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.

Forrest around, my insecurities got over me, and

“Relax. Believe when I say he’s the ambassador of goodwill.”

eyes closed, I could feel the burning stare Forrest was throwing to me. So I answered

tense. Just give me a few minutes, and I’ll be done before you even

didn’t have to open my eyes to

he stated, almost a whisper.

“I thought you too.” I swallowed

Alan. Why do you wanna get a tattoo?”

world the longer I stare at him. Instead of getting scared, it was weird that I

blinked instead of answering and looked at

feel like I should go over my fear. I’m scared of needle.”

now?”

is the best.”

most of his tattoos, especially the

or more likely groaned, cutting

rolled my eyes. “I’m good at keeping secrets.”

for good seconds, and I never broke it until he did so. He crossed his strong tattooed arms over his broad chest, throwing Milo a chilly stare. I wondered what was on his mind right now. I wished I was like my mom who could read people’s behavior and emotions. I wanted to break through his outer layer on why it

“Shouldn’t you be at work?”

gut twisted.

“Why?” Milo asked.

privacy,

“Sorry, man,” Milo muttered.

an ass. He misread me and thought I wanted to bang

when Milo

smile was self-deprecating. “Why? Doesn’t everyone look at me

a glare. “For god’s sake,

“Don’t pretend you don’t know me,

he

“Hey, calm down, man,” Milo interjected. “I need to concentrate. Her tat has tiny

huffed before he jerked to stand up and storm out of the room, leaving only a loud bang as he slammed the door

was

I muttered bitterly. “We won’t talk to me again. Ever.”

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

“Is it

and dry. I will

“Thanks.”

ask you something?”

bother.” I stood up from the bed and fixed my shirt.

date on your tat.”

be nosy.”

Megan.” He extended his hand for a handshake.

shook it and smiled.

He led me the way outside the shop toward where I parked my car. “You have my number. If you feel to get another tat, just give

soon as Milo left, disappointment swept over me. I checked my phone. I still didn’t have a message from anyone.

a

***

eight at night and they were all busy with their family. Well, normal people could still be awake at this time, but

when the doorbell rang again.

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

not lost, are you?” I grabbed the two boxes of pizza before he could offer. I opened the top box and picked a slice. “My favorite. Thanks.” I took a huge

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

needs an invitation before you can enter my house, are you? And I am certainly not a

idea what are you talking about.” Of course, you

sure your apartment doesn’t look like this. Have a seat. Let me get us something to drink.”