At A Glance
Author	Latty
Contact	jellybobnash@yahoo.com
When	It just happened
Artist	Scott
Studio	Tiffini's Tat-2
Location	Altoona, PA

Getting my belly button pierced was a desire that I have had for quite awhile, probably beginning when I was around 14 years old. My best friend Ash and I would talk for hours about the day we would go together to the piercing parlor and have our bodies altered.

It seemed as if the day would never come, but alas, I finally reached the age of 18, and began to excitedly plan for my piercing.

My parents reactions were typical. " What a stupid idea. It's not safe. It's a waste of money. I don't like it. "

I began to feel slightly wary about the idea, and chose to put it off for a while.

Finally, I was chatting with Ash one day, a few days before she would return from college for Spring Break. We spoke about getting together, going out and having some fun. Ash casually mentioned going to the piercing parlor and I felt a flame of excitement rise in my stomach. It seemed like a good time. I had gotten a job, and would be able to afford it, and since Ash would be home, she could accompany me. We made plans to go have my piercing done on the second Saturday she would be home.

The time seemed to fly by, and before I knew it, Ash was at my house, and we were putting our coats on, preparing to head to the Bus Stop to ride to Tiffini's Tat-2, a local piercing and tattoo parlor, well known for clean and friendly service.

I am a naturally nervous person, and I have never been one to deal with pain very well, so I was anxious on the bus. Ash ordered me to relax, told me I had no reason to be afraid.

I thought about it, and realized she was right. It was just a needle in my belly, and it was not as if they were going to put it through my muscle or anything, merely a layer of fat.

I breathed deeply and felt myself calm down.

The bus pulled off a few blocks from Tiffini's, and we got out and walked, enjoying the fresh air and sun.

We approached the door, and I worriedly looked at the windows, afraid that it would be closed. But no, a bright neon pink and green sign glowed, saying " Open ".

I whispered to Ash to open the door, and she did, and I quietly followed her in.

It was warm and neat inside, with a pool table in the center, a jewelry counter off to the side, and far in the back, a room for tattooing. The walls were covered with thousands of bright tattoo designs, and we amused ourselves for a few moments looking at all of them, as we waited for service. A very tiny dog walked in our direction, and barked a few times.

Soon after, a smiling woman in glasses asked how she could help us, and I boldly stepped up to the counter and announced " I'd like my belly button pierced, please. " The woman nodded and turned around to fetch a few papers for me to read and sign.

Ash grinned at me and said " See? You sounded very confident. "

The woman (I never caught her name, actually) had me sign a release form, and then discussed with me proper care of a navel piercing. She asked for my ID, which I handed over and she said " Very good. Have a seat and we'll let you know when he (Scott, the piercer) is ready. "

I didn't really want to sit down, so I looked at the jewelry collection, and chose a surgical stainless steel barbell with a black bead with a picture of a moon and stars. The woman placed it into the sterilizer and I finally sat down.

It seemed like hours before Scott waved me behind the counter to the piercing chair, which looked to me like a pink barber's chair. I asked if Ash could accompany me and hold my hand. They said that would be fine, so I bravely walked behind the counter and sat down.

I nervously asked how bad it was going to hurt, and the woman said I had nothing to worry about. It would barely be felt. I nodded and said Ok, I trust you.

Scott hit a small button on the chair, and it went backwards until I was lying flat. I tugged up my shirt and said, is that all I have to do? They responded yes, and told me to just relax. I grabbed Ash's hand and told her to talk to me. Before she could get a chance, I started babbling on about my cat, Joey, until I felt a cool wetness on my tummy. Scott said " I'm just cleaning your navel ", so I continued.

I kept talking to Ash about Joey, and refusing to look at my stomach. I felt something cold and metal, which was the clamp.

Scott said " Take a deep breath " and I did, and I felt something press on my navel.

I again started talking to Ash when she grinned at me and said " It's in! "

" What!? You're kidding! " I squealed.

I was stunned. I hadn't felt a thing, not even a pinch.

Scott said not to move, and he laced my jewelry in. He wiped off the area, and I asked if it was bleeding, and he said Oh no, I'm just wiping off the antiseptic.

I asked Ash what she thought and she said it looks great!

I got to sit up and looked down at my belly, where I saw shining silver sticking out. I felt immensely pleased and so proud of myself.

I thanked both Scott and the woman a dozen times and got off the chair.

I fairly floated to the counter and handed over 45 dollars.

Ash and I left the parlor and as soon as we got outside, we were both squealing.

" Can you believe it, I'm pierced!! "

" I know!! I'm so proud of you!! "

We giggled and laughed and showed my newly pierced belly off.

I do not regret my piercing in the slightest. I am so happy with the results. I cannot wait until it heals so I can buy lots of pretty new jewelry for it.

My suggestion for people who are scared is to take a good friend along. I don't think I would have done anywhere near as well as I did, had Ash not been with me.

So go for it! It doesn't hurt at all and you'll love it!