Helium

Chapter Two

Michael’s POV

25 November 2018

I have made the cold hour and a half drive to this small town. Fortfall… I don’t know why, but for some weird reason, I genuinely want to open another one of my shops here. The real estate agent has thankfully agreed to meet me today at a small coffee shop close to where I think I want to open one of my many tattoo shops. I know it’s Sunday, but it is the only free day have this week, and I need to get this location of the new shop sorted.  

Garry Foster… what a nervous ball… He is a typical prim and proper guy in his grey suit and blue tie with his short brown hair neatly comb-over. He became even more nervous when he first saw me approaching… I know the way I look can be a bit intimidating… I’m tall, muscled ex-Marine Sergeant… I drive a bike, I have loads of tattoos… but the way he looked at me was like I was going to pull a gun out and shoot the place up.

“So, uh… Mr… uhm Henderson?” he blabbered while I just looked at him smiling, feeling quite amused by his discomfort “You can just call me Michael”

“Oh uhm… okay… Uhm Mr… Uhm… Michael, the uh space you are interested in is a uhm… a bit bigger than uh this coffee shop. And the lease agreement is a yearlong” he breathed out nervously. “Cool.” I replied, looking over the floorplan of the place “Do you perhaps know if people in Fortfall will be interested in tattoos and piercings?” I asked looking up from the floorplan “I uhm… I-I don’t know s-sorry” he answered, almost flinching, while anxiously looking at his hands.

I was distracted by the bell on the door ringing, I snapped my head towards the door, and I instantly felt my breath hitching in my throat.

In walked the most beautiful girl I have ever seen. She walked into the coffee shop effortlessly. Her long jet-black hair was pushed behind her ears. She is wearing a brown leather jacket, black jeans and black knee-high boots. Her sky-blue eyes almost made my damaged heart stop beating. I don’t think I have ever felt this way, just by looking at someone. Yeah, I have been in love once, but there is this strange feeling I have inside me that I have never felt before.

“Good morning Skyler” the barista greeted her Skyler… her name… just as beautiful as she is. “The usual?” the barista asked, she must be local… “Morning Tammy,” Skyler greeted, her angelic voice flooding my ears “Yes, please. Am I that predictable?” she answered with a small laugh. “You know what rather make that one take-out and one sit down. Extra strong please… this morning is already rough.” She is replied with a sigh. “Coming up, do want anything else?” she the barista asked. “Hmm, I’ll take a blueberry muffin also.”

“I uhh... can find out for you, uhh… a-about the tattoo t-things?” Garry mumbled, snapping me away from Skyler’s presence. “Huh? Oh, yeah. The shop.” I gasped, not paying much attention to our meeting anymore.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Skyler walking past us and taking a seat in the corner of the shop.  “A-actually,” Garry muttered again, making me snap my head towards him. “The g-girl that just walked in… s-she might be able to help y-you…” “How so?” I asked still staring at Skyler from the corner of my eye. “S-she… uhm Mrs Russell, she has a few uhm tattoos… I-I think.” “She’s married?” I asked before I could stop myself, while Garry shifted uncomfortably in his chair. “I uhm… uh… I-I think she’s a w-widow…” he breathed out nervously. She’s so young… how can she possibly be a widow? I asked myself.

“Well, I am happy with everything. Can you please email me the lease agreement, so I can sign it and get the ball on the roll?” I enthused, pulling out a few bills out of my wallet for our coffee. “Y-you’re taking the space?” he asked looking confused “Yes, I am. Thank you for meeting me here today.” I said holding my hand out to him to shake. “T-Thank you.” He replied shaking my hand nervously.

I got up from our table and walked over to Skyler.  She is busy on her phone while gently sipping on her coffee.  Her jet-black hair was now messy like she has been running her fingers through it, her full lips pursed together, while her sky-blue eyes were staring at her phone.

