THIRTY NINE

THREE

"I can't believe you're going out with that lad again," Mom said as I arranged my artwork in a way that would allow me to transport it easily.

"I'm not going out with him," I said flatly. "He said I could sell my art at the tattoo shop where he works, so I'm going to do that."

"He's just simply attempting to get a hold of you."

"Well, if he sells all of this art, I think it's a pretty good ploy."

"Honey, he works in a tattoo parlor. He's not much of a catch."

I rolled my eyes and decided not to respond to her any longer. Dad sat on the couch, staring at us as we argued.

"Why don't you start leaving her alone, Maureen?" "Dad explained. "She's an adult now, and she's free to do whatever she wants."

Mom turned to make an argument with him, and I took advantage of the distraction to sneak out of the house unnoticed. Dad nodded as he began to argue more vehemently to keep Mom interested in nagging him rather than me. I took my time walking down the street to the tattoo parlor, feeling nervous and tingly. Maybe I was bitten by something. Something resembling an anxiety spider or a bad decision beetle.

As I tried to approach the tattoo shop, which was in a plaza with a large parking lot for the pizza place and post office, Zach stood out and about with what appeared to be a cigarette in his mouth and his head leaned up against the building, eyes closed. Of course, he continues to smoke. That was to be expected.

"You still smoke, do you?"

I inquired as I approached.

"It's a candy cigarette," he said, lowering his head to look at me. It makes me feel cool and allows me to act as if I'm taking smoke breaks."

"Very deceitful."

"I would not want to tell people I need to go outside to eat candy, so..." he shrugged. "Do you want me to assist you with your belongings?"

"It's fine. I do not have any frames for some of the paintings, so perhaps you could just tell me if you think they're worth selling."

"I can make you some frames.  I've made frames for some of the other pieces that are on display. "Please come in, and I'll show you around."

He pushed open the door to reveal a huge open room with separate stations for each of the tattoo artists. A sitting area was set up in front, separated from where the artists sat. The bright red walls were covered in art. It appeared to be something Zach would enjoy.

"Wow, it's really cool," I thought. "It's all about you."

“Thanks. That's exactly what I was aiming for. Let me start introducing you to the artists." He walked through the gate that helped barricade the waiting area from where the action occurred. He first introduced me to a tall, skinny man with a longer beard and dark hair tied in a man bun (ugh) who was reading a magazine at his station. "This is Jack, the store manager. This is Eliza, Jack. She'll be displaying some of her artwork here."

"Hello, Eliza," Jack said as he stood to shake my hand. "Are you the girl who did Zach's little tattoo on his chest?"

"Oh, yes. It was... a stupid idea of mine," I explained. "We were about sixteen."

"I actually think it's cool. Zach mentioned that he might be able to persuade you to work here as an apprentice."

"I don't think so. I'm pretty busy," I said, looking at Zach. His cheeks were flushed as he shrugged.

"Permit me to introduce you to Tessa." "She's getting a tattoo right now, but I think you'll like her," Zach said as he led me to a station in the corner. A lovely black woman hunched over the chest of a man with whom I swear we went to high school. "This is Eliza, Tessa."

"Oh, hello," Tessa said, looking up from her tattoo, which was changing color. "Zach showed me some of your previous work. It's quite good."

"Didn't he?" I gave Zach a second look. He gave a small smile.

“Yeah. It was fantastic."

"OK, we'll leave you alone," Zach said, grabbing my shoulders and dragging me away. "I believe Janna, the other artist who was here, went to lunch with Mark, the other guy tattoo artist we have. They should return soon. I believe they both have appointments coming up."

"Where is your station?" I inquired.

"It's over here, tucked away from everyone else." Because I don't have as many clients, I do a lot of the administrative work."

He escorted me to a room with a desk next to the tattooing chaise. His long-fingered hand motioned for me to sit on the tattooing chaise, and I handed him my artist's case. He decided to open it and examined the drawings and paintings inside.

"These are fantastic," he said. "I believe I have some frames that I built that we can put these in." "I'm a big fan of these creepy little mobster charcoals."

"Oh, yes. "I went to North Beach and was inspired," I explained. "It had the feel of a speakeasy up there."

"They remind me of the little guy you carved into my chest."

"Yeah, I really just really want to do a heart, but I managed to figure a little guy with a heart balloon would look less creepy." However, it would have been easier. I can't believe you didn't have him covered up."

“Freddie? "I couldn't," he admitted, smiling up at me, "but let me see if I have those frames in the back." I thought I'd keep those back there in case anyone made some art they wanted to display."

