08/15/04 – About 8pm
At A Glance Author Brandon Contact Brandon@bme.anon When It just happened Artist Doc Studio Cherry Bomb Location Spring Hill, FL I had picked up my friend Nikki for a night out on the town. She was leaving a week from then, so I wanted to see her for probably the last time. As usual in my town, there was nothing to do. We drove around, went to Wal-Mart, and other various places. I had made my way South on U.S. 19 for about 10-15 miles then turned around. I proceeded to go North on U.S. 19 for god knows how far. With nothing to do and nothing to talk about we drove in silence, until a bright neon sign caught my eye. "Open" it was the sign to Cherry Bomb Tattoos. I had been meaning to visit and get a quote on my first professional tattoo. I slammed on my brakes and veered right onto a little side street. The parking lot was pretty empty, so with my fingers crossed I looked at the shop hours. The sign said it closed at 10. We walked in to find lonely Doc sitting on the chair and reading. I talked to him about my tattoo and he gave me a price quote. Excitedly, I asked him if you could do it that night. He explained to me that the shop really closed at 9pm instead of 10pm. Disappointed, I talked more about my future plans for my body art.
I had remembered vaguely wanting to get my nipples pierced when I had first turned 18. I had researched it and talked to many people that have had the procedure done. A majority of the people (guys and gals) said that it was THE most painful piercing you can get. People told me the story of "their friends boyfriend" (or a slight variation) that was big and buff and never let anything faze him, passed out or cried. A lot of piercing technicians told me that 80% of the people don't have the second nipple done because it simply hurts too much. This fazed me for a few months until the idea faded.
Now put in the situation of actually being in the tattoo parlor and wanting my nipples pierced I decided "If he can do it tonight, I'll do it." I nervously asked him if I could have it done that night and how much it was. It was very reasonably priced, so I said lets do it. He asked me to have a seat for a minute while he got his things together and sterilized. Doc and I went outside in the warm night air for a cigarette. He could probably tell I was nervous because my hands were shaking and I was pacing around. He told me that he was very quick with the needle and most people tell him it wasn't as bad as they thought it would be. Man... That cigarette seemed to last 30 minutes I was so nervous. Reluctantly I stomped it out and walked inside. He asked me to come to the back room and have a seat. He explained to me how he was going to do the procedure and how everything was sterilized. He also told me how to look for myself if the things were sterilized, incase I went to another shop and they didn't show me. He opened the needle packages. My nervousness peaked! Those needles looked absolutely huge. He had me stand up while he used he digital caliper to make sure he was marking straight holes (something you don't see from most "professionals"). After marking and cleaning the mark about 5 times, he got them nice and straight. I laid back on the table and closed my eyes. He clenched the first nipple (which I would find out hurt more than the needle). He asked me to breathe in and out. On the second time he had pierced the hole. The worst part was actually HEARING the skin pop a little. The pain lasted no more than 10 seconds. He was very quick with the needle and putting the jewelry in. Not only was he quick, but careful, safe and professional. He went ahead and did the second one, and again it didn't hurt for more than 10 seconds. Being my first real (non ear) piercing, I stood up and got a rush. The adrenaline was flowing.
I looked myself over in the mirror, happy with my new change. I grabbed my shirt from Nikki. We went to the lobby and talked for a while. He explained how to properly take care of my new piercing and I got some after piercing lotion. He gave me care instructions and a hand shake. I was very pleased with the service and professionalism I got from Doc. I went back the next day to get my tattoo. Finally here I am with my first real tattoo and a non ear piercing.
- Brandon