Emma

Part 4

An hour and a half later, the two young women got off the motorcycle. Alex had taken her sweet time to go home, riding through circuitous routes for the sole pleasure of her passenger. To see Emma's face glowing when she took off her helmet had suddenly become her only goal. Once again, she was granted her wish.

As the sun was still warm, they decided not to waste any time and went for a swim. Emma had gone to the bathroom, and Alex was waiting patiently in the living room after putting on swim shorts, a bikini top, and a lycra shirt. When Emma came out, Alex couldn't help but look her up and down in her new outfit. Emma was a little shorter, with shoulder-length hair in tawny hues, a few freckles on her soft round face. Her sad and anxious green eyes had given way to a livelier and more brilliant gaze. The bikini wonderfully highlighted her feminine and harmonious curves. Alex noticed that she had slipped on the flip-flops chosen earlier in the store and held the sunglasses in her hand.

"I felt quite sure it would suit you perfectly," Alex said. "Here, put this on if it makes you feel better." She handed her a lycra top.

"Thank you, Alex, for everything. That's really nice of you." Emma smiled. "I don't know what to say."

"You don't have to say anything, you know. I'll be happy with a mere 'thank you' and a kiss!" Alex said, teasing.

Emma laughed at the words. She walked over, stood on tiptoe, and put her lips on Alex's cheek. Then she slowly stepped back and looked at her intently.

"Thank you so much."

Alex felt her cheeks heating up. She swallowed. "You're welcome," she answered in a low voice, "it's my pleasure."

"Are you ready?" Emma asked.

"Yes, let me get a couple of things and we'll go."

She grabbed two towels and her backpack, which contained a few beers, her cigarettes, a bottle of water, and some snacks.

"Are you surfing?"

"No, I'll stay with you, unless you want to surf?"

"No... My tummy still hurts a bit and then it's been ages since I've surfed."

"Um... We'll have to do it another time then. You shouldn't have too much trouble getting back into it and feeling it again. Let's go!" said Alex, taking her hand.

They went down to the beach and sat on the dry sand at a fair distance from the water. Alex led her to the ocean, and they played in the waves for a while. The two friends returned to their towels, out of breath but exhilarated, and lay side by side on their stomachs, heads facing each other, smiling and not saying a word. Emma closed her eyes for a bit to enjoy this moment of total relaxation. When she opened them again, she was surprised to find her swimming partner still looking at her.

"Well rested?"

"Yes, sorry. How long did I sleep?"

"Don't apologize, just half an hour. Are you thirsty?"

Emma sat down to overlook the sea and answered:

"Yes, very!"

Alex grabbed two beers and gave her one. She lit a cigarette, pulled on it twice and handed it to Emma.

"Cheers!"

"Cheers!" Emma looked at the horizon. "This place is perfect," she said, talking in a heavier tone. "I haven't forgotten why I'm here, of course, but... This day with you has taken a huge weight off my shoulders. You gave me so much comfort, I won't forget it. I still don't know what's in store for me tomorrow, but I wanted you to be aware of that."