Ink

When I was a teenager my favorite colors were black, dark black, and neon black. My usual outfit was, a band tee (black), skinny jeans (black) and my big, clunky, Osiris shoes (black). Half my head was shaved and the other half dyed red. I could always be seen covered in sharpie tattoos and piercings that my parents made me take out when they found out. I was engaged by the age of 15 and my after school- and who am I kidding, during school -activities included, stickin' it to the man, drinking, and making out with my girlfriend. I thought when I was 27 I was going to have sleeves, a monroe piercing, and be a tattoo artist and give people piercings.

Well, now I'm 27. I grew out the hair that I shaved off and dyed it blonde. I work in a dentist office. I'm not married, I stopped smoking weed, I'm not a lesbian, and my favorite color is light blue. Instead of "sticking it to the man", I like to decorate my office space according to the time of year. I would never have the guts to tell my asshole of a boss to shove it up his ass like when I was 16. I haven't had a drink in 4 years and I don't even recognize the rebellious teenager in the pictures. I've changed.

It feels like any other day as I walk into Henderson Dental, where I'm the not-so-prestegious receptionist. Sure it's not the most exciting job in the world, but I make enough to get by. Of course I'm not a millionaire, but you get the picture. As I walk in wearing my usual pencil skirt and pink blouse, I see Dr. Henderson who sees me and then proceeds to smack my ass; our standard morning greeting. Yes, he is married with two kids and another on the way. No, we do not have a sexual relationship. Yes, he is a huge dick.

I sit in my usual seat. Yep. This day is going to be particulary average. The phone rings.

"Henderson Dental," I announce in my terribly fake "Sweet Voice", "What can we do to make your smile brighter?"

"Candace?" My mother's cry hit my ear.

"Mom, I'm sort of at-"

"Your father and I are getting a divorce."