses the dare will have to get a tattoo. I saw it as a very harmless consequence and so I agreed.

Eventually Jake went to every extent just to make her his and at the end of the classes, I saw them holding hands together. Yeah, that's how hard life for me was back then. So that night, leaving me with no choice, they dragged me to this tattoo shop. Jake got to choose what design the artist will put on my back. I was clueless. I didn't have any idea it was her name they'd tattoo on it. I only learned about it when it was done and too late.

"So what does she look like?" Mel asked bringing me back to the present.

I pretended to think. "Hmm...why don't you ask Rosy? They're bestfriends." I looked at Jaz for effect and she was still stunned at how the conversation was going on. She mouthed 'Seriously?" at me and shook her head in disbelief.

"For real?" Mel.

I nodded my head mentally congratulating myself for a job well done on pissing Jaz.
"I wonder what happened," Mel pondered out loud. "Did a third party happen?" she pried more. Will she ever let it go?

Hm, what do I say? "Nah, that girl had always loved me and I had been loyal to her. It's just that I realize she's not-" the girl you want to play with, I was about to say but Jaz had to finally cut in.

"Worth spending time with? It's my bestfriend you're talking about, jerk," she declared. She set her phone down and prepared to defend herself. Oh and here she goes.