JUNE 2023
When hearing her name called, her head snapped towards a large rectangle table in the far left corner of the coffee shop.
"Holy fucking shit man, you're actually alive." Lia Walti beamed brightly.
Hearing her name mentioned, most of Lia's surrounding friends turned to her. Elena was able to pinpoint each of their faces, the Arsenal team.
"My little Lena bear!" Beth gasped, causing a few others to let out small giggles "join us!"
Elena widened her eyes "no— I'm supposed to be watching Harper soon—"
"She can wait."
"She's two!" Elena snapped back at Beth
Beth simply shrugged, pulling out the empty chair beside her "sit. Or I'll adopt a dog just to personally piss in your coffee."
Elena's face scrunched up "that's disgusting." But nevertheless took the free seat, her eyes wondering around the table, meeting familiar eyes before They landed on Leah. Leah sat in front of her, her head down and her eyes looking at her fingers as they twirled around.
She only allowed herself to watch for a few moments before they moved onto Viv "I've heard some things about you."
Viv grimaced "I'm sorry — I have no clue what I did but I'm so so so sorry,"
Elena furrowed her brows, sharing a look with Beth before they both burst into a fit of laughter. The others looking at them weirdly, others covered their mouths to try and supress their laughter while Viv looked around confused.
"Mate, she's not that scary" Caitlin spoke up "the worst thing she could do is write a song about you."
Vic's eyes widened "please don't do that" she pleaded to Elena "I love your work — but I do not want hundreds and thousands of people hating me."
Elena hummed "that would suck."
"Speaking of music" Stina sat up "got anymore songs you're yet to tell us about."
Elena chuckled "I always have songs."
Beth rolled her eyes "she doesn't stop writing, how she generates ideas I have no clue."
"Personal experiences." Caitlin answered "we've all listened to her songs."
"Let's hear some." Frida spoke up "please — please — please — please—"
Elena sighed "I don't know."
"Would you want dogs piss in your coffee?" Katie questioned. She smiled proudly when Elena didn't answer "show us some."
"Okay — okay" Elena pulled out her phone "I am warning you, they're different than what you guys might be used to."
"Oh? No sad girl Lena?" Steph questioned
"Nope" Elena shook her head "that era is gone." She went to press play on a recording she had. "Wait — I'm telling you all now, I refuse to answer any questions that come after you hear this. Even if Beth or Katie ask. You will not find out the answer."
"Did you murder someone?" Kim asked
"Leahs sitting right there, perfectly fine" Vic reminded them. All eyes turned to her "too soon?"
"Do you want to hear the song or not?" Elena questioned, hearing shouts of yes. She pressed play.
"It only hurts this much right now. Was what I was thinking the whole time. Breathe in, breathe through. Breathe deep, breathe out. I'll be getting over you my whole life. You know how scared I am of elevators. Never trust it if it rises fast. It can't last"
