Lost in the Shadows

2

He is so unique looking, almost as a walking masterpiece with artwork inked all over his body.

"So do you like it?" He asked kind of annoyed. In his defense I could understand why, it was 12 in the morning and the tattoo Jessica wants isn't exactly original or creative- it's one of those arrow finger tattoos.

Jessica nodded as she grinned obviously overly excited about the simple thing. I decided to just sit down on the leather couch and observe the room as Wes got his ink and and supplies ready.

I noticed how freaky the place actually was, I look over to right and there's a rubber hand in a jar, look to my left and a woman mannequin head in the corner, look up and I notice the paint on the walls doesn't even reach the ceiling.

"Dani, don't you think this is going to be so cute, I'm so excited," Jessica screeched while her words scrambled together. She was obviously a little tipsy, I think anyone could see that. I'm usually the sober one, Jess is the fun one- who also ends up needing a baby sitter. However, she's not too intoxicated tonight, she can think straight and she'll remember everything in the morning, she's just loud and giddy right now.

Wes looked up to me, "she won't regret this will she?" He snickered.

"Well I guess we'll find out tomorrow, huh?" I told him examining the leather sofa I was sitting on. It looked worn and old, I wondered how many people must visit him in a day. His artwork is mesmerizing and I can tell he's talented, so I'm sure he gets swamped on the weekends with eager customers.

As he started tattooing with black ink I couldn't help but watch his curly hair bounce up and down. It had a mind of its own, dancing along to the loud music that played in the room. It was amusing.

I then focused my attention on the song playing through the speakers, a song that I knew well and couldn't help but tap my fingers and hum along to. It wasn't like anyone would be able to hear anyway, it was blaring through the whole building. I think I even felt the floor shake a few times due to the vibrations.

"You listen to Linkin Park?" Wes asked as he finished up Jessica's arrow and handing her ointment.

I just shrugged and said, "sometimes." He nodded his head in approval. He didn't stop staring at me though, and his piercing eyes made me feel uneasy. "Yes?" I asked.

"Are you getting a tat?" He asked standing up from his stool to throw away his rubber gloves.

"Me? No. No thank you," I chuckled awkwardly.

"Why not?"

"I don't want one and plus I'm very indecisive," I laughed as jessica admired her tattoo by taking snap chats and videos of it. I hope she didn't send it to her mother, she's going to flip out if she finds out I let Jess get another tattoo.

"What if I promised to give you something I know you'd like?" He offered by lifting his eyebrows.

"You don't even know me, how would you know what I want?" I shot back.

"Come on, you probably want like a," he paused thinking about his next words, "a flower or Mickey Mouse."

"No." I rolled my eyes getting annoyed by his very obnoxious statement. Come on, I'm not that cliche. I've never even been to Disney world.

"Oh, so I was wrong?" Wes acted surprised but in a mocking way, grabbing his chest.

"Yes."

"Well let me get it right."

"And how would you do that?"

"I can get to know what you like if you let me take you out, then I'll get it right," he smirked obviously very proud of his terrible excuse of a pick up line.

"Nice try, bud," I snorted as I dragged Jessica downstairs. I had to give it to him though, he did try. But I feel like a date with him would be unbelievably awkward. However, I still couldn't stop myself to get one last look at the boy. When I turned around, his focus wasn't even on me anymore, He was texting on his phone.

We finally got to the lobby and that's when we were ambushed by the receptionist, "excuse me, you two forgot to sign this paperwork," she smiled handing us a pen. Which was very strange considering how she didn't even smile on our way in and now she's acting as though she has a degree in hospitality.

"But I didn't get a tattoo," I told her.

"It's just protocol, we like to have everything that goes on in this place documented," she grinned widely as we filled our names and phone numbers.

We walked out the door and instantly the wind hit us causing Jess and me both to shutter. "So was it worth it?" I asked her in regards of her tattoo.

"Yes! I love it! Now let's go home, I'm super tired!" She shouted, yet ended with a yawn.

We walked all the way back to our apartment and as I said goodnight to Jess I got a text from an unknown number.

Unknown: pick one- a date, or a tattoo.

Me: uh how'd you get this number?

Unknown: pick and I'll tell you

Me: neither

Unknown: no fun