Tattoo

Tattoo

Beth hated tattoos, at least that's what she had always claimed. Tattoos were for sailors, prisoners and prostitutes. I suppose her strong views were not a surprise after all her strict church upbringing had not left space for much in the way of tolerance or fun for that matter. So why how had she come to be sitting here now.

Beth looked around the small shop it wasn’t exactly as she had imagined it would be, had she in fact ever imagined or thought about how a tattoo shop might look, no probably not. I suppose if she had been asked to describe one it might have been along the lines or dirty, sleazy, dark, so far from the truth. This shop, however, was far from all of those things. The traditional Georgian frontage of the shop opened up into an opulent waiting area filled with deep pink and purple velvet sofas, a real dark wood floor clean and well polished. Dotted around the room were low occasional tables all heaving under the weight of quality leather bound photograph albums, all embossed with different names in gold. On one side of the door a wooden counter that wouldn’t have looked out of place in a Dickensian apothecary, small drawers filled with exotic unknown goodies. The walls covered in rich flocked wallpaper in vibrant, but rich purple. On the walls hung paintings like no others she had ever seen before, each seemed almost alive as if it would jump out of the frame. At the back of the room four doors as equally attractive as the rest of room, each painted a different shade of purple with a small gold plaque in the centre of the door.

“Wow this is more like a luxury spa than a tattoo shop,” She said out loud without realising. The voice that replied made her jump.

“Good morning Madam, we do pride ourselves on our differential service.” Turning Beth saw a young woman dressed in what she guessed was a uniform dress, almost like a Victorian nanny’s uniform in navy with white peter pan collar and cuffs. “At Tickled Ink We offer something special, how may  help you?”

Beth opened her mouth, but nothing came out, god why did this always happen to her. The young woman had walked from behind the counter and was at Beth's side now, Reaching out she placed a hand near Beth's back.

“Maybe a drink would help you feel at home, can I get you Tea or a Coffee” he guided Beth to one of the plush sofas. Beth sank into it allowing the sofa to embrace her. Looking up at the girl she studied her small round face edged perfectly with a neat brown bob.

“Yes please, Thank you, a cup of tea would be lovely.” The young assistant disappeared, though Beth couldn’t be sure how or where. Reaching into her bag, she pulled out her mobile phone, checked it quickly before turning it off and tossing it back into the bag. When she looked up, the assistant was back, gold tray in hand. Beth could feel the nerves draining from her, though she did still wonder why she was here.

“Milk and Sugar?”

Beth realised the assistant as now sat next to her, and was busying herself with pouring the tea.

“Just milk, Thank you.”

The assistant smiled, she lifted the lid of the pot peeking inside before replacing t and gently turning the pot.

“I’m guessing it's your first time here or any other body art shop.” Beth had lost the power of speech again and just nodded. “There is no need to be nervous; we are very friendly here.”

Hushed voices from behind one of the doors made them both look up.

“Oh, it's beautiful, amazing. I don’t know what to say, thank you.” said the mystery female voice. Beth glanced at the assistant who was smiling serenely; she had poured the tea and was now sat with a clipboard on her lap.

“Did you have an artist in mind or a particular piece of work, we have many examples of our incredible artist's handiwork. They all specialise in slightly different themes, anything from traditional to modern we can also do medical tattoos.”

Beth took a deep breath, what could she say, this wasn’t easy. Had she expected it to be easy, she didn’t know, to be honest, she hadn’t thought about the detail, just about the deed itself. Those thoughts had filled her head continuously day and night. But now here in the spotlight, it was all different.

“No I have no idea, sorry this is all so new to me.”  She wrung her hands together was this a mistake maybe she should leave. “Well I have some ideas, but nothing firm.” She took the cup from the assistant. “Thank you.”

“That’s fine, why don’t you have a look through some of the albums, take some inspiration, I am happy to answer any questions you may have.” She smiled at Beth, wondering what her story was, why was she here.

Beth poured over the solid leather albums all filled with exquisite artwork, butterflies, flowers and more. So many lovely designs, Beth found herself imagining dragons climbing her back, roses curling around her arm. What was happening she had never liked tattoo’s, but when she had never actually looked at them, only seen old faded ones or dodgy homemade ones, but these were different so different. Some of these were so vivid, so bright she had no idea if they were even real, some looked 3D as if they were carved wood or standing proud of the skin. So beautiful were some designs that Beth almost forgot where she was, and why she was here.

Time passed, Beth had no idea how much time, but she guessed it was a good hour. Her tea had been periodically discreetly refilled. Other ladies had come and gone, each leaving with a glamorous little gift bag, containing what she had no idea.

That's it, that's perfect, a gentle, petite floral border, almost 3D to look at, all surrounding a name.

Looking up she caught the assistants eye, within seconds she was seated beside Beth clipboard in hand.

“Oh yes a lovely design, I have something similar” she pulled up her sleeve to reveal a small tattoo, tiny buds surrounding the name Rebecca. “My daughter, we lost her last year.” Beth could see the tears gathering in the corner of the young woman, despite not knowing her she could feel her sorrow, reaching out she took her hand.

“Oh I am sorry, that is so beautiful, a lovely way to keep her with you forever.” Their eyes meet, sharing a moment of grieve. Yes, Beth could understand those feelings, not that she had lost a baby, but she could identify with a loss.

“We don’t generally recommend names, especially lovers, boyfriends, husbands, etc.” She paused. “You know just in case; removal is pretty unpleasant and painful.” Beth nodded her tattoo would never need to be removed.

“That's fine, it's not a problem, this will be with me for life.”

“So if we could just complete this short questionnaire, then we can get your design drawn up and you booked in.” She smiled, her composure now restored. Rattling through the health questions they soon reached the end of the form, the mood lightening again. “Now what did you want inside the flowers.” Beth took a deep breath; this was so hard.

“Do Not Resuscitate”