"Are you one of the people in charge here?"

"I suppose you could say that. Are you starving? When we're done with this, we should go get some pizza."

"Sure, I could do that. My mother and father planned to go to the movies today. On weekends, some of his friends usually drop by."

"Thank you for stopping by. I understand you're pressed for time."

"It's fine. I enjoy getting my work out there, even if it appears that you have already done so."

"Har har har. She noticed me looking at your notebook after I took it from your mother, so I decided to show her some of the contents."

“Right.”

"I'll look for those frames." I'll return as soon as possible."

“Okay.”

He made his way to a back room, past Tessa's corner. When a customer walked in, Jakc stood behind a display case filled with jewelry and small figurines to greet her. A man and a woman then entered. The customer was greeted by the man, who decided to invite her to his station, which was closer to Jack's. The woman approached me, pausing at Tessa's station to inspect her tattoo. She resembled a tall, thin, dark-haired reincarnation of young Cher, complete with dark flowing hair and tanned skin, but with bigger boobs. I was made to feel uneasy by her.

"Are you Zach's next customer?" the woman asked as she approached Zach's desk and placed something on it.

"No, I'm..."

"Are you Eliza?"

” I gave a nod.

"It's a pleasure to meet you!"

She hugged me, which made me feel even more uneasy. "My name is Janna. Zach has told me so many info about you."

"That's very kind of him, considering we only recently reconnected after eight years." Please let me go. You smell nice and make me feel self-conscious about my short legs and small breasts. I guess I've got a bigger butt. Maybe. Which may or may not be a good thing.

This is a very exhausting first interaction.

She eventually let go. "Well, you certainly made an impact on him.  I believe you were his TOTGA or the one that got away."

“Okay.”

"I went on a date with him, and he spent the entire time talking about you.  The next date, on the other hand, was not as bad."

"Yeah, he's terrible on first dates." I want to rip your eyes out. "Are you guys...?"

"I have a few that I think will work," Zach said as he approached with a stack of frames in hand. "Hello, Janna, You and Mark just returned? ”

“Yeah. I was just getting to know Eliza. "I believe we'll be friends."

"Oh?" he said as he looked at me.”

I gave a small smile but didn't say anything. Just then, Marie's son, Jared, walked in, looking exactly like he did eight years ago: a shambles.

"Ah, here comes my client." "Well, it was great to finally meet you," she said as she approached Jared. Zach did not stand there and watch her walk away, as I had expected.

"You and Janna are going to be friends, aren't you?" he inquired.

"I suppose so," I said.

"Please forgive me, but I don't think you're the type of person who easily makes friends. Is that a jerk thing to say? ”

"You could be. You could also be a truth-teller, a man of integrity, and um..."

“Valor? ”

“Sure. You're almost a hero."

He burst out laughing. "All right, help me put these things in. We should probably use the glass from those that have it for the drawings."

"Can we, uh... do this while we wait for the pizza?"

"Wow, that's a brilliant idea." We just have to be careful not to mess up your priceless work."

"Sure, we'll do it."

"All right, then, let's go. "I'll carry these, and you should carry those."

We gathered the artwork and frames. I followed him out, noticing Janna watching him as he walked. Before kicking open the door and leaning against it to let me through, he told them he was going next door and to leave anything on his desk. He didn't return Janna's gaze; he returned mine.

"The mall is fantastic now," he said. "Brianna now owns it."

"Is that your sister, Brianna?"

"That's right, my sister. Over here, it's a family affair."

"Does your mother also work at the Post Office?"

"They don't really hire zombies there," he chuckled.

"That's a mean thing to say about your mother. She seemed nice to me."

"Are you able to open the door?"

I unlocked it for him. "I guess you didn't hear, did you?" ”

"What do you mean?”

"My mother was killed about five years ago." On the June twelveth, she was hit by a drunk driver."

"Oh my God, that's the absolute worst. "Please accept my heartfelt apologies."

"Your father said you sent your regards, so I assumed you were aware."

“No. I... I told them not to tell me anything about you after the overdose. I didn't care if you were......"

“Right. I wasn't, to be sure. But... she is."

"Please accept my heartfelt apologies. That was not a funny joke."

"Don't be concerned."

The hostess immediately greeted Zach and led him to a larger booth for us. The pizza place looked very different than it used to; it's now like an awesome place to hang out, whereas it used to be dingy and old. Because it wasn't very busy, a waiter came over straight away and decided to order a special pizza and two Shirley Temples with additional cherries for us. When we were kids, we used to get Shirley Temples there. It was our personal favorite.

