“Mom?” I reached for her hand and she turned to look my way, hurt still very present in her expression. “I didn’t mean to upset you.”
She nodded and then turned to grab the glass I used to put out my candles. When she made a step toward the kitchen, I touched her arm. There was more to this than being upset that I’d permanently marred my body, she’d been having a hard time with me going away since summer rolled around. The thought of really having to let me go scared her to death. Me getting this tattoo symbolized my ability to make decisions for myself, even if they were decisions that she didn’t like, and it also symbolized me not being her baby anymore.
How could I not sympathize with that? “I’m fine out there, Ma. I promise.”
For a long time she looked over my face, touching the few places where I knew some of my scars were still slightly visible. Eventually, her stare softened and she nodded, clutching my hand.
“I know you are,” she finally answered.
“And I promise this is the last one,” I added with a smile.
She shot me an ‘I know it better be’ look that she meant as a warning. I made her hug me and thanked her for the cake and presents while I had her in my arms.
“You’re welcome,” she replied, still sounding a little salty. It’d wear off by later that night, I figured.
“Alright, let’s finish with these presents so I can get to bed,” my father announced casually as he entered the room with AJ at his side.
I glanced over at AJ and shot him a relieved look that he met with a smile. I wasn’t sure what he and my father discussed, but whatever it was seemed to have put him in a good mood.
*****
AJ
Aside from Angel and her parents, all the other guests had cleared out. I stayed behind to help clean, which also gave me an excuse to be around Sam a little while longer. It was nearly midnight and there was still a lot left to do. Sam and I decided to tackle the dishes because that was the biggest job.
My mind was on autopilot as I replayed the conversation between Mr. Kelley and me. I’d waited months for him to even let me inside his home without there being hostility, and now he treated me more like a son than my own father. When he pulled me aside it was because he didn’t want to embarrass me by chastising me in front of Sam. He explained that, because of my career plans, marking my skin in such an obvious spot wasn’t ideal; however, after that, he went on to say that he understood what I’d done. Why couldn’t my father have reacted like that?
Sam and I finished cleaning the entire kitchen and I knew I couldn’t put off going home much longer. Her parents would want to lock up before going to bed, which meant that I’d have to go. Sam decided to walk me to my car despite the drastic drop in temperature since I arrived. We stopped at the corner once we were out of view from her house.
“Thanks for coming tonight,” she smiled sweetly. “…And for staying to help clean up.” Her body warmed mine when we embraced.
“No problem. Can I see you tomorrow?” I asked, already knowing the answer.
“Duh. Angel and I have an appointment to get our hair done late in the morning, but after that, I’m all yours.”
I smiled at the way that sounded. “Just call me when you’re done. I’ll be around.”
She nodded once and then stood on the tips of her toes to kiss me. I grabbed her tight and turned what she intended to be a quick peck into a full-on make-out session that didn’t show signs of slowing for a good five minute. Giggling, she pressed her hands to my chest to separate us.
“You’re gonna get us both in trouble. It’s bad enough we barely skated by with these tattoos. Don’t push it,” she warned halfheartedly as I got to her lips once more.
I continued to hold her close to me and glanced down at my watch. “Happy Birthday,” I said with a smile.
“Hm…I guess it is officially the 23rd now, isn’t it?”