TATTOO INK

OPPORTUNITY

I have been an apprentice for two years now,a young woman tattoo artist hungry for experience,hungry for learning all different techniques and tattoo styles.
My mentor Steve trained me and showed me everything that he knew, he is an amazing tattoo artist, appreciated in this culture but I wanted more.
My expertise is New School a style that is cartoonish and wacky and Black and Gray style. I tapped into some other styles but I needed help and my mentor Steve couldn't help me with that,not in the range of mastering them.
I talked to Steve about this and he promised me that he will help me out in a way that he will find a mentor that is suited for my needs and that he is aware of my skills.
I was pretty good at tattooing,some even told me excellent, but being a female tattoo artist is tough. No one takes you seriously and that was getting on my nerves.

I was just finishing up cleaning my work station,well not really mine I shared it with Matt,he was also apprentice here.
Steve approached me from the side,heels of his classy shoes clip-clopped on the tile floor,sound echoed though the shop.
I flipped my blond hair over my shoulder and turned my attention to him.

- Are you done for today?Do you have any more appointments? - He looked excited, smile was creeping on one side of his lips.
- Sadly no... - I pouted looking at the entrance, hoping that client will walk in.
- You got to be kidding! Mika,you are working from the morning, aren't you tired? - by the look Steve was giving me I must be crazy. Maybe I am,but I love what I do.
- Not really... - I shrugged my shoulders making Steve chuckle.
- Come on...let's grab some coffee and talk.
We walked together, side by side,over to the brake room.
- Sit down I'll make the coffee, you always make it for me.
- Of course I do,you are my boss. - I said sitting down at the table. He turned his head and nodded few times.
- You are right...but not for long.
I was shocked, what did he mean by that?
- What? - my voice was low toned.
Steve didn't answer at first, he was busy with coffee and I was getting nervous by the second.
Maybe two minutes passed,to me it seemed longer. Steve placed cup of coffee in front of me and makes himself comfortable on the other side of the table.
- Why are you looking scared? - Steve chuckled.
- You just said that you are not going to be my boss...did I misunderstood you?
- OH that...well we did talk about you getting a new mentor,and I have some news for you.
My lips stretched into a big smile.
- Steve,you found someone? I can't believe it,who is it? - I was so excited, it's about time I move on and learn more.
- That's why I wanted to talk to you before I made any moves and promises to the guy.
- OK,what's the problem? - I was getting confused.
- Mentor that I contacted is my friend, he is the best tattoo artist in the country. I told him about you and he seems interested,he wants to meet you and tutor you.
I was nodding my head listening to what Steve was saying.
- The problem is that his shop is in South Korea in Seoul.
My jaw just dropped. In Seoul?South Korea?
- Are you for real?You are telling me that you found me a mentor on another continent?
- Yes,but...- Steve started talking but I cut him off.
- Wait,in South Korea tattooing is illegal. How will I work there? Do you want me to get arrested or something?
- Kye Jaein...- Steve said and that was enough for me. I almost started screaming from excitement,my hand covered my mouth not letting any sound out. Emotions traveled inside me making me tear up.
- Are you OK? - Steve laughed at my reaction.
Kye Jaein was an amazing tattoo artist, I know his work and I admire him for his talent.
- I'm fine,just give me a minute. I need to process all of this. - I said with my voice trembling.Deep breath in and breath out.
- Mika,this is great opportunity for you.
Steve pointed out,I was very aware of that. This is the opportunity I can't miss out.
- I'm in.
- Great! I will contact him soon as possible and make arrangements for you. Mika,I'm so excited for you and a bit sad that you will be leaving. I bet your clients will miss you,you had many regulars. - Steve sighed. I noticed the sadness in his eyes.
- I'll miss you to,you gave me so much already and now you gave me even more. How on earth will I thank you for all of this?
- Hm...I have an idea. - Steve winked at me.
- What? - I got suspicious,but I know that he is not perverted like that.
- When you come back,you will tutor me. - Steve said and I felt sudden relief. How could I ever doubt this men?
- Deal.
We shook hands.

I couldn't sleep all night, turning left to right,all I could think about is the journey I'm about to take. Millions of questions roamed through my mind.
Next day Steve informed me that I will be leaving in a week and that I should take some time off, to prepare myself for what's coming, to learn Korean so I could communicate easier. I wasn't thrilled about not working, but Steve did have a point, I need to get ready. Only if I knew how this trip was going to change everything. Past that I buried was about to hunt me.