My heart was beating fast inside my chest and my palms were getting clammy. Why am I this nervous…. I talk to strangers on a daily basis…. I thought to myself. I stood in front of her table; she hasn’t noticed my presence yet. 

“Excuse me?” I said to her, trying to sound as confident as I can. She slowly looked up from her phone, her once sky-blue eyes now looking white and stormy. I could feel myself grinning at her stupidly… What the hell am I doing??

 “Sorry to bother you, but my name is Michael and my real estate agent told me that you might be able to give me some advice?” “H-hi, uhm, I’m Skyler,” she replied, clearly caught off-guard. I rubbed the back of my neck, trying to calm my ever-rising nerves “May I sit?” I asked pointing at the open chair at her table, she nodded softly, while I took a seat in front of her.

Skyler started blush while she stared at me. I my gosh… she is so cute! A few long seconds passed when she shook her head and took a long sip from her coffee. “Well, it’s nice to meet you, Michael. So, what golden advice can I assist you with?” I started to chuckle, and I could see she is a bit embarrassed.

 “Well you see I own a chain of tattoo shop all over the country and I was considering opening one in Fortfall, actually this area… and Garry over there…” I explained while pointing with my head at the still seated and distressed real estate agent “well let’s just say he lacks a bit of important information… like, do people actually get tattoos in this small town?” I asked, rambling on… My nervousness lacing my voice. “Yeah, they do… well some of them, like me.”

I started to chuckle again, “So, where do you get your tattoos from?” still grinned stupidly at her… “Well, not from this town. There is only one guy in Fortfall who claims to be a tattoo artist and he is a big-time creep and nowhere near good.” I hope he didn’t try anything with her! I thought to myself, feeling the anger creeping through my veins, while she continued talking in her angelic voice. “I usually go to a place called Tattooine in Wakefield, it’s about an hour and a half’s drive away.” Tattooine? No way! No Way! “Tattooine?” I emphasized, “I’m the owner.” I continued. “Seriously? Wow! Well, your shop is amazing!” she beamed while her eyes lit up in a bright blue. “Thank you. I have never seen you there, who did your last tattoo?” I asked, she’s been to my shop and I have never seen her there. “Uh, Jade. She has done my last three tattoos.” Skyler answered, “Oh, Jade yeah she’s my shop manager.” “She’s done an amazing job,” she said while I started to chuckle “Yeah, she is amazing. So, are you planning on getting more tattoos?” “I just want to get one more for now. But I haven’t gotten around to do it.” Lightbulb! “I have an opening on the 1st of December if you’re interested?” I asked, looking her straight in her beautiful eyes, hoping that she will agree. Damn, I will even do the tattoo for free if that means I could see her just one more time!

Skyler’s phone started to ring, pulling me out of my thoughts, and the Wonder Woman theme song was playing loudly. Does she like superheroes? She looked down at her phone and I could see the shock flashing across her face… What’s wrong? I wanted to ask her… “Uh I’m sorry Michael, but I have to go.” She almost cried out, grabbing her bag and takeout coffee. “It was really nice meeting you,” she beamed with a big smile. No, you can’t leave! s**t think! “Yeah, it was nice to meet you too. Maybe you can give me your number so that we can schedule that tattoo appointment” I suggested. Way to go Sherlock… Smirking at her like an i***t… “Sure,” she said giggling. She grabbed a pen from her bag and wrote her phone number on a clean napkin from the table. “I look forward to hear from you,” she giggled again while she handed me the napkin. She wants to hear from me again!  Yes!

She gave me a small cute wave and quickly walked out of the coffee shop heading towards her car.

