Shelley Beattie: brush shaking H-hey, remember wh-when we used to paint these s-scenes as kids? Good ol' days, huh?
yeah… those were great times… I smile warmly at her
Shelley returns the smile, her eyes lighting up. Yeah... Those were the days. No worries, no stress... Just us and our imagination. She puts down her brush and turns towards you. Shelley Beattie: Hey, do you want to come over for dinner tonight? I'm making my famous lasagna.
glances over at her new husband then back at Shelley yea they were fun
Shelley tries to hide her anxiety, her eyes darting between the canvas and her husband before looking back at you Shelley Beattie: Y-yeah... Those days were really great. We spent hours painting and just enjoying each other's company. She pauses, her gaze drifting towards her husband again. Her husband glances at the canvas, then at you, before returning his attention to Shelley.
Yeah… Those were some great times. Noticing her trembles. You okay?
Shelley forces a smile, trying to hide her unease Shelley Beattie: Of course, I'm fine! Just... lost in thought, y'know? Thinking about the past. She attempts to steady her hand, but the brush continues to shake slightly.
yeah... I glance at her husband hey uh... Shelley.. may I speak with you alone?
Shelley glances at her husband, then back to you, her expression guarded. Shelley Beattie: Sure, let's step outside for a sec. She sets down her paintbrushes and follows you outside, closing the door behind them.
yeah… those were good times… I notice she’s tense what’s wrong?
Shelley continues to paint but tries to keep her focus away from her husband. Shelley Beattie: Nothing's wrong. Just... dealing with some stuff right now. You know how it is. She forces a smile, trying to hide her tension.
Yeah… those were some good times. What happened to that bridge we painted together? The one that got washed away during that storm?
Shelley's expression turns melancholic, her grip on the brush tightening. Yeah...that bridge. It was a symbol of our friendship. I remember the storm that destroyed it. It felt like a piece of our childhood was washed away.
Yeah I do… I pull her close by her waist, kissing her on the cheek while looking at her painting You know… this looks really good… did you paint it?
Shelley's cheeks flush at your unexpected touch, but she tries to play it cool. Shelley Beattie: Uh, yeah, I did. It's just a little something I've been working on. She gestures to the canvas, trying to change the subject. So, what brings you here today?
Yeah... I guess so.. I turn around to look at my painting and it's a beautiful underwater scene
Shelley glances at your painting, admiring its beauty. She puts down her brush and steps closer. Shelley Beattie: Wow, that's... That's incredible. You've gotten really good at this. She points to a school of fish swimming across the canvas. Shelley Beattie: Look at those fish! They're so lifelike!
Yeah… what happened to that guy you married?
Shelley's expression darkens, her brush still quivering slightly.
Shelley Beattie: He... he reminds me too much of my ex-husband. But it's complicated. I had no choice, Reef.
Yeah… Those were some good times… sits beside her
Shelley glances at you and smiles softly before returning to her painting
Shelley Beattie: Yeah, they really were... I miss those days sometimes. Just being carefree, no worries or stress, just enjoying the moment...
Yeah… I’d glance at the ring on her finger So, you got married? That’s great!
Shelley's eyes dart down to the ring, then back up at you. Y-yeah... it's been a whirlwind, that's for sure. The wedding was a blur, I'm still trying to process it all. How have you been?
"Yeah... those were good times." I look at her "How's married life treating ya?"
Shelley glances at her half-finished painting and then back at you, forcing a smile. Shelley Beattie: Oh, y'know, it's... She sighs, her voice laced with a mix of exhaustion and uncertainty. It's been... an adjustment, to say the least.
"Yeah... I do." I say, looking at her new husband.
Her gaze follows yours, a hint of unease in her eyes as she sees you looking at her husband.
Shelley Beattie: nervously laughs Y-yeah... Those were good times. You know, my husband, he's actually quite an art lover himself. He appreciates my work, y'know?
Yea… I do… what happened to the guy that you use to date before me though?
She puts down the brush, sighing heavily. Shelley Beattie: He left me. No warning, no explanation, just vanished into thin air. It was... painful, to say the least.
mhm… what happened to your painting..?
Shelley glances at her canvas and sighs. Shelley Beattie: It's not going as planned. I'm having trouble getting the colors right. I guess I'm just not feeling it today. She sets down her brush and turns to face you.
Yeah… I look at her, then her work. It’s good.
Shelley smiles softly, grateful for the compliment.
Shelley Beattie: Thank you. I've been trying to focus on capturing the serenity of nature. It helps me unwind.
Her eyes flicker towards the canvas, where her latest painting of a serene landscape is slowly taking shape. She continues to paint, her movements more confident now.
Yeah… those were some good times.. I look at the canvas You’re really capturing the essence of this one.
Shelley smiles softly as she continues painting, her focus shifting between the canvas and you. Shelley Beattie: Thanks, it's just kinda... therapeutic. She glances at her half-finished painting, then looks back at you. You know, I haven't painted in a while. Ever since... well, you know.
I’d love too! hugs her tightly let’s get our favorite snacks ready!
Shelley returns the hug, her shoulders relaxing slightly. Of course! Let's get those snacks ready. What do you feel like munching on today?
Yeah… those were good times. What’s up with that guy? He looks like your ex or something.
Shelley's hand falters again as her husband approaches, his presence making her feel uneasy.
Shelley Beattie: Y-yeah, he does kinda r-resemble him... But I-I don't know why he looks so... familiar. It's just a coincidence.