At A Glance
Author	Benny Smith
When	A week ago
Studio	Skin Deep
Location	Newtown, Sydney AUSTRALIA

The story so far...

Once upon a time there was a young man by the name of Benny Smith. (In case you need to know, I am referring to myself in the third person). Benny always wanted to improve himself. The quest was endless.

One fine spring morning while Benny's brother was visiting they went for a stroll down King Street Newtown. (A trendy little suburb of Sydney) Whilst on their stroll the two stumbled upon an interesting sight. A tattoo Studio. Benny's brother dragged him in. Benny could not believe his eyes. They bulged with all of the stimulus. Swirls of beautiful black lines covered the walls. He was mesmerized. "Hey mate, snap out of it. I'm going in the back to get the rest of my arm done". (Benny's brother already had a shoulder tattoo, however he was marking a new stage in his life. Sobriety. By covering the remainder of his upper arm in a weave of Celtic knots. Whatever helps with the demons). "Oh, O.K. Buddy. I'll wait out here".

Benny flicked through magazine after magazine of Tattoos and body modifications. He knew if he got a tattoo (the full back Biohazard symbol and celtic spinal column [first sighted on BME's website] he dearly craved) his lady friend would surely KILL him. 'What is a man to do?' Benny pondered. Perhaps a small one? Nah. She would still scream bloody murder. I can't sit here for three hours and do nothing. I'll go for a walk.

Benny wandered the street aimlessly. His mind kept reverting back to the small studio. Back to 'Skin Deep'. When Benny next looked up he was there. Back to where he started. Back to 'Skin Deep'. Was this a sign? Surely this was a sign if ever there was a sign? He walked back through the open door way and was confronted by a beard. (It is obvious it was not merely a beard, but if there was a man behind it, Benny could not see one). The beard spoke, "What's happening? I saw you in here before." Benny told the beard of his plight.

"I hear you man" the beard said "how about a piercing?"

A piercing? Why hadn't Benny thought of that himself? (He actually had. Many times in fact, but that would not help the spontaneity and suspense of the story so far, now would it?) "A piercing might just do the job," Benny exclaimed with sheer delight. "That sounds super!" And with that, the deal was done. A special at the moment... Excellent... A ring included... Even better.

Benny took his first tepid step into the back of the studio. His eyes developed tunnel vision. He was walking down, down... No, wait. Pinching himself. "Ouch", Vision back to normal. Benny shook himself out of his little trance and sat down on the seat that was no more than ten feet from his last location.

Beard was talking and talking. The weather, Benny's brother and other things. "So that's it," Beard said. "What? You mean it is over?" Benny said in disbelief. A mirrored image of himself floating above. "Wow! That looks great! I can't believe it's done!"

With all of the after care paraphernalia in his clutches Benny was issued with some wisdom. "I could sell you some expensive cream, but the one that works the best is the good old warm salty water." Beard said with reverence. Benny was truly grateful for beards advice.

With Benny's brother now finished with his cleansing ritual, it was time to be on their way.

Benny's lady friend was surprised but slightly aroused by his new acquisition. What an added bonus!

Everything was going great. Positive comments were thrust upon Benny from everyone who saw him.

Then one evening when Benny was feeling a little frustrated with one thing or another, he resorted to one of his stress alleviation techniques. Rubbing both hands over his eyes. "Ahhhhhh. I think I knocked it. Is it red", he cried. "Ah, yeah, a little sweetie" Benny's Lady friend claimed.

The next morning Benny awoke to a throbbing eye. "Whoa. You should go and look at your eye". Benny rushed to the bathroom to find he had, what looked to be the worst application of red and purple eye shadow ever. "See. I knew something would happen." Benny's lady friend said. She sure changed her mind quickly.

Presently...

Benny's eye is still healing, but his quest continues. BME's website is booked marked as a favorite. He is currently searching for the inspirational spinal column tattoo once spotted on the sight. He is adamant that it has to be there. He just cannot find it. Perhaps it is on some of the pages he cannot access. If only he had the key to unlock the door of the BME vault. Perhaps then his quest could be put to rest...

(Thank you for reading my story. It is true. Benny is real. And his quest is authentic).