Before we get too far into the story please note that Mali is pronounced like Molly, not Mah-lee.
• MALI JAY'S POV •
When Harry stumbled out with his arm slung over Zayn's shoulder, I let out a sigh of relief. Not because Harry was too much for me to handle, but because Zayn was too much for my hormones to handle.
I decided to work off my flustered feelings with a run. The shop didn't have to be open until later in the day and I had nothing better to do. What person doesn't love the feeling of their lungs closing, and sweat running down their back.
I changed into some clothes suited for exercise and tied my running shoes. Dreading my impending date with the hot LA sun, I decided to take Toad with me to lighten the mood.
I called my beast of a dog to the front door where I clipped on his leash and practically dragged him out the door.
Saying the sun was hot would be an understatement. I could fry an egg on the sidewalk if I wanted to. Days like these reminded me of being on that dreaded farm when I was younger, picking grapes during harvest season.
I tugged at Toad's leash to signal to him to start running and we were off.
My feet pounded on the concrete, pain started to burn my calves erasing all thoughts of Malik and grape fields. It had been awhile since I had the time to run and although I needed it, I didn't miss it.
I ran down to Santa Monica and stopped to sit in the sand for awhile. Toad laid down next to me panting. I watched people walk by in their swimsuits; I was aware to the fact that they were shying away from a sweaty girl covered in tattoos laying with her pitbull.
It has always been obvious to me that I scare people. Art has a history of making people fear the unknown. Just look at the ballet Rite of Spring, when it first came out people were scared of its new style and sound. So people lashed out in an attempt to stop it from being performed. People don't see my skin the same way I do, but that's okay we are allowed to have our opinions, it's what makes us human. I just hope that if they got to know the real me, they would like me regardless of the art on my skin.
•••
Toad and I decided to walk back to the shop. The day was too hot, and my legs were too sore. I grabbed the mail that was waiting for me by the front door. Air conditioning greeted me like an old friend as I walked up the stairs to change.
I set the mail down on the kitchen island, and changed into a plain t-shirt and ripped jeans. I sorted through the mail on the counter, shoving all the bills over to the side.
I picked up a envelope, that at first glance looked like spam mail, but at closer read I almost fell off the barstool:
Dear M.J. Barrett,
We have been watching your work for quite some time now, and would be thrilled if you wanted to be on the cover of our next issue. We think you'd be the perfect role model for woman in the tattooing business, and want to share your company with all our readers. Please contact us for further information at this email: InkedMagazineInquires@fakeemail.com.
Hope to hear from you soon!
Sincerly,
Alex Hall, Inked Magazine editor-in-chief.
I sqeauled so loudly that Kat and Toad came to see if I was okay. With shaky hands I picked up my phone to text Harry:
To Harry: GUESS WHO'S GOING TO BE ON THE COVER OF INKED MAGAZINE NEXT MONTH!!!!
From Harry: Kat Von D?
To Harry: I hate you for ruining the moment.
From Harry: Just kidding babe, a celebration is in order, yeah?
To Harry: Drinks tonight? Like the good old days when I'd sneak you into bars?
From Harry: Sounds lovely.
•••
AN
1. this is a ZAYN fanfic, harry is not romantically involved.
2. this chapter was a pain in the ass to write, you have no idea
3. i don't know what to say here, but I felt like 3 reasons were needed.
Toad's a pitbull and Kat is a cat. Mali is a human.
love
MA
YOU ARE READING
Cadaver // Z.M. FanFiction
FanficThe only sound in the room was the buzzing from the tattoo gun. The silence was death; she was the Grim Reaper, and he was the cadaver.