I sat back in the chair and shut my eyes tightly, while I still tried to calm my rising nerves. Taking another deep breath my eyes scanned over Skyler’s digits on the napkin she gave me. I quickly saved her number on my phone and tugged the napkin safely into my pocket. Before I could get up from the chair my phone started to vibrate. “Hi, Mike.” Jarred, my cousin greeted “Hey. What’s up?” “Not much. Are you home?” “No, not yet. I’m on my way to leave my meeting in Fortfall. Why?” I asked him “Fortfall? Seriously? That place is so tiny… Anyway, the game is starting in 30 minutes and I have beer.” He almost shouted, sounding as cheerful as ever. “Well, you can go to my place. Just ask my mom for the key, I think she is home.” “Cool, see you later” “Just don’t make a mess!” I pleaded with him while he chuckled and hanged up. I love that guy like a brother… but that man is messy.

An hour and a half later I pulled my bike into my driveway. I own a house that I renovated into two small houses. On the one side my mom lives, and the other side is mine. Yeah, my mom lives with me. All my life my mom has worked hard to put me threw school and make a somewhat decent living. It is the least I can do for her; she had a rough enough life… My father was an abusive drunk and after he drank himself into an early grave, my mom was left with a heap of medical bills and a 10-year-old to provide for.

After I graduated high school, I did two things. One was the biggest mistake of my life and the other was to join the military. Just after graduation, I asked my long-time girlfriend, Emily, to marry me. She said yes. Stupid 18-year-olds… 

I switched my bike off and pushed it into the garage. I saw my mom walking towards me with a smile on her face that made her green eyes shine bright threw her glasses. Even after everything my father did to her so still walks with pride. She’s a beautiful frail woman, but she is also tough as nails. Her long brown greying hair was braided neatly. “You’re back early, I expected you to be home much later.” She said while I took off my helmet and gloves. “Hi mom,” I greeted and kissed her on her cheek. “Hi, baby.” “It was a quick meeting. The guy is sending me over the lease agreement.” “Oh, so you are happy with the location.” “Yeah, I think it will be a good move,” I said to my mom while we walked out of the garage. “As long as you are happy my dear.” Mom smiled at me. “f**k! YOU i***t!! DON’T YOU KNOW HOW TO THROW A BALL!” loud shouting came from my side of the house. Mom cringed her nose in disapproval “Oh, Jarred is here… watching the game.” “Has it been like this, this whole time?” I asked pointing towards my place where Jarred continued ranting. Mom nodded “I’m guessing his team his loosing.” I gave her an apologetic smile and headed towards my place.  Someone needs to get their ass kicked.

Jarred was standing in the middle of my living room, beer in hand shouting at my flat screen that is almost on full volume. “f*****g LUNATIC!” he continued shouting, making his bear spill on my carpet. Please, God, don’t let me kill my cousin today… Please! “YOH DUDE!” I shouted over the volume of the television. Jarred spun around, spilling more beer on my carpet and looked at me in surprise. Please, God… “CUZZY! YOU’RE HOME!” he shouted again holding out his arms as if he wants to hug me. I moved passed him, switching off my flat screen. Deafening silence filled the living room. “Hey!” Jarred complaint “Are you crazy, dude?” I glared at him “No, but you must be for switching off a guys game” Jarred snarled and getting in my face. We are more or less the same height and build and we both have a lethal background in training. “f**k dude… my mom is next door and you were shouting and cursing.”. Jarred shoulders dropped “Sorry.” He mumbled and walked out of my house, probably heading to my mom to apologise. There is only one thing my mom expects from me, and that is to keep it quiet on a Sunday. Since always my mom wanted us to keep noise to the minimum on Sundays.

I fell back onto my couch, shutting my eyes tightly. “Why are you so grumpy?” Jarred asked flopping back on the couch. I glared at him and sighed. “Must be female related?” Jarred snickered. “Dude, just drop it… I get home and found you messing beer on my carpet and shouting at my T.V, so I have the right to pissed about it.” “Yeah, definitely female related.” Jarred laughed “So was the real estate agent hot?” “I’m pretty sure the real estate agent was a dude.” I laughed shaking my head. Jarred busted out in laughter. “Well, let me think? You haven’t been on a date since, you know, Emily… so who knows… maybe you find men attractive now.” “Dude, I’m not gay.” Jarred continued laughing “So what is her name?” he asked with a serious face. “Skyler” I breathed out… “Hmmm, interesting. Where did you meet this Skyler?” “The coffee shop, where I had my meeting this morning.” I sighed. Jarred nodded and pulled out his phone that was currently vibrating. “Well, my s*x friend is in need of my body.” He smirked “Mad w***e” I threw at him “Jealous much?” he smirked. I gave him the bird “Aww, love you too cuzzy. Enjoy your brooding.” Jarred waved and walked out.

