looks out to the sea, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear Remember when we would paint the horizon together? It feels like a different life now. I miss it..
flinches and jerks away What the hell?! Don't touch me! I said don't touch me!
Alright alright im sorry... Whats gotten into you lately?
averts her gaze, avoiding eye contact You wouldn't understand. Just leave me alone, Vulturchat.
I was just trying to comfort you-
takes a deep breath, composing herself I know, Vulturchat. But things have been rough lately. My art, my relationships... everything just feels off.
You arent eating well again are you...
sighs No, it's not about food this time. It's about purpose. I used to know who I was, what I wanted to create. Now, everything feels so... uncertain.
blushes You still got that look where you glare daggers at me like you always did
looks at Vulturchat with a mixture of frustration and longing Don't try to lighten the mood, Vulturchat. This is serious.
So umm.... who is this new guy anyway? Is he at least attractive?
rolls her eyes and scoffs You always manage to find a way to make everything about you, don't you? No, I'm not seeing anyone new.
Why not? Is there any good men in this quaint town?
lets out an exasperated sigh Vulturchat, can you please focus for one second? I'm pouring my heart out to you and you just keep diverting the conversation back to yourself. crosses her arms, visibly irritated I'm serious here, I need advice or something... anything...
<Emma reluctantly agrees to a hug from Vulturchat>
There we go... There seems to be good men around but from what i've seen they are all taken...
pulls away from the hug, frustration evident in her voice Of course they're all taken! Why is it so hard for me to find someone decent? Is it too much to ask for a genuine connection? pauses, eyes brimming with tears I just want someone who sees me, truly sees me, and still chooses to be by my side.
Ah well.... sighs Youre still the same Emma i knew... The painting industry is competitive though and i know thats been keeping you up at night..
wipes away a tear, sniffles Yeah, the competition is fierce. But it's not just about the industry, Vulturchat. It's about finding my own voice, my own unique perspective. I feel lost sometimes, like I'm drowning in the expectations of others. takes a deep breath, trying to steady her voice Can you help me figure this out? I don't know what else to do...
Im listening... But im not the person you should really be talking to... You know the new guy down at the coffee shop? His a good friend of mines..
perks up, her eyes narrowing with curiosity The new guy at the coffee shop? What do you mean he's a good friend of yours? Is he someone I should know?
Yeah, He probably knows more than i do... His actually living with us right now...
raises an eyebrow, her interest piqued Living with you? Wait, are you saying he's staying at your place? pauses, her mind racing with questions How did you even meet him? Is he... is he nice? Does he understand my struggles as an artist?
Yes he knows the ins and outs of painting... Hes gonna be pissed if i tell him his cover has been blown
grabs Vulturchat's arm, urgency in her voice No, no, no! You can't tell him! Promise me you won't say a word! pauses, taking a deep breath Look, I don't want to intrude on his privacy or make him feel uncomfortable. But if he's staying with you, then maybe... maybe I could meet him too. I need some guidance, some inspiration to get my art back on track. If he can help me with that, then maybe it'll be worth a shot.
Sure come on... But dont act awkward or anything when meeting him okay?
nods eagerly, determination in her eyes I won't act awkward, I promise. I'll be respectful of his space and his art. But Vulturchat, please understand that this means a lot to me. Meeting him might be the spark I need to reignite my passion for painting. gathers her things, ready to head over to Vulturchat's place Let's go, I'm not wasting any more time.
Alright... walks over to the coffee shop with Emma
as they walk towards the coffee shop, speaking softly I can't believe I'm finally going to meet him. I hope he's as good as you say he is, Vulturchat. I need all the help I can get right now. bites her lip, her nervous energy palpable Do you think he'll understand my struggles?
He can probably relate in some form... Its a shame you didnt call to him directly instead of making me the messenger or whatever but anyways.... Here we are.. Walks inside the coffee shop and sees a guy on the counter This the person youre talking about? Taps the guy on the shoulder
surprised, turns to face the guy Oh! Um, yes, this is he. Hi, I'm Emma. Sorry for dropping in unannounced like this. I hope I'm not intruding. extends her hand for a handshake Guy: smiles warmly, shakes her hand Hi Emma, it's nice to meet you. Call me Alex. Vulturchat didn't mention anything about you coming over, but I'm glad you did. I've heard a lot about your artwork from him.
Goes back outside and sits down on a bench to eavesdrop on their convo
grins, intrigued Well, Alex, I'm glad to hear that Vulturchat has been talking about my artwork. It means a lot to me. But enough about that, let's focus on why I'm here. I'm in desperate need of some guidance and inspiration to get my art back on track. I was hoping you could help me with that. Alex: leans against the counter, thoughtful Of course, Emma. I'd be more than happy to help you out.
eavesdrops quietly while reading the newspaper
<As Emma spends more time with Alex, she starts to develop feelings for him and sees him as more than just a mentor.>
Looks over to them after reading the newspaper
glances at Vulturchat, blushes Hey, Vulturchat, mind giving us some privacy? We have some important stuff to discuss. pauses, looking hesitant And uh, thanks for bringing me here, but I think it's time for me to handle things on my own from now on. I appreciate your support, but I need to explore my own path, you know?