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The tattooist, a big guy in his 40s, his bald head covered in tattoos, barely looked up. “If the lady doesn’t mind,” he grunted.
The ‘lady’ was more of a girl and looked barely old enough to be out without an adult accompanying her. “Sure, I don’t mind.”
The girl was leaning forwards on a purpose built chair, her whole back exposed as he worked on an intricate Tiger on her back. Erin watched Alexandra’s eyes as they followed every movement. His tattoo machine, it’s tiny needles, dipped in the ink pots and then onto her skin. Into her skin. Marking her indelibly for life. A cloth in his other hand wiping away excess ink and revealing the art he was creating.
It was such an intimate procedure to watch. Alexandra was fixated, and Erin found herself mesmerised too. Sitting in this seedy tattoo shop watching the artist at work. And he was a true artist. Erin had perhaps never really appreciated what tattooing involved. She felt like she was seeing the world through new eyes seeing everything
alongside Alexandra, as though for the first time. Erin forgot for a moment, who she was there with, what her role was. It felt like the most natural thing in the world to be sitting there with this woman, safe in the cocoon of bright lights in this tiny shop. The buzzing of the needles in the tattoo machine, a rhythmic hum.
Alexandra’s no doubt expensive wig was so convincing. The long dark hair looking like part of her. Her eyes, heavily lined in black liner were curiously dark and unnatural in appearance in the bright lights. The one thing for sure is she looked absolutely nothing like the Princess that the people knew and loved.
Minutes passed as they sat there. Next to each other. Curiously close.
Then Alexandra prepared to leave. She left a couple of £20 notes on the side as they left.
“Thank you so much for letting us join you. Your Tiger is beautiful.”
There was little response and no break in the work as Alexandra and Erin were back in the hustle of the street.
“I have never seen so many lesbians.” Alexandra said as they walked.
“How do you know they are lesbians?” Erin challenged.
Alexandra smiled. “Yes, you are right. I shouldn’t judge. Nobody ever really knows by looking. But they are just so cool. Their haircuts, their clothes, their tattoos and piercings. I feel so plain. They look so exotic.”
“I assure you, they probably aren’t that exotic,” Erin laughed, “and you are anything but plain.”
Out in the street, Alexandra spotted a sex shop and ran across the road to it. It’s neon sign literally drawing her in like a moth to a flame.
A wide eyed Alexandra, “I have literally always wanted to go in one of these shops. Can we go in? Please?”
Erin reasoned that they were probably much safer in places although there was a somewhat questionable security guard on the door. They headed down the stairs into the basement shop and Erin laughed as Alexandra picked up a huge black dildo. “What on earth is this? Surely it is too big for anyone?”
“I mean, I think this range is targeted at gay men. How about this one?” Erin picked up another of the big black toys, this one in the shape of an arm and fist.
“Oh my god. Let me see it.” Alexandra took it and weighed it in her hand. “I just can’t believe it.”
Erin picked up another dildo, a carefully carved nun or something similar. They both just laughed.
“Surely not,” said Alexandra.
“Oh, this is just the tip of the iceberg.” Erin knew damn well what the shop was likely to contain and she found herself enjoying experiencing it all with Alexandra.
They headed to a couple more bars and the evening got busier. The princess was wide eyed throughout and somehow completely anonymous. Even Erin would have struggled to recognise her if she hadn’t known.
They went to a crowded girls only bar. It was underground and dimly lit. A fit dancer in her underwear danced on a pole. Erin found herself pushed close to Alexandra, there just wasn’t enough space for anything else. Her heart raced and the atmosphere between them felt electric. Alexandra brushed against her and Erin felt it everywhere.
“Let’s dance.” Alexandra took her hand and pulled her into the dancefloor. Erin had never been much of a dancer but found herself swept away with Alexandra’s enthusiasm. The deep pulse of the music took them to another world. Alexandra’s strangely dark eyes promised another world.
A tall woman with a too cool haircut danced closely behind Alexandra, her eyes predatory up and down Alexandra’s body. Alexandra danced with her, her eyes slightly unsure but enjoying the attention until the tall woman put her hands on Alexandras hips and pulled her in. Alexandra about jumped out of her skin. Not used to the unwanted attentions of strangers. Alexandra was clearly horrified that this touching without consent was something that happened in clubs. Her eyes looked momentarily panicked and sought the safety of Erin.
“She’s with me,” Erin said confidently and with an air of ownership and pulled Alexandra back towards her.
The tall woman put her hands up and accepted defeat easily.
“Sorry, mate.” Erin saw her mouth an apology.
Safe enough so far, thought Erin.