We collaborated to get the art into the frames as soon as possible before the pizza arrived. We always got along well, whether we were working on school projects or doing odd jobs around town. I desired to earn cash for our future; he desired to make cash for other reasons. When we were finished, he tossed everything to the side and slid relatively close to me.

"It's nice here, isn't it? " He inquired.

"Yeah, it looks much better than it did," I said, poking at my drink. He could bring Janna here, I reasoned. It drove me insane.

"Yeah, I did the renovation work in here." It was quite a task."

"Did you do the renovation work? ”

"Yeah, I had some assistance from some of the guys, but I did it."

“When? ”

"I think we bought this place sometime after Mom died, and I got out of intensive therapy and everything."

“Oh. I see. Do you also own the tattoo parlor, Zach? ”

"Um..." he mumbled as he rubbed the back of his neck. "I was going to tell you that later."

"Why aren't you just telling me?"

"I'm not sure. I assumed there would be an uh... location for it. I…. Oh, here it is, the pizza."

I sighed and smiled at the waiter as I rolled my eyes. Before I spoke again, I waited for him to leave. "I'm not sure why you would still not tell me you're successful."

"Well, I'm not quite successful yet. We just received a large settlement after Mom died, and she had a life insurance payout, so we decided to invest money."

"What about the Maralinis, who once owned the plaza?"

"The old man passed away, and they wanted to sell the house.  They had left the area. I got a good deal. They, too, felt bad about Mom.  She has been hit in this parking lot."

"I can't even believe... I can't believe I wasn't aware of this! This is insane! ”

"Well, I decided not to tell you right away because......"

"What do you mean? ”

“I feel like people see me differently now, and while you’ve been mean, you still see me the very same.”

"Well, I don't see you the same way now that you're no longer a drug addict. Why does my mother still despise you despite the fact that you own the plaza? ”

"She's always despised me. She was nice to me after my mother died, but it was only for a short time. Others, however, have treated me differently. I don't mean my close friends, but other people who used to think I was a jerk."

"Is that why you continue to hang out with them?"

“Yeah. They're still my pals."

"Don't they... ask for money?"

“I’m not at all like a millionaire presently. I still have to work hard. I'm remodeling Old Martin's house, and I have bills to pay."

"I never thought you'd own a business. Or perhaps a house. Or an entire shopping mall."

"Well, I was hoping that if you didn't come back here, I'd be able to go to the city and... and find you and..." he sighed nervously. "Saying this aloud makes me feel really stupid."

"You really ought to probably, but you can keep going."

"I thought I can maybe actually demonstrate to you that I was deserving of you," he smiled. " Because I didn't think I was worthy before, and I took you for granted. I was just thinking..." he chuckled, running his hand through his hair. "I considered we were soulmates who would be together eternally, so I never expected you to leave."

"Oh, Zach," I said, staring at him, unsure what to say.

"Eliza, I'm bleeding my heart out here. You don't have to make the 'Oh, Zach' expression. We're no longer teenagers."

"I've been so angry at you."

"Is it for the drugs?" ”

"For the drugs, yeah.  Because you ruined our plans. For forcing me to travel to the city by myself. I went to art school with the intention of becoming a tattoo artist, but it seemed like marketing would be a better fit. And I didn't want to do anything that keeps reminding me of you." I could feel myself crying, but I kept my cool. "And then I assumed you were dead."

"I did pass out for a few minutes."

"That isn't funny. I assumed you were no longer alive. I almost dropped out of art school because......" I wiped my tears away, not wanting him to see me cry. "It makes no difference. Zach, it's been a long time. And we're unique."

"I'm not sure. I think we got along pretty well," he said as he grabbed a slice of pizza. "By the way, it is really good. Remember, it's my mother's special recipe? ”

"Yeah, I recall. I'm just having trouble eating right now. "I've lost a little of my appetite."

"We can take it with us.  You can also bring it home with you."

"It's fine. It's like... if you've been carrying this dream that we'd get back together for all these years, why are you dating Janna? ”

"Did she tell you we're dating?" he asked, staring at me.

"She mentioned that you went on a few dates. That first was a disaster."

"All right, we didn't go on dates. We were the last two customers in the shop a few times, so we ordered pizza. It was merely a social gathering."

"I don't think she thought so," she said, her jealousy and emotion rising. "Did you have a relationship with her?" ”

"No!" he laughed. "Hooking up with your employee is unethical. You should be aware of this."

