The Beauty and the Inked

Thirteen: Back to the Start

Logan ordered a steak and mashed potatoes for both of us, I didn't argue. Well, I'm famished and all I want to do is nothing, but to eat.

"I never knew you were... Uhm..." his lack of term is clearly evident; I smiled at him trying to ease the tension.

"It's okay, I mean, just say whatever it is in your mind," I smiled. I sliced my steak into tiny pieces, not so tiny, but just enough size to chew easily. I took one on my mouth, and the delicious taste of it made me crave more.

"Thought you’re not going to visit him?”

“Not that evil, Logan.”

“And you look so different now,” he said with a laugh.

I want to smack him, ages ago? Really? So what now? I look like an old woman or something? "So what are trying to say?" I asked, slightly cheesed off.

"I never knew you’d be fine young lady," he half-smiled. Way to impress me, Logan.

"Are you trying to show me how kittenish you are?" cause it's working, "Because that won't work," I kid trying to be as friendly as possible. He seems to know a lot about me, so it’s better to be friends with him.

"I'm not," he chuckled, his Adam’s apple moving up and down, "You said I can say whatever I want?"

"Okay, my bad!" I raised my hand, as if surrendering. The rest of our meal was fine, I guess.

"So, I'll see you again?" his hands were inside his pockets. We were on our way back to the hospital.

"See me again?" I raised an eyebrow. "I guess so. Given the fact that you are my father's nurse," I shrugged, giving him my best nonchalant look.

"Yeah, right," he said almost annoyed, but laughing in an attractive way. He hailed a cab for me, "Take care, Yssa," he opened the passenger door for me.

"I will, thanks," I slid inside, and the cab droves off. I was absolutely knackered, but I kept my eyes open, admiring the city.

. . . .

Before going home, I decided to go to the mall. I need a new phone, not that mine is already useless. But I need a new mobile number, one that I can use here.

After getting a new one, I decided to go to salon. Have my hair cut short and plucked my eyebrows into perfection. When I got home, it was already five in the evening; I am not just knackered, but almost like a zombie. I plop on my bed, and quickly doze off to sleep.

When I opened my eyes, the sky was dark. My head was pounding and my body was beaded with sweat. I checked the time; the wall clock says it’s only three o'clock in the morning. I had decided to take a shower, to wash the grime from yesterday.

As the hot water cascaded down my body, my muscles relax and my mind started to over think again. I should be back at the hospital and stay with my Dad. I should be there when he wakes up. I have to make up with the lost years. I will never leave him again, and I will look after him. I also have to have a job; I will start looking maybe tomorrow or the next day. Maybe on Monday? Okay, I'll rest and stay with my dad for three days then starts looking for a job on Monday. But I still want to go to University... I need to have a degree. I will finish what I started, well I don't know if they will take credits from what I had taken in New York. But still, I will continue my studies. I don't want my future to be in jeopardy. I need a car as well, I don't like taking buses, it's too hassle, and cabs are too expensive for everyday transportation.

Ugh, this is more stressful than I thought it would. But I can do this, right? I stepped out of the shower and wrapped a towel around my body. I went out of my bathroom then plop straight on my bed, without changing into sweats, just a towel.

The sun was starting to shine. I checked the time, five forty-five in the morning. I got up and waste no more time, I opened my dresser and took one of the three sports bra that I brought. I walked over to my closet to get a yoga pants.

A run will refresh my mind.

As I was on my way to the door, my mum called me from the stairs.

"Ysabelle?" she has her robe wrapped on her body, maybe she had notice my clothing and understood what I was about to do, "Be careful, darling. We'll have breakfast when you get back," she smiled. I should be annoyed, she's breaking my rules. But apparently, I was not. I shrugged, just letting the thought rub off of my mind.

I plugged my earphones and listen to my favorite songs as I jogged around the park. This is what I needed, to relax yet work a bit of my ass. I took a minute to sit, the sun was already shining. I checked the time and it was already eight thirty. Wow, time is very quick in here, or maybe I was just preoccupied to notice it.

I half jog and half walk. I have to look for a nearby gym; I have to stay in figure. As I passed by some of the familiar structures, I have also noticed the new ones. A library caught my attention, not just I love reading books, but it has a sign that says: 'HIRING'.

I pushed the door open, and the chimes filled the reception. There was a lady with long curly copper-blonde hair, sitting behind the desk. She has her eyes fixated on a book above her table. As I approached her, a pair of almond eyes met my chocolate brown eyes.

"Err... Hi. I just want to inquire, uhm, you still hiring?" I asked. There is something in her presence that made me uneasy.

Her eyes directed straight to my clothing, "Yeah," her voice was chilly and cold, "Fill this up," she placed a paper on the end of the table, "I'll notice Sir Hidalgo."

"No, maybe I'll be back later this morning," I said, "I'll change into proper clothing."

"Okay, sure. Be here at ten o'clock— sharp," she says then turned her attention back to the book she was reading.

"Okay, thank you," I said then made my way out. Wow, she's snobbish. No doubt. But maybe I'm too judgmental, but who knows right? I pulled the door and too my surprise, a familiar guy was standing outside the library.

"Oh, hey, Lisa!" he chirped. He's adorable. His eyes were lit with amusement, he was wearing an off-white shirt with buttons on the front.

"Nick, its Yssa," Henry's eyes met mine. He too looks freaking hot, "What's up?"

Nick gave me an apologetic smile.

"Hey. Just inquiring for a job," I said. I was suddenly aware of my clothing; I covered my bare stomach with my hands. I hope they didn't noticed how uncomfortable I am right now.

"Really? I think my brother hasn’t hired a new librarian," Nick said. Brother? "My brother owns this place," he answered my unspoken question.

I nodded, "I see," I shift my weight on my other foot.

"I see you have just worked out?" Henry's question made me more uneasy. Why am I so conscious with my clothing? It's not the first time I wore these, but there is something bothering me.

That's when I saw him. Zack was standing next to his car across the street. He was wearing a grey jacket, a denim jeans, and vans. His hair was brushed upward, and his chin still has stubbles. His hands were tucked inside the pockets of his jacket. The sight of him excites me, and yet intimidates me. I was internally preparing myself to greet him.

"Yeah," I answered Henry, "I should go. I have to be back later," I gave them a small smile. Without their answer I started to walk away, "Hi, Zack. Goodbye!" I jogged away.

But there it is again, the feeling of being confused. He has this unfathomable look on his face. I thought we were somehow friends? Oh, I guess not, seems like we’re back from the start. His mercurial temper is hard to keep up with.