worth the wait a.e

11.

Haley

Some of the vlog squad were exploring Los Angeles, strolling around and admiring its beauty. Scotty brought up the fact that Haley doesn't have a tattoo. And basically everyone in the vlog squad has a tattoo, whether it was minimal like Corinna or big like Scotty.

"I've never really thought of what tattoo I want though," Haley defended.

"Don't worry, we'll choose for you," Scotty said.

"No way, my first tattoo is not being decided by you guys, no offence."

Haley tried thinking of some tattoo ideas because she knew that once the squad was set on something, they never turn back. She has always considered on the back of her mind a compass tattoo.

Haley was trembling when they entered the tattoo parlour. There was no going back now.

The tattoo artist brought them in and asked who was getting tattooed today.

"I am," Haley said.

"You know what you wanna get?" The kind tattoo parlour asked.

"Um," Haley thought for a minute, "yes can I just get a tattoo of a compass on my wrist."

The tattoo artist who Haley learned was named Parker started drawing references that Haley could choose from.

One in particular caught Haley's eye. It was perfect, simple yet artistic.

"I like that one too," Parker said.

Parker drew the reference on Haley's wrist. It was soon time to actually start inking.

Parker told Haley to brace herself and she did. She clenched her fist but when the needle came in contact with her skin, it wasn't too bad.

"Does it hurt?" Scotty asked.

"A little but I thought it'd hurt more," Haley admitted.

About an hour later the tattoo was finished and Haley was ready to leave. Parker wrapped sterile bandage around her wrist.

"Thank you so much."

Alex offered to pay and he wouldn't stand down so he paid for the hundred dollar tattoo.

Haley was relieved that it was over. It hurts more afterwards than during the tattoo session.

"How does it feel getting your first tattoo," Alex asked.

"It looks cool, I actually like it," Haley said.

"If you don't mind me asking, is there a meaning behind it?"

"I guess the compass represents as a reminder that wherever life takes me, I know I'm going the right way."

"That's deep," Scotty said.

➳

Alex, Scotty and Haley made their way to Liza and David's new house to show Haley's tattoo to the rest of the squad.

Haley revealed her tattoo to Liza, Corinna, Todd, Jason and Trisha.

"Oh my god it's actually not bad," Jason said.

"What did you think?" Haley asked.

"I thought Scotty and David was gonna make you get something stupid like, I don't know maybe the word 'penis' in your lip!" Jason yelled pulling his bottom lip down to reveal the tattoo David pranked him with when Corinna got Jason's name tattooed on her lip.

Everyone started laughing.

Today marks the first week of being twenty two and it feels great. She got her first tattoo, she had the best friends anyone could wish for. She had an amazing boyfriend. Does it get any better than this?

While the group still laughed at made jokes by Jason Nash, Haley's phone was ringing.

She got up and away from the group so she could talk on the phone.

"Haley, baby?"

It was Haley's mother. She hasn't called in a month so Haley was happy to hear from her.

"Hi mom, what's up?" Haley said.

"I have to tell you something very important. Can you talk?" Haley could hear concern in her mother's voice.

"Yes, I can. Mom what's wrong?"

"Your father lost his job. He can no longer pay for your tuition. I'm afraid you're gonna have to come back to Canada."

At that moment, Haley's heart dropped. If she couldn't finish her studies here then it would amount to nothing. She would also have to leave behind her friends and her boyfriend.

Haley had to fight back the tears. She would tell the squad when the time was right but for now, everyone was in too good of a mood.