Page 64 of The Tattoo Artist

“Like he hasn’t slept for the past week.” She responds, giving me a small smile before heading off to help others. “Don’t forget about the dance next week, raising money for the library.”

I glance down at the envelope.

My butterfly.

Written across it.

I’m sorry.

The words on the envelope pierced through my heart like a dagger. I clutched it tightly.

Throughout my entire shift, the only thing on my mind was what was in the envelope. It wasn’t a small secret, this was big.

I was the girl.

But what if he was lying?

What if this was just a way to manipulate me?

Finishing my shift, I headed off towards the art museum and go to the secret room in the back.

I settle down onto the bench and slowly slide out the envelope from my bag, contemplating if I should open it or not. With trembling fingers, I carefully tore open the envelope and push my hand in to take out the papers.

I slowly open the first one, and it was…my handwriting?

My Dearest Ares, happy birthday!

As I sit here with a pen in hand, my heart overflows with emotions that are difficult to put into words. But I will try my best to express the depth of my feelings for you.

From the very moment we met, there was an inexplicable connection between us. Your dark green eyes captured my soul, and your touch ignited a fire within me that I had never known before. Every day, I find myself drawn to you like a moth to a flame, unable to resist the pull of your presence.

You are the one who taught me what it truly means to love and be loved. With you, I feel safe and cherished, and I know that I can be my true self without fear of judgment. You have seen the parts of me that I keep hidden from the world, and yet, you still love me unconditionally.

In your arms, I have found solace and comfort during the darkest moments of my life. Your love has been a guiding light, leading me out of the shadows and into a world filled with hope and happiness. You have healed the broken pieces of my heart, and for that, I am eternally grateful.

I want you to know that you have my heart completely and unreservedly. I have fallen deeply and irrevocably in love with you.

Alexandra, your Angel.

I cover my mouth to stifle the sobs that threaten to escape my chest, my heart pounding loudly in my ears.

The emotions swirling inside me are too overwhelming to bear. I set the love letter aside, unable to look at it any longer, and unfold the next paper, revealing a breath-taking drawing of Ares. It’s as if his soul was captured on paper, every intricate detail of his features sketched with love and passion. I move on to the next item – a small photograph of Ares lying on my bed, holding onto my foot. It’s evident that I was the one who took this photo, as my leg is the only part visible.

I gently set the photo aside, and my trembling hands reveal another picture, this time of both of us standing next to a rustic cabin, our lips locked in a loving kiss. The happiness in our eyes is palpable, and it’s clear that we were lost in each other’s embrace in that moment.

As I move on to the next photo, my breath catches in my throat. It’s a candid shot of Ares gazing at me while I was absorbed in my drawing. His eyes are filled with such adoration and tenderness that it brings fresh tears to my eyes.

I had a whole life.

I bury myself in my hands, and release everything inside of me.

I had a whole life.

And my parents knew, Catherine knew and yet nobody told me.

I had a head injury a year ago, woke up in the hospital…it all makes sense.

I slowly slide out my phone from my pocket and dial his number.

---