Page 22 of Mommy Calls Me Princess

Blink. Blink.

“Are we getting tattoos, Mommy?” I didn’t have any, wasn’t sure I wanted any, but if mommy wanted one then maybe I did too. Though I wasn’t one for pain…unless it came in the form of spankings with happy tickle endings.

“Mommy is, Princess.” We stepped inside and the girl behind the counter greeted us. She sure did have a lot of piercings, but they were kinda cool. I was only ever brave enough to get my ears pierced—once.

“Welcome, ladies. How can we help you?”

Mommy handed her the kissy paper. “I’d like to see about getting this tattooed over my heart.”

Wait, what?

Mommy squeezed my hand. Had I said that out loud? Oops.

“Let me see if one of the artists are available.”

As soon as she was out of earshot had to make sure I heard right. “You’re putting my kiss over your heart?” My eyes filled with tears. Mommy loved me enough to have me inked on her skin for like, forever.

“Yes, my love, I am. Placing you over the part of my body you and you alone have full control of.”

And then the stupid tears fell…

But mommy brushed them away and kissed me. “Happy tears, Princess?”

“The happiest, Mommy. But um, isn’t that gonna hurt?” Maybe mommy liked the pain? She liked to give it to people that were happy to receive it so maybe she did too. But then I realized that Mommy didn’t have any other tattoos.

“It will but I’m sure it’ll be worth it in the end. After this we’ll get dinner.”

We slept in so late our breakfast ended up being lunch. I was so comfy in the big fluffy bed with mommy’s arms wrapped around me. It was like the warmest, safest, softest blankie ever and I slept like a baby.

“Ladies.” A woman covered in colorful tattoos walked up holding mommy’s paper. “I’m Zia, nice to meet you both.”

“I’m Vivienne and this is my partner, Darcy.” Mommy wasn’t embarrassed of our lifestyle, but she always said, “know your audience,” and I had a feeling this was one of those times where less shared and keeping PDA to a minimum was best because this wasn’t our normal audience.

“I’m between appointments and this one won’t take long. Give me a few minutes to draw it up. Have a seat and I’ll be right back.”

Mommy grinned and winked at me and a giggle escaped. “Check out all the art on the wall.” Her suggestion was one way to keep us both quiet.

“Some of these are seriously cool.” Maybe someday a little ladybug above my ankle would be cute. We’d just sat down and started thumbing through the three-ring binders of more art on the table when Zia came back.

“How’s this?” She had Mommy check out the mockup.

“Perfect.”

“Alright, if you’re ready then follow me.” We followed her back to her station and watched as she sanitized and got the colors set up. “You came prepared dressed in a swimsuit.” Mommy just had to slide one strap out of the way, then Zia wiped her down with antiseptic and put the transfer in place, then held up a mirror to it for Mommy to see. “Is that where you want it?”

“Exactly.”

Zia got to work, and I held mommy’s hand, my eyes glued to her chest. It was pretty cool watching my lips come to life on her skin. Each time it hurt, mommy squeezed my hand tight but never once complained. She was a trooper and the whole thing only took about forty-five minutes.

“All done.” Zia went over the care instructions with her and handed her a paper with the same thing on it. She wiped Mommy’s tattoo down then put a clear bandage over it. Mommy paid her and gave her a big tip, then we went to eat.

“That is so cool, Mommy!” It was beyond awesome.

“It didn’t tickle. That’s for sure but it’s worth it to have a piece of my baby with me. Always.” Mommy hugged me tightly and kissed me. Right there on the sidewalk in front of everyone. Between the tattoo and the tender moment, I was a happy girl.

Could my life really be this easy after all the years of fighting just to stay alive?

Happiness was a scary emotion when you weren’t used to feeling it.

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