I sighed and rubbed my brow. "I'm just... I'm not certain that why you clung to me for so long.  I mean, I returned home, here to care for my father, but... I didn't have something. Because my mother is unable to work, I now work at the deli to support my family. I never became anything."

"You're still the most beautiful girl I've ever seen."

"Oh, you know that's not true. Janna is stunning, and you are well aware of this."

"She could be, but she's not you. I recall the first time I saw you. You were attempting to do tricks on your bike, and you definitely did a pretty cool move. And then you smiled, and I realized no one could ever compare. And no one has."

"I think I should go home."

"Could you please share one piece of pizza with me?  If I eat it all, I'll look like a glutton."

"Will you appear less of a glutton if you eat all but one piece?"

"You can amuse me," he said solemnly, tenderly grabbing my chin, "especially since you just stomped on my heart."

Despite myself, I chuckled and took a look at him. He wiped my tears away with his thumbs and looked me in the eyes. He then kissed me. His lips felt as soft as they did since we first kissed, before the drugs made them chapped. Unlike all the other boys I'd kissed after him, it felt genuine and right. He had pulled away before I realized it, but he still had my face in his hands.

"I should go," I said quietly.

"All right," he said.

"I suppose I could take some of the pizza so you don't look like a glutton."

He chuckled and took his hands away. He stood up and went to get us two boxes. I got to finish my Shirley Temple, shaking my hands as I held the glass. He returned and separated everything into two boxes. He decided to give them both to me ("For your parents," he said), but said he'd stay a little longer to say hello to his sister. I nodded and hurried out, embarrassed by my actions.

As he showed up out of the kitchen, I nearly avoided his sister. I couldn't look her in the eyes at the time. I really didn't want to face anyone. I began walking home so that I could cry it all out before I got there. I don't want Dad to see me sad because of everything that's going on. I need to be strong for him. Even if I am currently feeling like a conceited idiot.

FOUR

"Hey sweetheart," Dad said as he stepped outside to join me on the porch.

I'd been estranged from both of my mom and dad for about a week. Zach hadn't been to the market in a week, either, or I hadn't started to notice him. I still felt so stupid for treating him that way and then fleeing. It terrified me that he'd gone to such lengths just to prove to me that he was deserving of me. All I wanted was for him to get sober. That was it.

"I noticed you've been a little down lately," Dad said as he sat and rocked a few times. "Boy problems?" ”

"How come you didn't tell me?" " I couldn't help but inquire. "That his mother died?" That he'd gotten sober? That he purchased the plaza? ”

"You went through so much when he overdosed. I didn't want to reopen old wounds."

"I assumed he died."

"He actually died for a few minutes."

"That's not the same thing."

"He was in a coma for a while. We assumed he would perish. Then he got out of it and went back to using. He didn't get clean until his mother was murdered. I never imagined he'd be so successful. To be honest, I didn't expect him to stay clean."

"However, you should have told me."

"I understand. I didn't want you to like him just because he was successful."

"I've loved him forever, Dad," I began to cry. "I've always admired him." I just didn't want to see him go. Even if only for a few minutes."

I sobbed into his shoulder as he hugged me. "I understand. I understand. It will be fine, sweetheart. Don't be concerned."

"I don't know what I'm talking about anymore."

"Well, brace yourself because he's on his way up the street."

“Who?”

“Zach.”

"Oh no," I exclaimed. "I look dreadful. "I've been sobbing."

"I'm not sure he'll mind, sweety. He liked you when you didn't have a front tooth."

I rolled my eyes but chuckled slightly. I still tried to wipe my eyes to make them look better.

"Hello Rick," Zach said as he approached.

"Hello, Zach," Dad said. "How are things going for you?" ”

"I'm fine," he replied. "Good day, Eliza." "You're looking great."

"I'm certain," I replied. "Can you tell us what we can do for you?" ”

"I was just taking a walk when I came across these flowers," he said, holding up the flowers, "and I thought I should give them to the prettiest girl I know."

"You're slathering it on thick, huh?"

" I inquired.

"A little," he replied.

I nodded to Dad, as if to say it was okay for me to leave. Dad waved to both of us but continued to rock. As I approached, Zach handed me the flowers.

"I'm sorry about what happened the other day," he apologized. "I threw a lot at you."

"It's fine. You know what I mean? I'm just stressed right now. ”

"Of course not. It also might be weird to find out a guy you were with in high school is still in love with you.”

"A little strange," I admitted, taking a deep breath and relaxing. "You said you purchased Old Man Martin's? Remember when we built that little house in the woods after seeing Martin's? ”

"I believe so. That's why I purchased it."

