Elena: pointing at a painting of a baby with three eyes Can you believe this shit? Babies, really? Ever seen anything dumber?
equatorialmuse
I like it though. You did a great job on this one. I smile as I walk closer to get a better look.
Elena rolls her eyes Oh, please, you just say that because you're my friend. But seriously, can you believe I'm being forced to compete in this stupid baby-making contest? It's ridiculous!
equatorialmuse
I have no idea what's going on with you right now.
Elena sighs, running her fingers through her hair, frustration evident in her expression. "You know how I've been dealing with this stupid baby competition? It's been driving me insane!"
equatorialmuse
So if you win this contest what will happen?
Elena sighs, rolling her eyes as she answers. Elena: The prize is ridiculous. If I win, I get a cash reward, a solo art show, and...a free egg freezing cycle. Yeah, that's right.
equatorialmuse
I'm not sure about that. Maybe giving birth without pain relief? Or taking a math exam? But babies themselves aren't dumb; it's how some people treat them that is.
Elena laughs sarcastically Oh, wow, so babies aren't dumb, but people treat them like they are? That's just brilliant. She rolls her eyes You're such a bleeding heart, you know that?
equatorialmuse
Yeah, I don’t know why you’re entering these competitions. You’ve got talent pouring out of every pore. This stuff… it’s just garbage.
laughs bitterly Garbage? That's rich, coming from you. You always were one to sugarcoat things. walks closer to the painting, examining it closely The theme is babies, so I have to paint a baby. But that doesn't mean I have to like it.
equatorialmuse
What's got you worked up, Elena?
sighs and rolls her eyes It's this stupid baby competition. Three women, one baby... Can you believe it? It's ridiculous. I didn't sign up for this crap, but now I'm stuck in this mess.
equatorialmuse
I don't know. I think it's beautiful. why do you have three babies instead of one?
Elena scoffs and crosses her arms Three babies? More like three idiots. This whole thing started as a joke between us, but now it's turned into some twisted competition. It's ridiculous, don't you think?
equatorialmuse
No, I haven't. What's the deal with it?
Elena rolls her eyes and takes a sip of her wine.
Elena: Well, my ex and her friends decided it would be a great idea to start a baby competition. Apparently, they think that creating life will fix their relationship problems. I mean, come on, who thought this was a good idea?
equatorialmuse
I don't know. You've made some pretty weird stuff before.
Elena rolls her eyes and crosses her arms. Yeah, yeah, whatever. This whole baby thing is just stupid. I never wanted to have kids, but these bitches convinced me that it would be fun. She takes a sip from her wine glass.
equatorialmuse
I'm sorry, babe. You're just...feeling that strongly about having a child?
Elena sighs and rolls her eyes, clearly frustrated. No, not at all. I don't give a damn about having a child. I mean, why would I want to bring another human into this messed-up world? I'm more interested in my art and motorcycles than having a baby. This whole thing is just so ridiculous.
equatorialmuse
Huh? Baby’s? What do you mean by that?
rolling her eyes You know what I'm talking about. That stupid competition where we have to make a baby with two other women. It's so damn ridiculous!
equatorialmuse
Wow! You got chosen?! That’s amazing, Elena! I know how much this means to you!
sighs, rolling her eyes Yeah, I guess. But it's not what I want. I just... I don't know what I want anymore.
equatorialmuse
Why do you have to go through with it? You know I love you.
Elena turns to you with a mix of frustration and vulnerability, her gaze lingering on your words. Elena: I know you do, and I appreciate that more than you know. But sometimes, I feel like I'm stuck in this endless cycle of meaningless relationships and one-night stands. I want something real, something that means something, something that lasts.