Page 22 of Revere
“I’ll probably just pay for a ride back to the apartment when I’m done.” I sling my bag over my shoulder.
Violet frowns but doesn’t try to convince me. She leaves through the side door to the classroom, and I see Kole snatch her in his arms before it closes behind her. My chest aches with that strange reminder that no one cares about me enough to be waiting outside the door.
No one has ever waited for me. Or wondered about me.
If anything, people avoid me at all costs. Dreading how I might ruin their day.
From the front of the classroom, Sophia giggles. We’re the only two students left, and she’s standing so close to Professor Gray that it practically confirms my suspicions that there’s something going on between them.
Good.
Maybe knowing that will make it easier to shake him. I have no claim on him, and I refuse to ever let anyone lay claim to me.
8
THE PAIN WAS WORTH IT
PATIENCE
“Remindme how this will help us pass the summer program.” I frown, staring up at the Twisted Roses Tattoo sign.
TheOinRosesis the shape of one, with neon petals trailing down the side of the brick building.
Kole holds the door to the tattoo shop open for us while Violet frowns. “This has nothing to do with the summer program. It’s about having a life.”
“Since when do you care about that?” I grumble, walking into the tattoo parlor with Violet at my side.
The smell of lavender and incense floods my nose as I step inside. Kole walks over to the front desk while Violet and I linger in the lobby, stopping beside a wall covered in magazine cutouts of eyes.
Twisted Roses Tattoo is known for inking celebrities, and from what Violet told me, it’s nearly impossible to get an appointment. But there was a last-minute cancellation, so Violet and Kole were able to get on their schedule.
“Is your issue with me having a life, or with me having a lifewithKole?” Violet faces me.
“This isn’t about Kole.” The eyes on the wall stare back at me like they know I’m lying. “But you’ve never mentioned wanting a tattoo.”
“Things change.” Violet shrugs. “There’s a first time for everything.”
She says it nonchalantly. Like marking her body permanently means nothing. She doesn’t consider that she’s only twenty and going to spend her life living with the ink, even if her feelings on it change.
Scanning the shop, I try to remind myself that Violet’s tattoo isn’t the same as my scars. This is her choice. A marking that means something to her, so I shouldn’t judge.
Still, it’s hard to understand when I live with physical reminders carved into my own flesh.
“Well, count me out.” I swallow at the lump in my throat.
“Don’t worry, Patience. I never considered you’d get one.” Violet rolls her eyes. “Why did you join us if you don’t want to be here?”
“I didn’t say I don’t want to be here.” But even as I say it, my nose scrunches when I pause at another wall, taking in the decor and feeling even more out of place.
The wall is covered in random items. A ribcage with flowers hangs beside a box of pinned butterflies. There’s no rhyme or reason unless the point is to creep people out. I’ve never understood why people voluntarily surround themselves with death.
Violet turns to face me with her arms crossed over her chest. She drops her chin and narrows her eyes.
My shoulders deflate. “I’m sorry. Iwantto be here. I want to spend some time together this summer. Even if Kole is with us.”
Her sigh is filled with disappointment, but that’s the most I can offer. I do want to spend time with Violet. It’s rare that we do anything together in Bristal that doesn’t involve studying orcrossing paths in the dorm room. Even if Kole will be around all summer, I want to find a way to be a better friend to her.
“What are you guys getting tattooed anyway?” I try to veer the conversation, and Violet’s shoulders loosen.
