Head First ▶️

Chapter 4

   Playing it safe in life is not without consequences, but somehow, we’re led to believe that the easiest ways out have the least drawbacks.

    That might be true, but what I learned the moment I walked out that tattoo shop led me to realize otherwise.

    I’ve spent most of my years afraid of change, terrified of the things I don’t recognize or haven’t trained myself to handle. It felt like walking across the highway blindfolded or jumping off somewhere without knowing if there’s something down below to catch me. I was scared to discover and live life as each day came. I took comfort knowing how things would end or having a plan on what they could be.

I still get that feeling of fear every once in a while but surprisingly, I feel much better having the freedom to do things slowly and patiently, not fixated on what they should be but what I want them to be.

And that’s made all the difference.

    A few days after I sent Tanya my life-changing email, I got flown to different states, covering events that not in a million years I’d thought I’d witness. But being the changed person I was slowly becoming, I put my big girl pants on and explored life, one article at a time. That was over six months ago.
   
    I fumbled my bag for a pen, silently chastising myself for only grabbing one on my way out. If I miss a detail on this interview because I can’t find my pen, I’d probably lose my mind slowly. I felt Jessie sit beside me as I successfully felt the slim piece of plastic stuck on my water bottle. She took out her phone, browsing for the voice recorder and placed it on the table.

    “Isn’t it weird to be writing a community piece again? I mean I thought that was long way gone your wheelhouse,” Jessie asked.

    I smiled, knowing how unusual our joint-assignment seemed. The day my contract was about to be drawn, I asked Tanya for a few changes. One of them was to allow me to contribute stories for our community section. It was, after all, my first home. It added a bit more to my workload but it was okay. For the years I’ve spent in the industry, writing the stories has become more like a hobby than a job.

    “I know. But this could be fun.” I offered. “You’d get a feel of what I used to do before I got into all those fashion and beauty stories.” Jessie nodded in agreement just before her phone rang.

    “No, it’s fine,” she shook her head, her ear still plastered on the phone. “We don’t mind waiting. And the cafe’s not that busy anyway. Okay. Drive safe.”

“Was that Mark?” I asked, sipping my coffee.

    “Yes. Apparently he was nervous about this interview that he locked the shop and completely forgot to tell his tattoo artists that he was going to be out for the day. So they were there out the shop, basking in the heat,” she explained.

“Yikes,” I commented. I never figured Mark to be nervous, and more so, forgetful. When I told him I wanted to do a character profile on him to feature at the community section, he stared at me like I’ve got loose screws. I explained how inspirational his story could be to other people and he caved. Well, it took a whole lot of negotiations, which eventually included me getting another tattoo, to convince him but it’s all good.

My phone beeped and I took it out of my pocket, smiling at the short text message.

I got Magic Stocking and The Christmas Note for later tonight, your pick. :) And I hoarded the Phish Food at Walmart. Where are you? - A

I couldn’t help but grin as I typed in.

Thankkkkk youuuuu! :* At Puffs and Beans waiting for Mark. You?

I hit send just as I felt Jessie peeking over my shoulder.

“Hey!” I exclaimed, taking the phone out her view.

    “Is that the mysterious boyfriend I’ve been hearing so much about but never seen?” Jessie inquired, her expression, questioning.

    I didn’t exactly mean to hide Adam from her. Their schedules just never match, Jessie has her events and interviews and Adam teaches in the community college most of the time.

    “Yes,” I answered. “And he exists if that’s what you’re getting into.” My eyes landed on a familiar figure outside the window. I squinted but couldn’t quite see properly until the person entered the cafe. I almost fell off my seat as I saw Adam walk toward us, sending Jessie gaping.

    “Hey,” he greeted, placing a soft kiss on my lips. “Hi. What—How are you here?” I look at his empty hands, wondering where he placed the movies and ice cream he texted me about.

“I dropped off the stuff at my place before I went here. I wanted to see how you’re doing. And I needed to pick up my work schedule for next week.”

Jessie cleared her throat soundly and I snapped out of my trance.

“Right,” I said uncomfortably. “Jessie, this is Adam. Adam, this is Jessie.”

    “Hi,” Jessie waved before moving to shake Adam’s hand. “I’m her friend that she probably never talks about. And you must be the boyfriend. I must say, glad to know you actually exist.”

    Adam let out a laugh as he shook her hand. “And you’re the famous Jessie. Sorry, my classes can be so long sometimes. It’s nice to finally meet you.” Adam looked back at me, pulling me into a hug. “I’ll see you later, ‘kay? Have fun.”

    I wound my arms around his waist and nodded. “Okay.” He kissed me quickly and sent one last wave to Jessie before he went back out. Jessie sent me a suspicious look before sitting back down.

“What?”

“I’ve never seen you all-smiles like this. You’re happy aren’t you?”

    I nodded with certainty because this time, I actually mean it. Sure it took a little push and pain from that tattoo pen to awaken me from my wrong life principles but it was worth it. And for every day that I see my tattoo, I’d remember that it’s not so bad to fly where life takes me. Or take little risks along the way.

“Yes. Most definitely. Yes.”

The End