For some reason, over the following days I couldn't shake the feeling that someone was watching me — even stalking me. At school, at home, at the club — it was the same everywhere. I had never been a full-blown paranoid, but after that message on my window… something had truly changed. In me, too.
Collins managed to find out something interesting. According to him, Dora would never admit to what she'd done. It didn't quite match her status either — after all, her family was just as influential as Christopher's. But Kate mentioned that she had once noticed a strange spray can for painting in her sister's room. Presumably red. It was hard to believe that Dora would dirty her delicate hands with something like that. She always made others do things for her. But this wasn't exactly the kind of task you could easily delegate.
Today my mom was finally coming back from her business trip, and because of such an important occasion, I even skipped the seventh period — gym class. Our teacher was great and understanding, and I'd already passed all my fitness requirements, unlike some of my classmates who skipped the class altogether. I bought all sorts of treats at the store, including my mom's favorite tangerines, changed my clothes, and started preparing everything. When it came to cooking, I definitely took after my dad. It was probably one of the few things I was truly good at.
A business trip to Switzerland — just amazing. I wished I could be in my mom's place, strolling through Swiss streets and simply enjoying life. But unfortunately, all I could do was listen to her fascinating stories when we finally sat together in the kitchen, happily devouring the food I'd prepared.
But what surprised me most was the gift she brought from Switzerland. A set of drawing ink from my mom — a woman who had always dismissed drawing as a pointless activity. What had happened to her on that trip? I wasn't just shocked — I was completely stunned.
"Well, I definitely didn't expect that from you," I laughed sincerely, hugging my mom tightly.
"Well, you know, I realized that drawing isn't such a useless activity after all," my mom admitted, surprising even herself. "And also, Lily, I want to get a pet."
"Who are you and what have you done with my mother?" First the strange gift, now this crazy idea. The woman who came back from Switzerland was definitely not the same person. Maybe aliens had abducted her.
"A cat or a dog?"
"A cat," I nodded eagerly. Sorry, puppies — I just loved cats more, so the choice was obvious.
"And one more thing," Mom suddenly added, raising her index finger as if remembering something, and pulled something out of her purse. "Your bike misses you."
And that was probably the best gift of the day. My beloved motorcycle — I'd missed it so much. It looked like my punishment had expired, and my A's in biology probably helped too. The biology teacher had likely put in a good word for me as well. For the moment, I managed to forget all the problems that had appeared in my life in such a short time. And honestly, it felt great.
For some reason, the tattoo studio was almost empty today. There were very few visitors, and not all of them even made it to the chair to get a tattoo. Most of the time, I just sat alone, glancing sadly at the glass shelves filled with designs — until Katherine suddenly appeared on the stairs.
"Hi," she greeted cheerfully, stepping inside while looking around uncertainly.
"Kate?" I got up eagerly from my seat, stretching my fingers as if preparing for another tattoo. "Good to see you."
"I actually came to get a tattoo," Collins's friend said, giving me a friendly hug.
"Really?" I was genuinely surprised for a moment. "Pick whichever one you like."
Slowly laying out all the necessary tools on the table, I occasionally glanced at the girl, who was admiring the shelves of designs with clear excitement. Of all people, Kate was the last one I expected to get a tattoo. But apparently, I had been very wrong.
"Actually, I've already chosen," she said, pulling something out of her — most likely designer — bag. Despite the price of her clothes and accessories, her style wasn't particularly impressive. Unlike her sister, who dressed elegantly. Kate stood in front of me wearing a white sweater with deer on it, worn-out jeans, and green sneakers that didn't match at all. Her blonde hair was neatly braided. Handing me the paper, Katherine watched my reaction. It showed a beautifully drawn inscription in a language I didn't recognize. The lines were complex, but I wasn't exactly talentless either.
"Why did you decide to work here?" I always liked to chat while applying tattoos — it helped distract clients from the pain — so I was glad the blonde asked the question.
"I just love drawing," I admitted honestly. To be fair, I didn't really know what else to say. This profession simply fascinated me, and I wanted to be part of it.
"Christopher likes drawing too," Katherine said enthusiastically, studying the room's interior. "By the way, he's been unusually cheerful these past few days. Any idea why?"
"No idea," I smirked slightly. "Did he say anything?"
"No," she replied shortly, shaking her head. "That's why I'm asking you."
I didn't even notice how quickly time passed or how fast a neat inscription appeared on Kate's wrist, surrounded by slightly reddened skin. She admired her hand and sincerely thanked me, calling me a true professional.
"You're not heading home yet?" she asked, already preparing to leave.
"No," I sighed sadly, resting my chin on my hand.
"Alright," Katherine said goodbye and left the studio, leaving me alone again. Actually — no, I completely forgot about Mr. Smoke.
"Lily!" he exclaimed cheerfully, handing me a white envelope. "Here's your paycheck."
"Already?" My eyebrows shot up in surprise. Time had flown by.
"Every two weeks, remember?" he reminded me. I quickly peeked inside. Two thousand — my mouth dropped open in delight. I was rich.
"That much?"
"It's fine. And Lily, you can head home already," Smoke added after a short pause. "I doubt anyone else will come today."
"Goodbye!" I changed out of my work clothes at lightning speed and rushed downstairs, hoping to catch Kate still in the club, but she was already gone. Sighing heavily, I headed toward my bike when my phone suddenly buzzed.
"Make something to eat, I'll be late today," the message from my mom read. I quickly replied and climbed onto my iron horse. Of course I'd cook something — as if I had a choice. It had become my responsibility to handle everything around the house since Mom worked from morning till night.
I pulled away at a moderate speed. Even though evening hadn't yet fallen, the streetlights were already dimly lighting my way. The road was surprisingly empty — just me, like a free bird, racing along it. Speed — that was what truly gave me incredible pleasure. My motorcycle played an important role in my life, making me feel something genuinely wild.
I didn't even understand how it happened.
At one moment, the tire burst loudly, the bike began to skid across the road, leaving clear tracks behind. And the next moment, I was lying on my back, unable to move. My thoughts spun wildly in my head, pounding against my temples — and then everything went dark as I lost consciousness.