"Are you sure this is the place...I don't see any tattoo parlor here." Said Em.
"Something's not right....I can feel it."
"Anyway let's just go ask those guys in the garage."
* * * * *
"Hey guys . I wanted to ask if you know Regina Brooks. I came here to her parlor just yesterday."
They looked at each other with a worried look.
"That's not possible!"
"Regina Brooks has been deceased for a few years now!"
"What do you mean she's been deceased for a few years?" Emma asked.
"Look girl, we moved into this place last year. You're probably insane."
"Oh, ok."
"But their old house is just across the street. You can check it out if you want to."
Emma and I both looked at each other and hurried off to check it out. The front door was locked, so we went in through the back door.Suddenly a sharp pain pierced through my skin. It felt like my tattoo was burning. I winced in pain for some time until it stopped.
"Claire are you ok?"
"Yea, it's just that I felt my tattoo was burning...but it's okay now."
"You sure?"
"Yes I'm sure. Now let's investigate this creepy house."
"Look around Claire. I know the guy said this house hadn't been used for the past few years but it looks like someone has just been here recently."
We walked into the living room and came across a lot of pictures that had young Lawrence, Regina, a man who I presumed was Regina's husband and a small boy that looked a lot like Kyle. I know ....creepy right?
But I shrugged it off anyway since Kyle currently had brown curly hair while the boy had black curly hair . The boy's hair matched exactly like the man's.
Under those pictures were a lot of lit candles. Just then we heard the front door knob turning. We quietly crept away and got out briskly. We got into the car and left.
(While in the car)
"How is all of possible!Exclaimed Emma.
"I don't even have a clue but I know this tattoo may give us some leads. We really need to figure this out. ASAP! I said.
"But we can't tell anyone."
"Ok then."
I drove us home and dropped Emma at her house it was around five in the evening. I entered the house and said a quick hello to my mom as I went up my room. I took another shower and wore some sweats with a cosy baggy t-shirt.
"Hey mom....where's dad and Tyler?"
" Tyler took Maddie out and your father went to see Mr. Barris.
"So did you have fun at the park.
"It was great!"
" Oh ...ok then. I'm glad you had fun."
I watched a couple of tv shows until it was fifteen minutes past six.
"Claire.....how about we get dinner from that new Chinese restaurant down town?"
"Sure.....I'm starving."
"Great so uhh.... I'll go take a shower while you change into something more.....outdoors-y," said mom as we both burst into laughter.
"Ok then."
I went up to my room and sat on my bed for a while. I then heard my ringtone. Kyle was calling.
"Hey."
"Hey."
"So how have you been since you fainted?"
I stopped for a while to ask myself who could have told him. Then I remembered I have a best friend that likes to talk a lot.
"I've been ok."
"That's nice to hear.....what are your plans for tonight?"
"My mom wanted to take me to that Chinese place down town."
"Oh ....ok."
"Yea...but we should also get together sometime....I miss you."
"I miss you too. Ok then ...have fun at dinner."
" Bye Kyle."
"Bye Claire."
I put the phone down and got dressed quickly.
I wore my black leggings and a grey tank top. It wasn't really cold outside but I still wore Kyle's grey sweatshirt that I stole from him. It still has his scent and I absolutely loved it. I then put on my sneakers and had once last glance of myself at the mirror.
I went downstairs and waited for mom. A few minutes later she was coming down.
"I see we both had the same idea pointing to my outfit."
"I guess so too."
Mom was dressed in grey leggings with a black sweatshirt and sneakers. We looked cute.
"Ready to go?"
"Yes."
* * * *
"That waiter was totally checking you out!" said mom as we were walking towards the car.
"Really? The blonde one?" I asked while blushing
"Yea totally....stop denying it."
"Fine then. I admit...he was really cute but I have a boyfriend remember?"
"Whatever you say dear....but a crush isn't that bad."
We passed by the store to get some groceries and went home. We reached home at around eight o'clock. I helped mom with the groceries and went straight to my room. I changed into my pajamas and brushed my teeth. I was really tired so I went to bed.
The next morning, I woke up feeling better. I washed my face and went downstairs for breakfast. I found Tyler making breakfast.
"Morning."
"Morning Claire ."
"What are your plans for today?"
"I'm gonna propose to Maddie."
"For real!"
"Yes. So you guys should be ready by 6 o'clock in the evening. Dad knows the place."
"What do you have in mind?"
"Pretty lights , champagne and roses. She likes those."
"That's really nice. I'm happy for you."
I had only seen Maddie a few times but she was pretty and nice as well. She had a small delicate nose and long-lashed green eyes. Her chestnut-brown hair was long and straight .She had just graduated from Med school but she didn't have a job.
As for Tyler he was only older than me by a few years. We both had hazel hair with brown eyes. He had also graduated from Med school. I guess that's where they met although Tyler was three years older than her. Tyler had started working at Cooper Town General Hospital a few months ago. They were perfect for each other. I was really happy for them.
After breakfast, I did the dishes and went to Tyler's room afterwards.
I knocked and he signaled for me to come in.
"So... have you thought of any wedding plans?"
"Yes I have actually.....I was thinking we should get married at the end of the summer."
"Ok then....do you have a wedding planner?"
"I'm on to looking for one."
"Well get to it then."
I stood up to leave the room and as I reached the door, I turned around and said,"You got this bro. I'm so happy for you!"
He smiled and I left for my room. I quickly turned on my laptop and was ready to FaceTime with Emma.
"Hey Em."
"Hey Claire."
"Tyler is gonna propose to Maddie tonight. You wanna come?"
"For real! Of course I want to come."
"Well then come to my house at five o'clock so that we get ready there.
"Anyway , I hope you haven't forgotten that my birthday is in two days."
"I'll see you there then."
"I hope you have not forgotten my birthday is in two weeks."
"Girl! How can I forget my best friend's birthday. We should start planning.
It was my sixteenth birthday.