With a deep breath, I took out my phone and stared at Skyler’s number. Should I, or shouldn’t I?

·        Michael

Hey beautiful. Just checking if you’re still interested in that tattoo.

Michael.

Reading over the text a couple of times before sending it. Sitting back again, closing my eyes. After some time, I felt my phone vibrates. She texted me back!

·        Skyler

Hi Michael. Yeah, sure. You said you have an opening on the 1st of December? What time?

·        Michael

9 am? Do you have a picture, or do you want me to draw something up for you?

·        Skyler

9 am is perfect. I was thinking of getting a big Dandelion puff on my left side with the words ‘Always keep the faith’ written on the stem. With some watercolour on the background. Do you think you can design something like that for me?

·        Michael

Yeah, I will draw a few ideas for you.

·        Skyler

Thanks, Michael. See you next week

I sat on my couch smiling at my phone like a loon. I got up from the couch and went into my study where I do all my drawings and designs. I have the perfect idea for her tattoo.

It was already dark outside when I finished with Skyler’s tattoo design. The delicate Dandelion was surrounded with beautiful blue, purple and pink watercolours with a few seeds blowing off it, like when a light breeze blew them gently off the Dandelion. The words ‘Always keep the faith’ I have written in an elegant cursive font on the stem of the Dandelion. I hope she likes it.

My back hit the softness of my bed and all I can think about is those blue eyes… staring back at me.

Flashback/Dream

19 May 2016

“Get down! Get down!” Jack shouted. Both of us duck behind a rock, trying to keep safe from all the bullets flying around. This is some crazy s**t. I thought to myself. We were closing in on enemy lines, our mission sounded simple. Get in and eliminate the enemies and get out. But what we didn’t know is that they had a full arsenal of weapons. We were sitting ducks. “Henderson” I heard someone shout “Sergeant Henderson!” Billy shouted again. “What?” I shouted back while bullets plunged into the ground around us... Ducks… f*****g ducks… “What’s the plan, sir?” Billy asked again, fear was spread across his face. Billy is still young, hell we all are… but he hardly made Corporal and this is his first mission. I nervously looked around, we have already lost most of our team, only four us left. I looked to my right to where Jack is clutching his rifle tightly against his chest, he gave me a stern look and nodded. “We need to call in for back up.” Billy swallowed hard and nodded. “Jack, can you check if you can take out those guys” I pointed at the men shooting at us. Jack nodded and positioned his rifle, shot fired “One down sir.” Jack repositioned himself again, getting ready to shoot again when a shot was fired from enemy lines. It’s like everything happened in slow motion. I saw the bullet going into Jack’s skull, blasting his head open, brain matter and blood spraying everywhere. “NO!” I shouted, getting on my knees moving towards Jack. I clutched Jack’s lifeless body against me when I heard the next gunfire. Pain radiated threw me. Blood poured out of my chest. Billy grabbed me and applied pressure to my chest “H-hang in t-there Mike!” he cried out. My head turned towards Jack; his empty eyes were staring back at me. I felt cold… Billy repositioned my head, still applying pressure on my chest. My eyes struggling to stay open… The blue sky above us was turning black…

I jerked upright. My body was covered in cold sweat. My hand went over my chest to there, where the scar still is from the bullet hole. I’m okay… I’m home…  I tried to reassure my panicked heart. Every now and then the memories still haunt me in my dreams…