Chapter 8
INTERVIEW
EPOV
I woke up early; I had to meet up with Angela for the photo shoot for the magazine. I wasn’t exactly excited to have my picture taken, and I didn’t exactly know what kind of photos Angela would want to take. Bella had stayed with me last night, because she let Ben and Angela take her place while they were here. She was still curled up next to me, sleeping soundly. She was so beautiful when she slept, completely at ease with her dreams. She would talk in her sleep, although most of it was unrecognizable, she would occasionally say something that I could make out. One of these days I was going to have to ask her what it was that she dreamt about.
I let my fingers dance across her naked back, slowly trying to wake her. She started to stir, and make little noises letting me know that she was waking up. I placed a kiss on her forehead.
“Time to wake up sleeping beauty.” I whispered to her.
“MMM…five more minutes?” She asked still half asleep.
“Baby I am going to get in the shower.” I said as I untangled myself from her.
I sat on the edge of the bed for a minute; stretching and trying to let the last bit a sleep escape me. I stood up and made my way to my bathroom. By the time I had gotten out of the shower and was making my way to my closet to get dressed, Bella was sitting up in bed.
“You know, you look pretty good in just a towel.” She said still trying to wake herself up.
“Well you look pretty good in nothing but my bed sheet.” I said smiling back to her.
“Is that so?” She asked.
“Yes, I think I like you in nothing but a sheet wrapped around you. My bed never looked so good.” I turned to walk into my closet to get something to wear. “So, like what should I wear to this thing?” I asked.
“Wear whatever, Angela will have something for you to change into when we get there. She has everything planned out. So are you ready for this? Ang will be doing the photos and then she will interview you for the magazine. Alice will be there too, to get footage and whatever to put up on the website.” Bella moved from the bed and walked over to me. She stood up on her tiptoes and gave me a little kiss. “My turn to shower.” She said before she smacked my ass and went to the bathroom to get ready.
I pulled on a pair of boxer briefs, a pair of jeans that were worn out, and my Stoli t-shirt. I went and sat down on the end of my bed and put my socks and boots on.
“Babe, do you want me to make some coffee or do you just want to stop and pick something up on our way there?” I asked Bella, poking me head into the bathroom.
“Um…let’s just get something on the way. Besides I think Jaz will have food and stuff at the shoot.” She said over her shower.
Bella got ready as I waited in the living room. I was sitting on the couch, looking at WYP’s website, to check out to see what type of pictures were posted and whatever else there may be. Bella walked into the living room, dressed and ready to go.
“Whatch looking at?” She asked over my shoulder.
“Oh…just checking out your website.” I said before closing my laptop. “You ready to go?” I asked.
“For sure. Lets do this.” She said.
We stopped for coffee before we went to the shop. I parked in back and the two of us made our way inside. Alice, Jasper, Ben, and Angela were already there. It looked like Angela had everything set up for a photo shoot.
“How’z it bitches?” Bella said to everyone.
“Hey sis.” And said.
“So are we ready to do this thing or what?” Bella asked.
“Yep everything is good to go. Edward I have your clothes hanging up over there, and Alice will get you ready.” Ang said to us.
“Alright.” I said as I walked over to Alice.
“Hey there Edward, you ready for this?” Alice asked.
“I guess, so what do you want me to do?” Alice handed me some clothes to put on.
“When you’re done, just come over and sit in the chair and I will get the rest of you ready.” I nodded and went into the bathroom to change. Alice had me wearing some sort of sweat pant type things, with a t-shirt and a black wool vest. I took my shoes and socks off, figuring that they weren’t part of the ensemble. Interesting choice of clothes but whatever; I walked out and went to sit in the chair where Alice seemed to have a little station set up for herself.
“Okay…I am going to do your hair and get you all prettied up.” Alice rubbed some hair crap in her hands and then went to work on my hair. Once she was done, she put a bit of make-up crap on me. I can’t say that I was a huge fan of this, but I get it. “Okay all done.” She said stepping away from me.
