So the Story Goes...

Chapter 4

"I knew right from the start, you put an arrow through my heart..."

I turn the stereo down as we pull into Feel Good Ink's parking lot, and it's not even a minute before Justin's car pulls in behind us. I have to say, i'm impressed; I kind of thought I left him in the dust there for awhile. As Megan and I get out of the car, I notice a familiar car in the parking lot.

"You bitch!" I squeal and bolt to the front door of the building.

"Eric, you sneaky motherfucker, get your ass out here!" I scream as I barge into the shop. He comes out from around a corner with a huge smile on his face, and I race into his arms. He's tall, has my eyes, and his hair a few shades darker than mine. We're basically carbon copies of each other; granted he's devastatingly handsome. I also may be a tad biased, I know. Eric is my older brother by two years, and my absolute favorite person on Earth. He was my rock during our chaotic childhood and the sole reason I'm alive today. We made a pact when we were kids: as long as one of us was alive, the other had to be. Sticking by that rule has gotten me through the darkest parts of my life, and to where I am today.

"I thought you weren't going to be back for a few days!" I jokingly punch him in the arm, then relax into his shoulder, leaning into his side and forcing most of my weight on him.

"I didn't realize you were my keeper, Mands, shall I send a carrier pigeon next time?" He says and I smack him again for good measure.

The door chimes and I hear a throat clear, so I turn around-- still in my brother's arms. I'm glad I did, because the look on Justin's face begs for laughter. He looks like someone pooped in his Easter basket. His lips have this sad puppy look that makes me want to give him a hug, but on the plus side, though, the crinkle on his forehead is adorable. He's jealous. Time to play it up.

I feign ignorance as I introduce the two. "Oh, Eric, this is..." I try to appear at a loss for words as I look up to my brother, silently begging him to play along. He rolls his eyes, tired of my shenanigans. Megan, well, she's about five seconds short of laughing her ass off as she makes her way to her station.

"Justin Andrews. Sorry, I didn't get to make a proper introduction back at the gym." He says directly to me, but reaches out and shakes my brother's hand. I merely nod like a mute in response.

"Eric Turner. Nice to meet you, I see you've met my Mandy." I elbow him in the stomach, "Excuse me, Amanda," I can just feel him roll his eyes, "and one of my top artists, Megan. Anyway, welcome to my shop. I'll let Mandy show you around while I go check up on some stuff in my office." And with that, he releases me and walks away. So much for playing along.

I look around the room; where to begin? The walls are splattered with copious amounts of bright paint, intermingled with sketches and drawings Feel Good's artists have contributed over the years along with some of my own atrocities Eric refuses to cover up. I'm no artist, and yet I continue to try. The layout of the building allows for four stations in the front and two private rooms in the back, with Eric's office hidden in the back. Every station is equipped with the latest and greatest equipment to go along with the ultra-modern furnishings. It's a very mixed look, but gives off the perfect vibe.

The shop, as a whole, is a melting pot of everyone's talents, interests, and passions. Tyler, who I never see much of, has his own station near the front, with surrounding walls of poetry, lyrics and quotes. It's fitting as his specialty is drawing script. Megan's station takes up the back was considering she has her own station and private room for piercings, her area is covered intricate patterns and designs, as well as sketches of animals. She does detail work like nobody's business. Eric does anything, and everything in between. Portraits, script, logos; you name it, he does it. I swear he soaked up all the talent in the family and stuck me with the nerdy love of numbers. Which is why I have to come in every once in awhile and help him with his books. So I've got that going for me.