Bzzzzzzzz.
I flinch before it reaches my skin.
He retreats. I shake my head.
“I’m okay,” I whisper.
His laughter hardens my resolve.
“You’ll get used to it,” he promises.
It burns with defiance. My skin drinks it in.
He was right.
-
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Arden Ruth 
Oh, I liked this…
Thanks Kir! The ultimate question brought back some awesomely painful memories this week 🙂
Well described 🙂 !
Thank you! 🙂
This is great, Arden! But where is the picture of this first tat? I wanna see!
Thanks Stacie! I’ll admit that it is the tribal tramp stamp that I got (though 11 years later, I still like it! Haha). My next two were thought through a little more. I’ve been itching for more lately too 🙂
Tribal tramp stamp, huh?
Oh yeah… 18 years old. Freshman year in college. Spring break 2004. It was meant to be.
Tattoos have always fascinated me but I’ve refrained. This is a reminder that I’m happy to admire them from afar.
🙂 haha exactly!
Oh, nicely done! I’m still flinching over here, though…
Haha! Thanks!
This can be said about a lot of things.
That’s true 🙂 Thanks for reading!
I have a high pain tolerance but I’ve always worried about it. I almost got one last summer to commemorate an event. Sometimes I wish I would have. Love that you embrace you’re “tramp stamp” and still like it!!!
Hah! Thanks! I’m not going to lie. It wasn’t pleasant. The one on my wrist was the worst. My back actually hurt the least. Just start small if you do. 🙂
I like that he retreated when you flinched. Nice moment.
Thanks Marcy!
Well-described..I’m terrified of getting inked, though!
Thank you! As much as I hate needles, I’m surprised it doesn’t terrify me too!
I have never had the desire to get a tattoo or felt the need, partly because I am just plain chicken and partly because it is permanent! LOL I find the idea terrifying! Loved this though. Well done! ♥
Thanks! I love them for some reason. If I didn’t work in a professional environment, I’d probably have a ton more!
Oh love it! I have a few I got around the same age as well. I’ve been wanting to get them retouched/updated/whatever, but I’m too scared these days!
Don’t be scared! 🙂 Haha I have an idea for a new one but haven’t taken the plunge yet!
Well described. I wondered with the, ‘I’m okay,’ whether you were reassuring yourself/ the tattooist – his laughter seemed a little harsh considering the circumstances.
I remember him chuckling like he’d heard the same thing from thousands of dumb college freshmen 🙂
Oh this brought back memories! I was right there with you. It must be the same every time, even if you’re not a freshman. I have 4 and have also been thinking recently about getting more, or jazzing up a couple of the older ones.
Oh, and I really liked “it burns with defiance.” So vivid!
Thank you!
Love! I definitely need to jazz up mine as well as get some new ones 🙂
It’s a bit addictive, isn’t it!?
You’ve almost convinced me to get one.
Yay! #forthewin Haha Just kidding. It’s definitely something to think long and hard about 🙂
I really like this, Arden.
Thank you!
I would imagine that flinching is troublesome! Nice take on the prompt, Arden. I immediately pictured the scene, though now I must know what the tattoo was.
Thanks Meg! I have three. The first was the obligatory first time tramp stamp though I actually like it still. Haha. I have a star on my hip and Namaste on my wrist. My next one is a ship which will go on my side 🙂
I love the way you “illustrated” the story. A very fun read!
Thank you!