“So where do you want me?” I asked Angela.
“Um…let’s start over there.” She pointed to an area in front of the windows. “Just act natural, I will move you around, a bit.” Angela lifted her camera and started taking shots. I wasn’t really sure what to do, so I just kind stood there, turning every so slightly, looking out the window. After a few shots, she had me lay on the floor and took some shots there. “Okay Edward, we are good with this, lets take a break before I have you change again, and we can do some of the interview.”
“Okay.” I said. We went and sat down in a couple of chairs, Angela placed a recorded down, and got out her notebook.
“So Edward how did you get into tattooing?” Angela asked first.
“Well it has always been something that I loved. I love the art, I actually went to school for art for a bit, and I just kind of fell in love with this medium.” I said.
“When did you get your first tattoo and what is it?” She asked.
“I got my first tatt when I was 16…It is a cross on my chest…I have to say, that shit, kind of hurt, I really didn’t know what to expect pain wise for my first time…jesus I sound like virgin loosing their virginity.” I said laughing.
“Does it have any special meaning?” She asked.
“Um not really, just my initials, kind of a tribute to my family name or whatever, I didn’t really put that much thought into it, I just wanted to be badass. Ya know, be the only guy in school with a tatt…or something.” I answered with another laugh, trying to think back to when I got it done.
“So how many tattoos do you have now?”
“Well I am not to sure, I mean I have a full sleeve, a partial sleeve and a couple others in various places. But I am sure I have at least twenty or more pieces, something like that.”
“Do any of your tattoos have any special meaning to you?”
“Yes, some of them do, now that I have been doing this and getting them for a while now, I have found that I have gotten things put on my body that actually had some reason behind it, whether it was a for personal reasons, or experiences ya know.” I was thinking about all my ink now, thinking of the memories as to why I marked my body the way that I have.
“When did you first start tattooing other people?”
“I was 17 when I started, I started my apprenticeship when I was still in high school. I learned under Garret Slade, going after school and on the weekends and stuff.”
“Oh yeah we know Garret, we have featured him before in the magazine, the guy has definitely got a gift.” She said. I wonder if Garret knows Bella I thought to myself.
“Yeah, Garret is a good buddy. He is a badass when it comes to ink. I swear it’s like his religion or something.” That reminds me I should call that fucker up.
“Did he teach you any trade secrets?”
“Oh yeah he taught me something…” I laughed. “No but really, he is a genius at what he does. I really learned a lot from him, he kind of imparted his wisdom on me, about how to think about placement, and how the body moves, and of course the actual respect for the art itself, how that it is not just a picture on paper, but that it is something with an organicness to it, that once you place art on skin, it becomes alive, and how it tells a story. Even the most simple tatts have a story behind them and as the artist it is our job to make that story come to life…In Garret’s words…It is all about transcendence man, you are the key to setting the art free, letting it live…Garret is a crazy fucker. But he is right; I totally get what he was trying to say. I guess that would be his “secret”, well I guess not anymore, but there it is.” I stated.
“So, rumor has it that you used to have your own shop. Why give that up and come and work for WYP?” Shit, I was cryptically hoping to avoid that question.
“Uh yeah…I was part owner of a shop out in L.A. called Rebel Ink, but I ended up selling my half to my partner…It was just time for a change, time to come home I suppose.” I shrugged nonchalantly at Angela.
“Well there is no place like home. Anyway, what are your plans for WYP, what is it that you want to do here?” She asked.
“Well…I would really love to treat the shop like a living art gallery. I really want to focus on the art and the history of what tattooing really is. I want to be able to showcase that, tattooing isn’t just about getting some tramp stamp your freshmen year of college because you want to rebel against Mommy and Daddy, or by getting some tribal arm band so you look like tough shit. I mean yeah I know that sounds kind of strange given the story of my first tatt, but there is so much more to ink than what is on the surface and I think that given this location and all that I would be able to do that. I just want to share the meaning behind it all and try and break out of all of the stupid stereo types that come along with it.”
