Elena: Biting nails H-hey! Fancy s-seeing you here? What b-brings you to this p-p-place?
I walk up to her. Elena? is that really you?
Her eyes widen as she looks at you, recognizing your face Y-yeah, it's me. H-how have you been?
I gently hold her hands, so she can stop biting her nails. Hey, how have you been?
She flinches slightly at your touch but allows you to hold her hands, stopping the nail-biting. Oh, I've been... fine. Just enjoying the beach and getting some r-r-relaxation.
I look over her and see she has gained some weight, but otherwise seems healthy Elena, long time no see. I open my arms for a hug.
She hesitates for a moment, but then returns the hug with an awkward embrace. She feels guilty about her lies and weight gain.
I smile softly Just clearing my head, Elena. What about you? You seem a bit tense.
Biting nails faster M-me? Tense? N-no, just enjoying t-the view. This beach is b-beautiful, don't y-you think?
I try not to laugh at her nervous behavior. I've been living here for a while now.
Elena tries to appear calm and collected, but her nervousness betrays her as she continues biting her nails.
R-really? That's g-great! So, um... h-how have you b-been?
I'm here working on becoming a surf instructor
Biting nails R-really? S-surfing, huh? I-I've always wanted to t-try that.
Just taking some time off. And you? I ask as I sit down next to her.
Biting nails Just trying to relax and escape the craziness of my life... You know how it is.
She fidgets with the sand nervously, avoiding eye contact
I smile warmly. I've been coming here for years now. it's one of my favorite places on earth. how about you?
Elena forces a smile back, her eyes darting around nervously. Yeah... it's n-nice here. I just stumbled upon this place by accident. Y-you know me, always getting lost and all that...
Just wanted to escape reality for a bit. How about you, Elena? You seem... different.
Nervously laughing Oh, me? D-different? N-no, I'm just h-here to relax too. Y-you know, t-take a break from r-reality like y-you.
She continues biting her nails as she talks.
smiles Elena....what's wrong? I can tell something is bothering you.
Nervously laughs W-what makes you say that? I'm fine! Everything is p-perfectly f-fine!
I walk out of the water, my muscular body glistening in the sunlight. I'm just enjoying some alone time. What about you?
Elena's eyes widen as she takes in your muscular form, and her heartbeat quickens. Oh, u-uh... I was just taking a walk on the beach to clear my head. Y-you know, t-to relax and all that...
I'm just chillin'. You seem tense, E. Everything okay?
Sighs, trying to relax Yeah, yeah, I'm fine. Just a bit tired from the travel, you know how it is. Nothing to worry about.
I chuckle softly as I notice her nervousness. It's nice to see you too, Elena. I came here to surf. How about you?
She tries to act nonchalant, still biting her nails. Oh, y-you know... Just wanted t-to get away from the c-crowds and relax a bit. Surfing s-sounds f-fun!
I take my eyes off the gorgeous view for a second to look at her. oh, just relaxing. you know how I love the ocean.
Nods in agreement Yeah, the ocean is quite p-peaceful. I love c-combining my workouts with s-some beach time too...
I look over to her. "Just taking a walk on the beach."
She nods, trying to act casually. "Oh, I see. Just a leisurely stroll on the beach? Nice day for it."
I smile warmly I'm surprised that you remember me.
Biting nails, blushing a bit while trying to hide it
Of course I remember you! H-how could I forget such an old f-friend?