Chapter 1

A Chapter by My Name is Brenda and I'm a Writer

Fanny’s Tattoo

Chapter One

Thursday Afternoon – 12:30 PM

Fanny Britt stood in front of the tattoo parlor. The tinted window reflected the image of an ordinary, middle-aged woman devouring the last of her Almond Joy candy bar. She was savoring the next to the last bite when the door opened.

“Come on in. No waiting.” Fanny found herself face to face with a striking older woman. Her face was almost hidden by a mass of untamed, fiery red hair that matched her lipstick and her nails. She was wearing a very full, ankle length skirt. The skirt was also the color of her hair. Her white, eyelet lace blouse was tucked into the elastic waistband of her skirt.

Fanny held up the last of her candy bar and gestured to her mouth. She opened and closed her thumb and index finger, indicating that was still busy chewing.

“It’s okay, honey. You can bring your candy bar in here. You don’t see any signs that say you can’t eat in my shop, do you?”

The woman opened the door wider and Fanny followed her into the shop. She certainly had no intention of getting a tattoo – then or ever. Still she was drawn to the colorful images that decorated the walls of the shop, the soft music and the candles. It certainly wasn’t how Fanny expected a tattoo parlor to look. She certainly wouldn’t have expected to be greeted by the exotic, kind faced woman who was now offering her a cup of tea.

“Thought you might like something to wash down that chocolate bar. I love chocolate myself but I can’t eat it. Sugar diabetes. Runs in my family.”

Fanny took the cup. “Thank you. That’s very kind. But I’m at little embarrassed. You see, I’m not going to get a tattoo. I was just…”

“..Looking? Well you look around all you want. You can see I’m not busy. Why don’t you sit down and enjoy your tea. My name’s Lilly.”

“Nice to meet you, Lilly.” Fanny carried her tea over to a damask covered sofa near the front of the shop and sat down. She was tired. It would be nice to sit for a while. It was pleasant in the shop. The tea was warm and very sweet. Lulled by the music, the flickering candles and the tea, Fanny allowed herself to close her eyes. It felt good to rest. It felt like she’d been walking around for hours. She was very tired. She needed to rest.

When Lilly came back later to check on her mysterious guest she found her sound asleep.

“Poor little lost lamb. Sleep well. Lilly pulled curtains that separated the sitting area where the woman slept from the rest of her shop.

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