Human Hieroglyphix - Dex & Leila Read Online Free PDF Page A

Human Hiero.  This is Crystal.  How can I help today?" A cheery voice answered the phone at the tattoo shop that I'd been hearing so much about.
    I'd done a lot of research on this subject, number one because it was kind of invasive compared to the other things on my list and, second, because it was number one on my list of things to do. 
    I chose something to really get the gears moving on my transformation; that would symbolize what I was trying to do with my life.  And a tattoo was far and away the most drastic and yet something that would remind me minute by minute, day to day, of what I was doing and why.
    I'd done my research too. 
    There were a lot of tattoo shops in my neck of the woods but our local shop, Human Hieroglyphix, was the most highly rated Tattoo emporium, studio, shop in the Southwestern U. S. since it opened in 2006.
    "Uhm, Hi.  My name is Leila and I was interested in getting a tattoo?"  I choked out.  How could I be nervous with just calling?  Geez.
    "So are you asking for an appointment or for my permission?  Or maybe you're just one of those girls that, like, have a way of making every sentence into, like, a question?" I heard her say with a laugh.
    "An appointment.  I'm looking for an appointment," I said firmly, bravely.
    "So, Leila?  Man, your parents must've been completely ape-shit over Clapton," she said cracking her gum in my ear.
    "I believe it was more of a ancestral name than a statement of popular culture," I said. 
    Oh shit. 
    I had gone into 'brainiac mode' at her gentle teasing. 
    And I knew it was a defense mechanism from all the times I took top honors in anything scholastic whether it was elementary, middle or high school.  Every time my name was announced, I'd inevitably hear the groans or snide remarks of, "Of course , it's Leila."  And it was always and without fail uttered by one of the pretty, popular girls. 
    As a way to defend myself from the hurt their comments made of my achievements, I would speak slower and with longer syllables or more formally.
    Like now.
    Shit.
    "I'm looking to get an appointment for a tattoo, please," I said into the silence of the phone though I know we hadn't been disconnected since I could hear some kind of popular music playing in the background.
    "Well, I've got a two o'clock open on Monday," she said, her voice subdued. 
    Honest to God, I could just kick myself sometimes.
    "I was hoping for something sooner if you've got it."
    "Let me check." and she put me on hold. 
    I hated hold. 
    But, in light of my snippy, smart ass answer to her innocent question about my name, I wasn't surprised.
    She came back to the phone earlier than I would've thought.
    "Okay, Miss Leila, Dex says he can see you tomorrow, Saturday, at four.  That work for you?"
    "Perfect!  Thanks."  And I really was thankful.  As a phone customer she could've scheduled me two months from now.  I was kind of familiar with all sorts of ways people use to avoid being with someone who trounces on their friendliness.
    "Okay, so I've got you written in the book.  It's really important that you keep your appointment or call and let us know at least six hours in advance if you ain't gonna show.  You gonna pick from the books or do you already have a design or flash?"
    "Sorry?  I don't know what a flash is."
    "A flash is what we use to put on your skin to follow the design," she replied and I could hear the sound of a cash register in the background.
    "I have my own design, thanks."  And I did.  I had found a beautiful picture of what I wanted in one of my nature books.
    "Okay so just bring it with you tomorrow along with a photo ID and enough cake to pay, and you're good to go," she said.  I could hear the smile in her voice.  Maybe all was forgiven since I had to ask questions, that I wasn't a such know-it-all.
    "Ah, I'm not sure I know what cake is,"  I said with a stammer.
    "Cake, money, moola, duggets," she explained and I could tell she was trying to hold