Page 22 of Watercolor Skulls

He shakes his head and leads the way.

After a brief tutorial on how to use the darn things I’m on my way back home. I look at the bag of wooden skulls I bought. I saw them yesterday and they reminded me of Jesse’s club. Today I thought of a way to use them.

My front yard becomes my work area. I want to be outside. The tattoo still stings on my hip and my mind wanders to the big man who put it there. My stomach does a little flip as I drill each fist sized wooden skull, placing one on top of the other until they are the length of a coffee table leg.

I grab the old window I brought in the house yesterday. This one is made up of six small panes. It’s my favorite. I measure it and then I grab the smooth cherry wood I bought and cut it down to make a small box that I’ll place the window on.

My mind puts it all together like a jigsaw puzzle. I’ve never used any of these tools, but everything comes to me naturally. It’s almost spooky but I go with it. I’m having so much fun as the sun slides across the sky. The wind and birds are my only source of music today and that is okay.

After I’m finished building my shadow box coffee table I run inside to get my paints. I tape over the glass, so I don’t get any paint on it. Then with Dan heavily on my mind I begin to splash over the wood, splattering all different colors with no rhyme or reason. A beautiful, colorful mess.

I stand back and admire my creation.

I’ll let it dry overnight and give it a clear coat tomorrow. Then all I need to do is install the hinges and clasp. As I’m cleaning up the rumble of an engine steadily grows near. A motorcycle pulls up with two riders. When they pull their helmets off I see it’s Jesse and Dirk.

Jesse waves a bag in the air. “You like burgers?”

My stomach grumbles as the smell of greasy fries wafts my way. I forgot I haven’t eaten anything but a yogurt cup today. My stomach was so nervous before my tattoo that I didn’t eat lunch. I nod and smile.

“Great.” She sits on the step and pats the spot beside her, so I sit down next to her. She hands me a burger and my stomach growls loudly. I place my hand over it, slightly embarrassed. Jesse laughs. “I was worried you might be a vegetarian.”

My eyes follow Dirk as he circles my coffee table. “No, I’m not a vegetarian. My parents tried to make me one but…” I let my words trail off.

Dirk squats down, inspecting my handiwork. “Did you do this?” he asks.

Jesse turns just now noticing what has her husband’s attention.

She jumps off the step to join him. “Lily, this is so cool.”

I take a bite of my burger, remaining silent.

Dirk picks up the hardware that will attach the window to the top of the table. “It’s going to open?”

“Yeah, like a shadow box.”

He nods and then grins. “We’re rubbing off on you.” He points to the skulls. The satisfaction on his face makes me blush.

“My new tattoo inspired me.”

Jesse straightens, turning to me. “Oh, that’s why we are here. I wanted to apologize; I didn’t mean to ditch you today.”

“It’s okay. Billie Rose needed you.” I shove a fry in my mouth, savoring the taste of salt on my tongue.

“Well let’s see it,” Jesse says. “Dan was supposed to send me a picture, but he never did.”

I set my fries back in the bag, brush the salt off my fingers and pop the button on my jeans before I realize what I’m doing.

My eyes slowly rise to Dirk and Jesse. They both stand there, staring at me. Jesse rolls her hands, encouraging me to continue.

“Um, it’s on my hip.”

She spins me around, pushing me into the house. Dirk follows us in. “I don’t think the birds would have minded but if this makes you feel better.”

My eyes flit from Dirk back to her. They are patiently waiting. She is a tattoo artist, so I guess showing a little skin doesn’t bother her. I shimmy out of my jeans and turn so they can see Dan’s work of art.

Jesse drops to her knees by my side, her hands gripping my thighs. Oh.Oh.I’m not used to all this attention. My gaze crashes with Dirks. He smirks, his tongue teasing the ring in his lip. My eyes drop to Jesse. She is studying Dan’s work intently.

“Wow, just wow. I’ve never seen Dan do anything like this. The lines are so fine. Jesus, it’s beautiful.”

---