Page 82 of The Tattoo Artist

The cupboard door suddenly opens, and Ares slides out swiftly-rubbing onto the back of his neck in pain. He shakes his head at me, leans against the wall and folds his arms. I take a quick look in Auntie Coraline’s directions, and she smirks towards Ares. I’m caught between them, feeling like I’m in the middle of some secret conspiracy.

“This—please don’t tell Mom,” I plead, feeling a mix of relief and anxiety. “He just came to say hi, nothing bad-”

“You’re lucky it’s him, otherwise I would have,” Ares chuckles, adding to the mysteriousness of the situation. “Now, your parents are out of town for a job thingy, their excuse to have sex, and I’m in charge for the week. So, no hiding, no sneaking—ahh, I’m only joking. Do whatever the heck you want. Consider it a week off from being a determined Catholic.”

I’m still trying to process everything she’s saying, feeling a bit overwhelmed that she caught me with a boy in my closet. Why isn’t she upset that I lied to her?

“So... you’re not telling mum?” I ask, still not entirely sure if I can trust her word.

“No, Alexandra, I’m not,” Aunt Coraline replies with a smile that seems to hold a hint of mischief. “I knew you wouldn’t give up on her,” she adds, looking at Ares. “You tall son of a handsome bitch,” she playfully remarks, making Ares chuckle.

I’m left feeling both puzzled and relieved, trying to understand the dynamic between my Aunt and Ares. It’s clear that they share some kind of secret camaraderie, but for now, I’m just grateful that she’s not going to spill the beans to my parents.

Aunt Coraline exits the room, and I shoot a glare at Ares.

“What?”

“Why are you best friends with my Auntie?” He wraps his arms around my waist and pulls me against him, “I keep forgetting you guys knew each other before.” I realise, he presses his lips against mine.

I push away.

“And earlier?” I ask.

The cabin.

“What do you think?”

His hesitation was evident as he said, “I don’t know, Alexandra... I haven’t been there since you...you know…”

Since I forgot about him.

I know.

And it must be a lot to ask from him, because at the same time I do want to go and explore my life before. I do want to know why I loved this cabin. We made a deal; he would help me try get my memories back-and his words: ‘without a fucking doubt.’

But clearly there is doubt, and it was in his eyes.

“I mean, if you don’t want to go then its fine.” I speak.

“I don’t mind, let’s go.” He changes his attitude to the situation.

A smile lights up my face, and I quickly rush to grab my coat and shoes.

“We can go down the stairs now. My parents are gone, and clearly, Aunt Coraline loves you.” We head down the stairs.

I reach the door and I notice Auntie Coraline sipping a glass of wine and sitting on my dad’s favourite recliner seat, she turns to face me as if she had sensed my presence.

“Where are you going?” She asks.

“I’m going out with Ares, is that okay?”

“You’re twenty years old, Alex, I’m sure it is,” she replies with a reassuring smile. With her approval, I headed outside to where Ares was waiting by the car. I close the door behind me and settled into the passenger seat beside him.

“It’s a bit of a drive.” He warns me.

“So... what’s the deal with this cabin, anyway?” I speak, unable to contain my curiosity.

Ares glanced at me briefly, a hint of nostalgia in his eyes. “It was for you, actually. I built it for you.”

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