Tattooed

VII

It has been five days since I last saw Wes but thankfully he hasn't been on my mind since then. Now with my curiosity quenched I could move on with my life and make some friends.

That's why when Corinth invited me to explore the city I gladly accepted. Creative stratum is suppose to be the entertainment capital but I've only traveled to work and my house since I've arrived. I didn't have much need to go anywhere since all necessities would appear with the tap of a button.

Corinth picked me up around noon. I got in her bright red car, no doubt her job allowed her to buy it. "Ready to rock and roll?" she asked with a grin. She looked happier and more comfortable than when I met her. Clearly Creative suited her.

"Where are we going?"

She drove down the road. "I don't know. The brochure they gave us is in the glove box. I was thinking we just look at it and go wherever."

I open the glove box and unfold the brochure. My stomach rumbled and I scanned the restaurants.

"Artbox Cafe. Supposedly best cafe in Creative." I told her giving her the directions. She gave me another one of her grins and turned right.



The cafe was full of people chattering away. All around you was brass and paintings and brushstrokes. Corinth and I made our way to a barista to take our order.

"Hi welcome to the Artbox what would you like?" I searched for a menu and then looked helplessly at the lady in front of us. She smiled understanding. "Here at the Artbox you can order anything and everything you want."

Corinth brushed pass me. "Anything?" The barista nodded. "Ok how about a steaming warm cup of liquid gingerbread?" She asked with a Cunning smirk. Old habits die hard.

The barista turned around, punched a few buttons and a brown liquid poured out into a brass cup. Then she capped it and gave it to Corinth. Corinth raised an eyebrow and took a light sip.

"Oh my gosh this taste amazing!" She exclaimed surprised. "Like actual liquid gingerbread."

She handed the barista some money then stepped aside and gestured for me to order. I hesitated. What could you order when there was nothing to guide you? I was tempted to order what Corinth did but felt she wouldn't appreciate that.

"Um...I'll have..." I have a flashback of my mom drinking orange tea. It was her favorite. "Iced orange and rose tea."

I was unnecessarily red. Ordering something no one has probably ordered before, it was almost risky. The barista handed me my drink and I sipped it. It tasted so good. Like comfort.

Corinth and I sat down in the back on a black and white zigzag striped couch.

"Now I know why you're not Courageous." she laughed. I blushed. "Hey it's no big deal." I tried to laugh with her but it came out forced. Corinth was so comfortable with everything while I could barely order a drink without stuttering. As she held her drink I examined her tattoo on her hand. It was an array of vines over all her fingers. I've always wanted to ask people what was the story behind their tattoos but I was always too shy.



Corinth and I spent the whole day at the cafe, talking and ordering more crazy drinks. I was glad I got to know her more. It was nice having a friend who was so different than you. Soon it was time to go and she drove me back home saying we had to go out again sometime.

That night I went to sleep content. It didn't feel as lonely eating dinner and going to bed in a quiet house. I could get use to this, hanging out with friends then relaxing at home. It could take tons of weekends just to explore the whole city. I was smiling now in my bed. The possibilities of future plans were exciting and for once I was eager. It took some time for me to quiet my mind but soon I was lulled to sleep.


Until I was awoken by an urgent pounding on my door.