A Sky Full of Stars

Chapter 2 - Lena - The Bond of Friendship

Lena slumped over her coffee, her bleary eyes half-hidden by tangled brown hair. Dark circles underscored her exhaustion, and her pale skin seemed to glow in the dim light of the coffee shop. Tumi burst into the coffee shop, the bell above the door jingling, and the scent of fresh paint and turpentine trailing behind her. She bounced into the booth, her eyes sparkling with excitement, and a mischievous grin spreading across her face. Her bright pink dress and nose ring made her a vibrant contrast to Lena's tired demeanour.

"Hey, writer girl! You look like you've been up all night... or maybe you just rolled out of bed and stumbled here. Either way, I'm impressed."

Lena groaned, her hands cradling her head as if to ward off the impending doom. Tumi's teasing tone was a familiar comfort, a reminder of the late-night coffee sessions they'd shared while working on their respective art and writing projects.

"Tumi, I'm dying. My book is killing me."

Tumi snorted, a burst of laughter escaping her lips, and she leaned back in her chair, her eyes sparkling with amusement. Tumi's laughter was infectious, just like it had been in university when they'd sneak into the art studio at midnight, dodging security guards to work on their projects. Those late-night sessions had been some of Lena's fondest memories - Tumi's giggles echoing off the walls as they experimented with paint, ink, and imagination. Even then, Tumi's art had been a reflection of her vibrant personality, while Lena's writing had been a more introspective exploration of the human condition. Yet, together, they'd found a creative synergy that had brought out the best in both of them. Tumi's bright voice lured her back the present.

"Oh, poor baby. You're not dying, you're just allergic to hard work."

Lena's gaze narrowed, her eyes flashing with mock irritation, and she tossed a sugar packet at Tumi.

"Ha ha, very funny. You try writing a romance novel and see how you do."
Tumi chuckled, her shoulders shaking, and she caught the sugar packet mid-air. 

"I'll stick to my art, thanks. I see you're still trying to mainline caffeine," she said, her voice laced with teasing.

Lena looked up, her bleary eyes locking onto Tumi's. "It's the only thing keeping me alive," she replied, her voice laced with dry humor.

Tumi chuckled, her nose wrinkling in laughter. "Well, in that case, I'll make sure to bring my defibrillator next time."

Lena snorted, a small smile playing on her lips. "You're a true friend, Tumi."

Tumi's grin widened, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "Hey, someone's got to keep you from turning into a zombie."

As they laughed, Tumi's face lit up with warmth, her expression softening. "Seriously though, Lena, how's the love life? Any inspiration striking?"

Lena rolled her eyes, a sigh escaping her lips, and she slumped back in her chair.

"Ugh, don't even get me started. I've got enough trouble creating fictional relationships, let alone real ones. It's like my brain is a desert, and romance is the oasis I can't find."

Lena's mind began to wander, tracing the contours of her own heart. Were her characters' struggles with intimacy merely a reflection of her own? She thought of her past relationships, the ones that had fizzled out like sparklers in the rain.

Tumi nodded thoughtfully, her expression turning introspective.
"Maybe that's because you're trying to force it maybe you're trying to create 3D people from 2D character profiles. You're an introvert, Lena - you can't even deal with real people, let alone fictional ones!"

Lena playfully rolled her eyes, a hint of a smile dancing on her lips.

"Hey, that's not fair. I can too deal with people... in small doses." She leaned back in her chair, her fingers drumming a gentle rhythm on the tabletop.