Forrest

MEGAN

I feel like a dumb.

WHAT WAS I thinking? Perhaps, I wasn’t thinking at all. I knew him of being distant, cynical, and cautious, and I was thankful he even joined me for breakfast. The way he looked at me, he probably had a lot of questions he wanted to pop, but he chose to keep them all to himself.

Forrest didn’t only intrigue me, but his stares, his charisma, his aura told me something that I could trust him, that we somehow understood each other, and that he could keep me safe, but safe from what? From whom? When I should be worried about myself, the way how I acted lately—these whole fiascoes I’d created in the first place.

I looked down at the left side of my abdomen again as Milo rubbed the topical anesthesia. I can do it. There was no turning back, I would get this tattoo no matter what.

I lied down and bit my lip, preparing myself for the pain. I hated needle, but this was one way of facing one of my own fears.

“Relax. This won’t hurt much,” Milo said.

“You’re a terrible liar,” I replied nervously.

He chuckled. “This won’t take long. And I know you’d love it.”

“Just do it.” Then the soft buzzed followed. I jerked at the first hit of the needle into my skin. For a fraction of moments, I felt I just freed from my cage—I felt wild. It still hurt though, but it wasn’t closer to the pain I inflicted. I closed my eyes as they stung with unshed tears.

“He’s a good guy, you know.”

My eyes flew open to his words. “Who are you talking about?”

“Forrest. He may not talk too much, but trust me, he has a huge heart.”

“How do you know him?”

“His Uncle Alan took me in, taught me how to tattoo when he found out I know how to draw.”

“I see.”

“Forrest is a man of a few words. The type of person who acts than talk. He’s a little rough around the edges, but the best guy I’ve ever known.”

“I started to get that. It was my first time to share a meal with him though. We met a few times on weekends with our friends, but we never talked. You should have seen his reaction at the diner.”

He laughed. “Oh, I can imagine, Megan.”

“Sometimes he scared me, intimidated me, and intrigued me at the same time. For a long time, I wanted to know him better. I just don’t have a gut. I feel like something is holding us back.”

“He doesn’t share too much. Just don’t push him. Let him open up when he feels like to open-up, but believe me, I trust him with all my life.”

I wished I could trust him too, but I doubted if he would trust me in return.

“Milo?” I froze at Forrest’s deep voice behind the door followed by a soft knock.

“I have a customer.”

“Is Megan with you?” I bit my lip harder as he mentioned my name. It was like warm honey pouring down my skin, running down my abdomen, sipping through my thighs—not now. I shook away those naughty thoughts.

“You’re disturbing us, man. We’re busy.” I could feel the amusement in Milo’s voice.

“Just fucking answer me.” His angry voice wracked me. “Is she in there?”

“Oh, shit! He’s pissed. That’s his different variations of fuck off.” Milo laughed softly. “Come in, man, but you might not gonna like what you—”

The door swung open and hit the wall, making me startled. I couldn’t find a word to say. It just, my heart was in galloped. My skin tingled everywhere. I liked and hated this feeling at the same time. His presence made the room smaller for the three of us.

my insecurities got over me, and

Believe when I say he’s the ambassador of

the burning stare Forrest was throwing to me. So I answered nonchalantly, “Maybe the anesthesia is wearing off.”

“You’re tense. Just give me a few minutes, and I’ll be done before

of me. And I didn’t have to open my eyes to see who was in there. I

left,” he stated, almost a whisper.

“I thought you too.” I swallowed hard.

“I was with Alan. Why do you wanna

It felt like he was pulling me into his world the longer I

He blinked instead of answering and looked at Milo.

I should go over

now?”

is the best.”

chuckled. “I did most of his tattoos, especially the one—”

Forrest cleared his throat or more likely

rolled my eyes. “I’m

on his mind right now. I wished I was like my mom who could read

you be at work?”

had my gut twisted. “I was fired.”

“Why?” Milo asked.

little privacy,

man,” Milo

He misread me and thought I wanted to bang with anyone has a

Forrest groaned when Milo laughed.

self-deprecating. “Why? Doesn’t everyone look at me like a slut?”

head snapped at me with a glare. “For god’s sake, woman. What’s gotten into

know me,

he

tiny details, and I can’t do that of you are snarling over there.”

the room, leaving only a loud bang

that was

muttered bitterly. “We won’t talk

huge respect over women, Megan. Don’t be too hard on yourself. He’ll get over it and apologize. Just have a little faith for him.” The buzzing stopped.

it

Let me put a clean bandage. You just have to keep it clean and dry. I will give you an antibacterial cream. And don’t scratch

“Thanks.”

I ask you something?”

Forrest. Don’t bother.” I stood up from the bed and fixed my shirt.

It’s about the date on your

“Don’t be nosy.”

He extended his hand for a handshake.

I shook it and smiled. “Me,

toward where I parked my car.

checked my phone.

life had turned to a complete black and white.

***

still be awake at this time, but not me. I’d nowhere to

sleepy ass toward the door when the doorbell rang

moment I saw who had the gut to be on my doorstep.

of pizza before he could offer. I opened the top box and picked a slice. “My favorite.

coffee table, but I was still alone. When I turned around Forrest was still on the

an invitation before you can enter my house, are you? And I am certainly not a witch, Forrest.” I gestured my

no idea what are you talking about.” Of course, you don’t, you gorgy! He

“See something that meets your taste? I am sure your apartment doesn’t look like this. Have a seat. Let me get us something to drink.” I strode toward the kitchen and grabbed two soda