Page 68 of The Tattoo Artist

He leans forward.

And smiles.

“Without a fucking doubt.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

ALEXANDRA JONES

AFTER COFFE, I HEAD TO COLLEGE TO HAND IN MY PRESENTATION AFTER CHANGING IT ON THE BUS. Ares offered to take me, but we need to take everything slow…and he agreed. I still couldn’t believe I wasn’t a virgin, this entire time…I thought I was innocent and all, but it turns out to be the complete opposite. Everyone lied to me, Catherine- my parents. I’ll give Joey a pass because well, he’s Joey and you can’t be that mad at him. After the conversation Ares and I had, it’s opened up a lot of feelings. He knew me. He knew me before I even knew myself.

I slide out of the bus and walk down campus, pushing the hairs behind my ears as the wind blew it forward. I hold onto my sketchbook, excited to show Mrs Toffee everything I drew. I promised her I’d get it before Friday. And that’s exactly what I did.

I feel my phone vibrate as I enter the college and slide it out to see a message from Ares.

Ares (12:37pm): come to the tattoo place after

Alexandra (12:37pm): okay x

I look up and see Catherine leaning against my locker, our eyes lock, and she pushes herself up from the floor. The weight of her presence brings back a flood of emotions, but I try my best to remain composed. I turn around, trying to walk away, but she catches up with me and grabs onto my arm in attempt to slow me down.

I turn and push her back away from me, the fury in my eyes matching the intensity of my words. “Don’t fucking touch me,” I warn her, the once lively hallway now hushed in silence.

“I’m sorry,” she whispers, her voice barely audible amidst the quiet.

I shake my head at her, my anger simmering just beneath the surface. “Sorry? You’re sorry?” I scoff at her, my emotions threatening to overwhelm me. “Fuck you and your sorry. I don’t want to ever see you again, do you understand?”

Her eyes fill with tears, and she pleads with me. “Please, Alexandra...”

“You’re nothing but an insecure, thoughtless, and selfish person who only cares about themselves,” I continue, my voice steady but laced with pain. “And you’re a liar...how dare you keep that from me?”

“I wanted to tell you,” she stammers, her own pain evident in her eyes.

“No, you didn’t,” I retort, my heart aching with the betrayal. “You were jealous, and you only care about what involves you. Nothing else matters. And until you learn that the world does not revolve around you, don’t even think about coming to me to apologise. I will never, ever forgive you.”

“Please Alex, please let me just explain it all-.”

“And if you ever lay your hand on me again, I’ll break it,”

With that, I turn away from her and continue my way down to the art department. The tears are now streaming down my cheeks, but a part of me feels a sense of relief. I’ve finally spoken my truth and stood up for myself, but why did it feel so wrong? Why did it all feel so wrong? I slowly turn my head around and see her crying into someone’s chest.

Now I felt all the guilt.

As I step into the art room, Mrs. Toffee looks up from her desk with a warm smile. “Well, you’re back,” she chuckles, taking the sketchbook and presentation from my hands.

“Thank you,” I say with a small smile.

“Is everything alright, love?” She asks, her caring eyes studying me.

I nod, trying my best to hide the emotions swirling inside me. “Everything is fine. Just dealing with some personal stuff, but I’ll be okay.”

She places a reassuring hand on my shoulder. “You know, you can always talk to me if you need someone to listen. Sometimes sharing your thoughts can lighten the burden.” I distracted myself by counting how many paintbrushes were stuck in her bun, all so that I wouldn’t cry nor feel upset.

“I appreciate that, Mrs. Toffee,” I reply, genuinely touched by her offer. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

With a nod, I turn to leave the art room, making my way out of the college. As I step outside, I’m surprised to see Ares leaning against his car with arms folded. He looks up and our eyes meet. There’s a mixture of emotions in his gaze, but he remains stoic. I raise a brow, looking around to see some girls staring at him. Ignoring their glances, I walk towards him.

“What are you doing here? I was going to come to you,” I say as I reach him.

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