I walked into Tattoo Charlie’s with hesitation. I didn’t even have my ears pierced because of the prospective pain. So the thought of needles piercing my flesh over and over was a little unnerving. I fought the urges to turn around and walk out before anyone saw me, but I couldn’t. It was something I had wanted to do for years.
Charlie greeted me with a smile on his face. The stench of fear could burn your nostrils a mile away. With a sigh and a gulp I moved forward.
“Hey there little lady, there’s nothing to be afraid about. We’ll take good care of you. Sign in at the desk and have a seat. Tom will be with you in a few minutes.”
“Ok…thanks.”
The next few minutes felt like a lifetime. I chewed my fingernails down to the quick as I stared blankly at the wall. Finally, Tom appeared through the black curtain.
“Hey, you must be Emily. Follow me and we’ll get started. I promise it won’t hurt as much as you think it will.”
“Sure, that’s what they all say. Doctor’s say it, Lawyers say it and all you end up with is a huge needle in your arm and no money in your pocket. Let’s just get it over with before I change my mind.”
“Okay, first I need to know what you want and where you want it.”
“I was thinking about a little cross on my ankle, but then if I’d have to wear socks all of the time if I decided I don’t like it. So, here’s a picture of what I want. I want it on the bottom of my back, right above my butt. “
“This is gonna look awesome, Emily. Okay, turn around and lift the back of your shirt and we’ll get started.”
An hour later Tom was done and he was right. It didn’t hurt near as much as I had anticipated. I left the tattoo parlor that day different from when I walked in. I conquered a fear. I trampled over it instead of cowering under it. Nothing can stop me now.
02/24/06