“That’s awesome Edward, I think that would be really cool. So, one last question what is going to be your next tatt?”
“Well, that is a good question…I am not to sure, I always have ideas swirling around in my head, but I will just have to wait until something inspires me, or I am hit with something that I will always want to carry with me. Life is a journey, and I just happen to keep my story on my skin. But, I will definitely let you know when the time comes.” I said with a wink.
“Well boss, that’s it for the interview…now it’s time for some more pics. So, do you have any problem with nudity Edward?” She asked with a devious grin.
“Well, no not really…but what kind of nudity are we talking about here girl?” I asked with a look of skepticism.
“Oh it’s not like we are going to go all playgirl on your ass. Just a little bit of skin, so we can see your tatts…that cool?” She asked.
“No worries girl, I am down. So what do you want me to do?” I asked.
Angela took more pictures, mostly with my shirt off. Which didn’t really bother me, considering the look on Bella’s face when she came down stairs to see how everything was going. She just stood there and stared with her mouth open for like 10 minutes. I have to admit, I liked that I had that kind of effect on her. After it was all said and done, we all decided to meet up later tonight to go out. I called Em to make sure that he was up for a night of depravity, which of course he was. You don’t have to ask that monkey twice.
When we left to go back and chill until later, Bella and I were quiet. It was a good silence, I never felt uncomfortable around her and I loved that she didn’t feel the need to fill the silence with unnecessary chatter. My mind started to wander back to L.A. and the shit storm that was Aro. I knew that I was going to have to tell her about everything, but I really just wasn’t ready. I wasn’t sure how to approach the subject. I didn’t want herto look at me like a failure and I just wasn’t sure how she would react to all that my past was, it wasn’t pretty.
Flashback
It was really late and I had left my phone at the shop, but I wasn’t working tomorrow, so I had to go back and get it. I pulled my bike into the ally behind the shop to go in through the back door. I wasn’t expecting anyone to be there, but when I walked in I saw a sliver of light coming from the office door. Thinking that maybe I had forgotten to shut it off when I left earlier. I walked over to the office door and pushed it open, what I saw before me, was not what I fucking expected.
“What the fuck?” Aro’s head snapped up from the desk.
“Hey Edward…uh” I held my hand up to stop Aro from contiueing.
“Jesus fucking Christ Aro!” I belted out. I looked around trying to take in the scene in front of me. Aro had a shit load of drugs sitting on top of the desk, and aside from that I could see a film of white powder around his nose. Jane Aro’s old lady was sitting next to him, high as a fucking kite. I am pretty sure she wasn’t even aware that I was in the room.
“Hey there Edward…long time boss. How’z it?” I turned to the voice that was coming from behind me on the couch.
“What the fuck are you doing here? I told you to stay the fuck away! And that meant stay the fuck away, from me, my brother, my shop, and anyone else with me!”
“Hey now brah. No worries I was just checking out da kine. Word through the coconut wireless was that Aro had some good shit, I was just stopping by for a taste.”
“Well get the fuck out of here. I don’t want you near me or my fucking shop.” My fists were clenched at my sides and I was getting fucking pissed beyond comprehension. “Aro what the fuck is all this shit? Are you dealing from the fucking shop? Because I swear to fucking god Aro, that shit will not fucking fly. Fuck this! Aro I am not going to be a part of this, not ever again. I am out! I am done with this shit. Fuck Aro I knew that you were using again, but fuck man? I am not going to jeopardize myself and my family for your fucking drug problem. The shit is done. I don’t give two fucks what you do on your own time, in your own fucking house. But, not in the fucking shop.”
“Come on Edward, its not all that bad. I was just…” I held my hand up again to stop him from talking.
