The Tattoo Experiment

Chapter 1

This is the "wax on, wax off" book. By that, I mean that I have tried to upload it so many times and then decided that I have zero ideas for the plot progression. I promise you that I now have the perfect storyline and won't be taking it down anymore . . . So, without further ado, I present to you: The Tattoo Experiment (Brendon Urie) by yours truly,

Kirsten :) 

"Cassie Houston, to the main office, please. Cassie Houston, the main office." This was it. This was when it all began: sitting in my fourth period English class, hoping to God that I wasn't in trouble. In trouble for what? I had no idea. I wasn't one to cause trouble. I was more of a book worm, hiding away to do homework rather than going out with friends.

Slowly, I raised out of my seat and walked towards the door. Before I could leave, Mrs. Weir, my English teacher, stopped me. "Cassie, you should bring your bag, in case it takes a while." Of course, this comment only made me worry more about what the office could possibly need with me. Did Mrs. Weir know something I didn't?

I sauntered back to my desk, shoved my binder into my backpack, and put my pen behind my ear. I then turned and strolled out of the room, until I hit the hallway, where I started running. Maybe it was the fact that I was self-conscious and naive that made me so nervous, but I couldn't help feeling a wrenching in my gut. I ran until I got to the front entrance, slowing only so passing teachers wouldn't yell at me.

When I entered the main office, Mr. McConaughey, the principle of my school, was waiting for me. I shook his hand and followed him into his office silently. "Hello, Cassie." He smiled at me, taking a seat behind his big mahogany desk. "You know why you're here, yes?" At this I shook my head vigorously, afraid that if I opened my mouth, no words would come out. "Well, as you've probably heard, there is a senior trip happening in two weeks. We were supposed to have thirty students; however, there were a few that have decided not to attend last minute. At the moment, we have four spots available, and I thought that you would make a great candidate. It might help you get out of your shell a little bit and relax before final exam season. What do you say?"

I thought for a second, what could I gain from this experience? I was a good student, but this trip wasn't studious. After a few minutes of careful consideration, I decided that maybe Mr. McConaughey was right. I needed a vacation. "Alright. What do I need to get signed? Does it cost anything?"

"It's free of charge. All you've got to do is sign this letter of consent, and you're set to go. We leave on the twelfth, see you there." Mr. McConaughey smiled and pulled a permission slip out of his desk. I took the form and walked calmly out of the office, happy that I wasn't in any sort of trouble, and that I would get to go to New York for free.

*****

"Oh my God! You get to go on the senior trip?" My best friend, Allison Rickman, screeched at me as we walked home from school that day. "Only a hand-picked, select few get to go. I'm so jealous. And you don't even have to pay!" I was still in shock that Mr. McConaughey would choose me to go on an elite student trip.

"I know, I'm really excited. I can't believe that McConaughey chose me. I can't believe I even got noticed, for someone as boring and shy as myself." I laughed, knowing that it was true, and not knowing that it was all about to change in an instant.

All I had left to do was convince my mom that it was a good idea. When I walked through the front door, I knew something was off. I could hear a faint cry of laughter coming from the kitchen; since when did my mom ever cook?

"Mom?" I yelled, taking off my shoes and backpack. "I'm home!"

"Oh, hey Cass." My mom smiled at me as I turned into the kitchen. The sight before me stopped me dead in my tracks: my mom and some guy were sitting on the counter drinking wine and making pasta.

"Who the hell . . ?" I started, not knowing what to say about the middle-aged man who was sitting in my kitchen.

"Hi, I'm Michael." He hopped off the counter and stuck out his hand. Ignoring him, I glared at my mother suspiciously. "I should go," Michael mumbled awkwardly.

"Yeah, you should never have come in the first place." I sneered under my breath, turned on my heel and ran up to my bedroom.

"Castella!" My mom yelled angrily after me. "I'm so sorry, Michael. Can we do this another time?" I heard her say from the comfort of my room. The front door closed and I flopped onto my queen-sized bed. How could she? Who was this Michael, and why would she even consider dating him?

Shortly after, there was a knock on my door. "Come in." I sighed, sitting up and facing my mom as she walked into the room.

"What was that all about, Castella?" My mom asked, sitting down beside me. She should know. There's nothing worse than having to explain your anger and sadness to someone who doesn't share it.

"What about dad? Don't you care what he would think? Do you even know this Michael guy?" I rushed out, tears pricking at the back of my eyes. I forced them down and watched my mother carefully.

"Your father would be happy that we have moved on with our lives. I love him, but he's not here anymore." I wasn't ready to hear those words, not after a year. I always thought that I would get over it before my mom. "Yes, I know Michael really well. He works with me every day, so it wasn't a surprise that he and I started to get close after what happened. I should have told you, but I wasn't sure how you would take it."

"I miss him." I cried into my mom's shoulder. I couldn't hold back the tears anymore, it hurt too much.

"I know, Stel, I do too." She smiled weakly and held me in her arms until I was finished crying.

"On a happier note," I said, wiping my eyes and laughing meekly. "Mr. McConaughey invited me on the senior trip."

"Really? Where is it?" The skeptical look that she gave me was not a good sign. I took a breath, and let it out slowly.

"New York?" It came out as more of a question than an answer. My mom raised an eyebrow and thought for a moment. I prayed that she'd say yes, but expected her to say no.

"Alright, you can go. Just don't get hurt, you're my only child. I can't just make new ones, you know." She laughed, gave me a hug and walked out of my room. That was easier than I thought it would be. I guess she was feeling bad for the whole dad thing . . .