Page 3 of Black Wave

“Well, we have only talked about this day for about four years now. It wasn’t hard to guess. Are you ready to get this done?”

“Definitely.”

I gather my sister’s hand in mine, and we walk into the tattoo studio, ready to ink our souls together.

“Hi, ladies. Just fill out this form on the screen and let me know if you have any questions. I’ll need your driver’s license too.” Lalo, the big biker who will tattoo us, disappears down the hall.

We are just about done signing the required documentation about informed consent that tells you what to expect afterward and the obvious that this is permanent, when Lalo returns, holding a sketch out to Evie.

“I know you showed me the Pinterest picture of the heart for you and your sister, but I modified it and made you something more original if you don’t mind looking at it.” Lalo hands Evie the sketch, and I move toward her to look at the results.

“Wow, this is beautiful,” we chime in unison. I grab the sketch from Evie’s grasp to study it further. The original twisted hearts theme is there, but it is in more detail, with our initials in the entwined hearts and our date of birth underneath. To say we like the sketch is an understatement.

Lalo claps his hands together. “Okay, ladies, who is going first? Follow me.”

Knowing I might chicken out, I volunteer to get mine first.

“Let’s print your aftercare instructions so you can take them home if you need to refer to proper hygiene.” Lalo places the clear bandage over Evie’s wrist and then leads us to the front of the studio to collect our paperwork. After settling our bill, we leave the studio feeling carefree, as all nineteen-year-old girls should.

We continue our walk downtown and I ask, “Evie, do you want to get any ice cream? I thought we could get some and exchange gifts at the park across the street?”

“I think that is a great idea. I want the usual mint chocolate chunk, please.” She walks off to secure a table for two as I am left to order our ice cream. I get my usual bubble gum flavor and place them on the table with napkins and spoons.

Evie takes a massive scoop of hers and groans. “This is orgasmic.”

I frown as this reminds me of Julian’s gift a while ago. Evie stops midway to her mouth, withholding the next ice cream orgasm, and looks at me before placing the scoop down. “What’s wrong, Emma? Is it the ice cream? I’d have that face, too, if I gotthatice cream.” She points at it as if its mere presence offends her. “The bubble gum in there is rock hard. You’re going to crack a tooth, babe.”

I look at her and attempt a weak laugh. Trying to change the subject, I reach into my bag and pull out her birthday present. I place it in front of her, and this time, my smile reaches my eyes. Seeing Evie happy, in turn, makes me happy. It heals my soul and rights everything wrong in my life right now. She picks up the gift and tugs at the strings holding the box. She removes the top and picks up another box in there.

“You are such a joker, Emma.” She undoes the other box and stops when she sees what’s inside. She looks at me, smiling withtears in her eyes. “I love it,” she says in a hushed voice. She picks up the ring and slides it on her finger. “It’s a perfect fit too.”

I had it made at a local jeweler. Dave’s castings provide quality work and create unique pieces for clients. He starts with the design, beginning with a wax mold. If you like it, then he will proceed with making the jewelry. Like our newly-inked tattoos, I had a twisted heart entwined together to remind us of our sisterly bond–and because she likes them so much.

Evie reaches into her bag, pulls out an envelope for me, and hands it over. “This is your gift, Emma.” She clasps her hands together on the table, waiting for my reaction.

I look at it quizzically and then at her. “What is it?”

“Just open it, Emma.” Evie shifts uncomfortably in her chair as she resumes eating her now liquid ice cream.

I pick up the envelope and pull out the sheet of paper. I read it aloud, “One month of Krav Maga classes?” This comes out as a question, and I stare at her for clarification.

Evie puts her ice cream aside and moves her hands up and down her pant legs, then places them in a contemplative gesture in front of her mouth.

“Emma, I am just going to come out and say it. I know that you are in an abusive relationship with Julian. I want you to be able to protect yourself. Remember, I know what it is like not to have control over oneself and feel vulnerable.”

I wince at the recollection of Evie’s trauma. It’s hard for my sister to remember when she was almost assaulted in an alleyway. If not for the help of a Good Samaritan, the outcome could have been a lot different.

“I was only able to move on from that with the help of my therapist and the power I took back when I was able to defend myself.”

I look at Evie, and I know this is our turning point. I have to tell her what has been happening with Julian and find a way torid myself of his restraining persona. Ineedto break up with him once and for all.

Evie looks at me, hoping that this will be the day I confide in her and tell her what she already knows. The problem is that she has no idea what I have been through. I shift uncomfortably in my seat and look away. I hear Evie sigh.

I straighten my back. When I look back at her, it is with a new determination. “Evie, I need to tell you something, and need help.”

CHAPTER 2

Emma

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