“No, Aro! I don’t want to fucking hear it. I am done! I will have the lawyers call you tomorrow. I don’t give a fuck what happens, you can buy me out, or whatever the fuck has to happen. But, I am not dealing with shit anymore.” I turned around to the couch. “And you stay the fuck away from me! I don’t ever want to see your fucking face ever again! If you come near me or anyone around me and I will personally unleash hell on your ass. I don’t give a fuck who you think you are! You got that?” I was so fucking pissed! I grabbed my phone off of the file cabinet and stormed out of the shop. I jumped back on my bike and made my way home to talk to Emmett to tell him what went down. I also needed to get my shit together and call the lawyers. I needed the fuck out of this fucking town and fast.
Present
I snapped out of my memory, when I heard Bella say my name.
“I’m sorry. What was that babe?” I asked trying to focus on her.
“I was just wondering what you thought of the interview?” She repeated herself, a crease formed between her eyes as she examined me. “Hey…you okay? You kind of disappeared there fro a minute?”
“Yeah. No worries baby…just thinking.” Fuck! I really don’t want to have this conversation with her, but I know that I am going to have to spill the shit sooner or later. Preferable later.
We got back to my apartment and decided to order some take out and just chill out until later. Emmett still wasn’t there; he was probably still with Rosalie and Jasper doing god only knows what.
“Hey babe do you want Thai or Pizza?” I shouted to Bella from the kitchen while she was trying to find something to watch.
“Umm…I think I want pizza, you know something greasy before we go out tonight.” She yelled back at me.
I grabbed the phone and walked into the living room. I already had the number memorized. “What do you want on your pie manu?” I asked as I sat down on the couch.
“Um…pepperoni, sausage, peppers, mushrooms and extra cheese. And make sure I get extra cheese.” She said pointing at me.
“Yes ma’am! You want anything else, this place has killer ceaser salad?” I replied with a salute.
“For sure, do they have like garlic bread or something too?” I raised my eyebrow at her in question.
“You hungry? Seems my little bird has quite the appetite!” I said with a chuckle. “And yes they have garlic bread. Did you want cheese on that too?”
“Duh!” She said in a huff. “Don’t be fooled boss, I can eat. And I ain’t afraid to show it! She sauntered over to me and climbed up on my lap, straddling my legs. “Well are you gonna order or what boss, I’m wasting away here? Besides if your good I might share with you.” She said battering her long ass lashes at me.
“Oh really? If I am good huh? Well, my little bird, haven’t you figured it out by now, that I am nothing but bad?” I grabbed Bella by her ass pulling her closer towards me. “But, I am sooo good at being bad!” I said with a wink before I lowered my mouth to her neck. Letting my tongue dark out as I place an open mouthed kiss on her soft skin. I just wanted a little taste. Oh fuck, who am I kidding, I wanted to lick her from head to toe.
HEY THERE MONKEYS! LONG TIME…YEAH YEAH I KNOW. I AM DEAPLY SORRY FOR THE DELAY IN UPDATING…BUT SHIT HAPPENS! I AM TRYING TO FINISH UP MY LAST FEW MONTHS OF SCHOOL…SO THE SHIT IS GETTING INTENSE! SO MY UPDATES WILL BE COMPLETELY RANDOM. BUT I WILL FINISH ALL MY STORIES THAT I HAVE STARTED. NO DOUBT ABOUT THAT. COME SEPTEMBER WHEN I FINISH, YOU WILL HAVE MY FULL AND UNDIVIDED ATTENTION. I LOVE YOU WHORES! BIG MAHALO FOR STICKING WITH ME! SORRY THERE ISN’T MUCH OF A PLAYLIST FOR THIS CHAPTER. MAINLY DUE TO MY INDICISIVENESS OF TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT ANGELA WOULD JAM TO DURING THE PHOTOSHOOT. SO UNFORTUNATELY I HAVE NO TUNES FOR YOU THIS TIME. BUT I STILL LOVE YOU ALL!
LOVE YOUR REVIEWS…SO HIT A SISTER UP AND SPILL IT!