"Is it truly haunted?"

"Hmm, a little. But it's a nice ghost, in my opinion."

"You're full of nonsense."

He burst out laughing. "I haven't been back to our small house in a long time. After you left, I converted it into a small room. I used to do drugs there so my mother wouldn't find out."

"That's fantastic to know."

"Would you like to go back there?"

”

"I'd like that," I said, nodding.

We walked quietly, only making awkward small talk. Finally, we arrived at that quiet spot in the woods with our bench and house.

"I came out here when I first returned," I explained after we sat down. "We used to have so much fun together."

"Yes, we did."

"I'm sorry I abandoned you."

"You didn't abandon me. "I was a shambles."

"I should have been there for you when your mother passed away."

"It's fine. When she died, I was still a wreck. It took that for me to reconsider my position. I did, however, miss you."

"I used to fantasize about you. I'd like to call you when I woke up in the morning."

"I wish you hadn't."

"Yeah, well......"

“Right. "You thought I was dead."

"You did it. For a few moments."

He cracked a grin. "You know, it's fine if you don't want to be romantically involved with me anymore. I simply wish to be your friend. I'd like to talk to you, steal benches with you, and ride bikes with you."

"I'm not going to go jogging."

"You're not required to."

"I've always loved you, Zach. I couldn't bear seeing you die like that."

"I understand."

I clenched my teeth and looked up at him. "I'd appreciate it if you kissed me."

"Gladly," he replied, wrapping his arms around me.

I let myself melt into him this time. He was warm, and he made my blood rush through my veins. It felt like first time I realized there couldn't possibly be anyone else. After I moved to the city, I realized I was crazy to think that. However, I was not. I couldn't stop myself from laughing when his tongue slipped into my mouth and danced with mine. All of the zeal is still present.

"Does that little house still have stuff in it?" " I inquired.

"Do you mean like a bed?" he replied, a slight grin on his face.

"Does it really need to be said?”

He kissed me once more, making my legs go jelly. “No. No, you don't."

He took my hand in his and stood up to walk to the door. He took his keys from his pocket and unlocked the door. I had no idea it had a lock until now. In fact, it didn't even have a proper door.

"Did you renovate our small house?" I inquired.

"I'm obsessive," he grinned as he approached.

I laughed and kissed him again, wanting him to be closer to me. He gently guided me to a small mattress pad on the ground. I probably wouldn't be doing this if it were anyone else, but it's Zach. And I'm powerless to stop him.

"Are you absolutely certain you want to do this?" he inquired, checking with me before proceeding.

"Of course I do."

"Me as well."

We began to undress, assisting each other in getting everything off. We laughed and kissed in between, and all my worries vanished with him. He gently laid me down after we had finished undressing.

"I love you," he said softly as he kissed me.

"I love you," I said softly as I kissed him back.

He approached me slowly, as though it were the first time. And it felt like the first time for us at then. All that past and pain had vanished, and all that remained was our love for one another. He still knew all of my body's curves and all of the right spots. Despite the fact that my body had changed, he still treated me like a princess, as if I were something precious.

We got into a groove where every thrust made me gasp with delight. As we moved together, my moans became more audible. As I began to orgasm, he placed his hand over my mouth. He bit his lower lip and looked me in the eyes. I enclosed my legs around him to draw him in closer. He pushed harder, causing my body to erupt with pleasure. He moved deep within me, making every thrust that much more painful. Then we both came in with a final, earth-shattering thrust. My barely audible moan erupted loudly against his hand.

He threw himself on top of me and began to laugh softly. I took his hand away from my mouth.

“What?”

He kept giggling. "I'd forgotten how loud you can be."

"Shut up," I smacked him.

"Mmmmm I like it," he said as he kissed my neck and tickled me lightly. "I adore you."

I laughed, wanting to push him away but not wanting to give up the skin-on-skin contact. Eventually, he had to back away. We sat there for a moment, soaking in the atmosphere.

"Would you like to go out to eat pizza with me?" " he inquired. "I believe Jordan is present. You have the ability to drive her insane."

"Well, if Jordan is present!"

He burst out laughing. "Come on, come on. "I'd like to show you off."

We dressed up and left the small house. He slammed it shut and grabbed my hand. I felt perfect walking with him as the sun began to set in the sky. When the wind brushed against my face, I knew I was back in control of the streets. With him, I felt lighter; my problems faded away.

I can defeat them now. I've found the missing piece.

The End

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