They arrived in Tatum. The drive itself was eventful. Darcy had cranked up her music and taught Jane how to dance in her car, then even pointed out that the car could dance by grabbing the steering wheel and making the van veer left and right in time with the music. Darcy had placed a rule on their night out. They were not allowed to speak of anything too 'heavy, science related or technical' and on occasion had vetoed a conversation mid sentence when Jane was speaking. So they talked about celebrities, movies, books and chocolate. Nothing that could actually change the world, as they knew it.
They stopped at a small shopping centre buying supplies and even found Jane a dress. Unlike Darcy's decree it was not slutty 'sex on a stick' it was a classic wrap dress that showed off her curves in a deep red. Jane actually felt like she would wear it again. But Darcy insisted that she buy some accessories to 'tart it up a bit' with bangles, some long silver chains and a pair of peep toe heels. Darcy decreed that she finally felt like she could party with her. Jane, still wondering if she was going to be traumatized by this night for years to come.
They stepped out into the night. Darcy wearing a black strapless dress so short that Jane wondered how she was going to sit down and found a club. They danced and drank the night away. Jane was a terrible wing man, being so far out of her comfort zone. But they danced some more, drank some fancy cocktails and had a great time. It wasn't until they were walking back to the hotel slightly tipsy that the night really did take on different theme.
The pink neon sign in the dark night air was too much for Darcy and she dragged Jane inside the tattoo parlor
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Jane watched Darcy getting her tattoo on her right shoulder. She was not allowed to look upon it, until it was finished. Only then would Darcy reveal what she had permanently placed on her small frame. Although Jane had grown to know Darcy quite well, she still did not expect what she saw. She had envisioned something silly, a small cartoon character maybe. What she found was a quote etched in old fashioned, formal calligraphy 'If music be the food of love, play on'
She thought about the quote but could not place it 'What's that from it sounds familiar?'
'It's from Shakespeare's 'Twelfth Night' Count Orsino says it'
Jane thought about it for a moment 'It's beautiful and very fitting for you. With all that music you're constantly playing on your iPod, you must be looking for a grand affair'
Darcy laughed 'I've seen a grand affair' a poignant look passed between the two 'Now I would like one for myself. What are you getting?'
'Now why would I tell you? You kept me in suspense for over an hour while you had yours done. You will have to wait and see'
Darcy squealed 'You're getting one!' she didn't actually think her friend would be so bold.
The fact was that Jane had been asking herself that exact question the entire time that Darcy was having her tattoo completed, a butterfly or rose. Silly cliché female images were just not her style. It wasn't until she saw the image only minutes before that she knew. She would have to change the design slightly though.