Page 73 of Stray

“Absolutely, I would. Now go ahead in there and disrobe in the bathroom,” Indy beams, and I give her a nod. In the bathroom, I remove my pants, leaving only my underwear on, and look in the mirror at the brand. Derek says he can cover it, and I believe in his abilities.

Running my fingers over the letters, I no longer feel the same disgust. Disgust at what happened, yes. That will be a horror I live with forever. But I no longer feel disgusting. I am no longer filled with the shame the brand once brought whenever I looked in the mirror. I am strong and finally ready to cover my final scar.

Walking out, I hop onto Derek’s table and hold onto Jackson’s hand as Derek tucks the paper sheet into my underwear and slides them down before placing the stencils.

“You know,” Indy smiles as she spins around on a chair. “Derek rarely does colors. Like, I suck his cock, and still, the purple band is all I got.” Derek stops tattooing me to stare at my friend.

“I’m gonna put you outside to wait in the car.” He mutters before going back to the tattoo.

It takes hours, and it’s the most painful tattoo I’ve gotten… my neck might be a little more painful, but this is a close second. Jackson has held my hand this entire time. Making sure I’m hydrated, I’m not hungry, and when I feel like giving in. He’s there. I’m so in love with him. One hundred percent my Superman, and I’m so thankful to have him.

“Alright, Ozzy,” Derek sighs and cracks his back. “You’re done, girl.” I walk over to the mirror with the help of Jackson, and when I see the bright red poppies with the buds and greenery woven in, I nearly collapse. It’s perfect, and I can’t see his mark anymore. I look up at Jackson, tears in my eyes.

“Thank you,” I say, kissing him.

“You’re welcome, now, if you’ll excuse me.” I watch as Derek sits at another station while Indy strips his down. Jackson rolls up his sleeve with a smirk on his face. “Go get dressed, baby, this won’t take long- Ow! God damn Derek!” Derek snorts.

“Little brother, I don’t wanna hear it after your girl just went through that.” Indy follows me into the back, and we get my tattoo wrapped before I put my loose sweats on.

“What on earth is he getting tattooed?” I wonder out loud, and Indy chuckles.

“They should be about done. Go look.”

Walking down the hall, back to the tattoo area, I see Derek cleaning up.

“That was, like, fifteen minutes.” I chuckle while walking to Jackson to look at his wrist and cover my mouth. It’s a little red poppy, the size of a quarter, and next to it in pretty black lettering, it reads:

Always

* * *

As we walk out of the shop with Derek and Indy, I’m still in utter amazement at how lucky I am to have these amazing people in my life. To have a great family and friends, a wonderful fiancé, and a whole ranch to take care of.

“Sure we can’t get you to stay past tomorrow?” Indy asks, and I shake my head.

“Can’t, my other Christmas present will be there in three days.”

“Ohhhh! What did he get you?” I grin before opening my phone up and showing her the German Shepherd puppy in my camera roll. Indy squeals and hugs me. We wave goodbye, promising to meet them for breakfast before our flight.

“Hey,” I say as we approach our loaner car. “I love you.” Jackson smiles and squeezes my hand.

“I love you too, baby. Can I kiss you?” I give him the biggest smile, and without hesitation, I look up at him and say,

“Always.”

The End