With wide eyes and a rolling stomach, I look at Cam for any type of response while Ana smiles up at him.
“I can’t believe we chose the same one, baby.” Ana kisses his arm, but Cameron doesn’t move. His face is one of horror.
Oh God, he better change that expression before she notices.
Still not believing what’s happened, I look at all three matching tattoos. Yeah, it’s definitely happening.
All three of them have four medium black stars, except for Cameron’s which are slightly larger. They’re surrounded by minuscule stars and tiny dots that make it look like a night sky. I’m surprised Cam approved Ethan’s design, although his piece has sharper angles that make it look less delicate than mine. All in all it’s an extremely similar design.
Finding Ana’s, I frown. I’m assuming she either couldn’t come up with a better idea than the one I had told her about or she wanted a matching one with me, but it does feel weird that she’s taking credit for it. Squinting my eyes, I notice that her stars are the smallest out of all three of us, and they’re differently placed too. That’s when I realize that Ethan still took the time to make all of them different, especially Ana’s. Swiveling my head in my best friend’s direction, his dark brown eyes clash with mine. They look almost vacant. The complete opposite of howthey were before and during the tattoo. He was having fun with Ethan, even while in pain. Meanwhile, Ana is admiring her tattoo by the mirror, not realizing how badly this is affecting her boyfriend.
“Guess we can’t ever stop being friends now, can we?” I say, trying to lighten the mood.
He shakes his head as if coming back to reality. “Guess not.” He smiles weakly. “Great minds think alike, I guess.”
As soon as the words leave him, Ana jumps to his side and pulls his mouth to hers.
And that’s my cue to go.
I join Ethan on the other side of the living room, where he’s fixing all his materials.
“Need any help?”
“No, thanks. I have a very specific system going on here.” He doesn’t look away from his small drawers.
“I know what you did,” I whisper.
He raises a brow. “What’s that?”
Scoffing, I take a seat. “Each tattoo is practically the same. All of the stars are in the exact same positions, except for Ana’s, but each tattoo is a different size. Cam’s are sharper at the edges which makes sense for his personality and taste. Ana’s are dainty like mine, but hers look a little asymmetrical and frankly a little sloppy.” He shoots me a sharp look that I ignore. “But Cam’s and mine are perfectly symmetrical. Not that Ana really noticed any of this, then again, she was looking more at hers than anyone else’s. So, tell me, Ethan, why did you make mine and your cousin’s so similar?”
He smiles. “Because I knew you were going to be the first one to notice.” Ethan sets his materials down. “And because you and Cam are best friends. There’s a special connection between the two of you, one I don’t see often. You make each other better. You were meant to meet.” I shake my head at his bluntness.
“He might not have noticed the differences between the tattoos yet, but eventually he will. He might not be as brave as you to ask me why. He probably won’t even tell you when the time comes, but you know better than anyone that, that’s just the way he is.” He pauses and looksover at the couple standing across the room. “Ana and him…” Ethan gives me a knowing look that I return. He doesn’t even bother to finish the thought. We both know that their relationship has an expiration date. Neither of us will say it aloud, still it’s obvious.
Once Ethan turns his attention back to his station, I reflect on Cam and I’s friendship. How we weren’t the only two who realized we were meant to be in each other’s lives. These tattoos are a symbol of our friendship and our special place. I doubt he told Ethan about our private conversations. It leaves me wondering how our dynamic and love towards each other looks from an outsider's point of view.
Ethan hands me a tissue, and I take it mindlessly. “What’s this for?”
“A couple of tears fell on your cheeks. Don’t worry, your mascara isn’t running.” He gives me a sympathetic smile and passes me a hand mirror.
When did I start crying? Why am I crying? This is not a good time to cry. Cam will think I hate the idea of sharing something so permanent with him, and I don’t at all. I’ll never ever regret this.
After composing myself, I give Ethan a stern look. “This conversation stays between us.”
He takes my hand in his. “Of course, Kami.”
“Thank you.”
He nods and tucks a loose strand of his hair back. “Come to the studio after you turn eighteen.”
“Promise.”
“Feel free to leave your sister behind.”
At that, I suppress my smile and walk away.
Little did I know, it would be the last tattoo I’d get and the last time I’d see Ethan.
