The Last Punch

We walked into a small café and were seated almost immediately.
"So Stevie, tell me some stuff about you? Just so I can get to know you better." I asked as I situated myself in the seat. Stevie smiled and shrugged.
"What do you want to know?" She asked fixing the silverware on the table, not making eye contact with me at all. The waitress put some water filled glasses on our table and I instantly took a sip of mine.
“Do you need anything else to drink?” She asked cheerfully. We both shook our heads and went back to the conversation.
"Just like anything..." I said putting down my glass and shrugging.
"Rick and I have been together for... A long time. I'm really awkward due to my terrible anxiety... I mean my depression acts up but- anxiety... That's the worst." I nodded and she continued. "If you couldn't tell, I love Motionless in White and Marilyn Manson." She explained as she pointed to the shirt she was wearing. Marilyn Manson. She went on to tell me how she had met Rob Zombie and Marilyn when she was 17 because her metalhead neighbor got her tickets for their shows. She explained how much music had helped her through a verbally abusive childhood and teenage years.
“I was abused by my father after my mother committed suicide. She had protected us kids, my brother Will and I. And after my mom died my brother left, and left me alone with my dad. Will left to build a better life so he could eventually support me.” I tried my hardest to make Will not sound bad for leaving.
“I would’ve hated my brother for leaving me, especially with that.” She took a sip of water and had her eyes on me.
“I love him and I knew he would support me. He’s a famous photographer now, has a huge house in the richer part of the city. I used to stay there in high school.” I coughed and hinted at wanting to change the topic.
“So.. I have a question about your modeling thing.” She said running her finger around the glasses rim.
“My modeling thing?” I asked confused.
“Well yeah, I said that I knew your work. I followed you for a while as May Berry, why’d you choose to change it to your real name?” She looked up and me.
“Well, I had gone by May Berry when I was younger and starting out. Most people knew me as Alex anyways. I used that name so my dad wouldn’t find me online. He was always calling me a slut and ugly. I think that’s why I am the way I am now. But anyhow.. that’s what happened.” I sighed and took a sip of water.
“Where is your dad now?” Stevie asked quietly, she leaned in closer to me and smiled. I smiled back and giggled.
“Now that’s a secret.” I smiled and sat up straight in my chair. Stevie nodded and laughed.
“Nice..” She slowly clapped. I laughed and put my hands up, accepting the applause. “I like you Alex.” Stevie said smirking.
“I like you too Stevie… Are you even hungry?” I asked her as I browsed through the menu. I made a disgruntled face and looked across the table at her. She shook her head and hit her phones home button.
“It’s 2:00, what do you want to do?” She sighed looking at me. I put down the menu and slouched into my chair.
“I don’t knoooowww.” I said in an almost exact 6 year old, whining voice. Stevie laughed and was going through her phone.
“Lets go!” She got up and grabbed her bag. I sat up and looked confused.
“Where?” I asked confused.
“It’s a surprise!” She said as she held out a hand for me. I took it and grabbed my bag. I laughed and we ran out of the restaurant.
“I never stay in a restaurant long enough to get food!” I said as we made it out of the door. She ignored going back to my car as we walked down the sidewalk. She eyed the tattoo shop and pulled me inside. Pricks Tattoo Shop was my usual shop and I guess it was her’s too.
“Hey Stevie!” One of the guys said as he saw her go in first. “Alex.. Oh God Alex...” He quickly got up from the receptionist desk. His name was Bill Holland and owned the shop. He was kind of tall and had grey hair. He always shows us pictures of his greaser style back in the day, his slick black hair in the pictures reminded me of Kel. I think that’s why I find so much comfort in Bill, he was like a better dad for me. He wrapped his arms around me and I did the same. He kissed the top of my head and smiled. “Girlie.. Where have you been?” He asked rubbing by back and pulling away.
“It’s complicated..” I said looking down.
“Well I have time.” He lifted my chin and looked over to Stevie. “You looking to get some quick work or make an appointment?” He asked as he moved away from me and to the desk. He was avoiding the subject of my absence.
“I just wanted to stop in and say hi. I didn’t know this was her usual spot.” Stevie laughed and so did I, but only out of nerves.
“She hasn’t been here in a while.. But uh- now she’s back…” He sat down and leaned back in the chair behind the desk, sighing. Danny, the piercer, came out of a hallway with a mother and daughter. He didn’t look up, only down at the daughter.
“So just use this to clean it and clean it everyday. These are bitches to keep from getting infected.” Danny explained about the industrial piercing, handing her a small bag and smiling. “Okay have a nice day! And don’t touch it!!” He smiled and walked to the desk. Bill pointed to me and Danny turned around.
“Alex!” He said in amazement as I ran to him and jumped to give him a hug. He wrapped his arms around my waist and held me up. I know I’ve never mentioned this place or even Danny or Bill.. I’ll explain later when I have to explain to Stevie. “Alex.. Where have you been?” He asked, his face was red and he couldn’t stop his mouth from forming a smile. He kissed my cheek and looked back into my eyes. He moved his left hand to the side of my neck, almost as if he was going to kiss me. This wouldn’t be a foreign thought, but I’ll explain later.
“It’s a long story..” I said looking into his brilliant green eyes.
“Call me, I’ll be busy all day. But call me, we need to talk.. About a lot of stuff.” I nodded in agreement. I kept looking into his eyes but Bill broke it.
“Go wipe down your area Danny, let the girls go…” Bill said lightly. Danny nodded and headed to his room. All of the other employees were in their rooms and working hard on their art forms.
“We should be going now..” Stevie said grabbing my hand. I broke away and gave Bill a hug, he kissed the top of my head and said goodbye also. Stevie led me outside and looked at me. “What was that?!” She asked in bewilderment.
“It’s a long story…” I said once again. “Let’s go back to my place, I’ll tell you. I’ll need something to drink…” I led her to my car and headed for home.
“I love long stories.” Stevie said awkwardly.
“Oh, then you’ll love this novel…” I said sarcastically. I shook my head and laughed as we headed down the street.

Notes

Hey guys!! How'd you like it?! So it's summer and I finally have tons of time to write. I hoped you like the introduction of Bill and Danny. What do you think the story is? Catch new character descriptions and pictures on my other story TLP: Characters. Do you like Stevie more now? Comment, rate, subscribe!! <3 xoxo