"It’s not that fun to have a boyfriend.
-What?"

Tina had been caught by surprise and hadn’t got a word of what she said.

"It’s not that exiting to have a boyfriend.
-Why?
-Well, it’s complicated.
-Complicated?
-Yeah.
-What do you mean?
-I don’t know…It’s not easy. You have to be there for him. You have to want to be with him, to talk to him, to touch him, to love him.
-You don’t want that?
-It’s not that I don’t want it. It’s just that sometimes I feel like I’m caged. It’s as if I can’t breath anymore. It’s as if I’m drowning under his demands, under his love, under the pressure of having to do things that I’m not compelled to do.
-You don’t love him
-I…I do…I do love him…
-but you’re not in love with him."

Bette didn’t replied. She sighed and lay down on her back staring at the sky with tears in her eyes. Tina wondered if she had offended her.

"I’m sorry…I didn’t mean to…
-It’s ok…It’s not your fault."

Tina bit her lip. She didn’t know what to say so she silently watched the motion of the sea. She was about to get up and leave when she felt Bette’s hand on her elbow pulling her down. The brunette at a large smile spread across her face. For a moment the blond teenager forgot where she was and what she was doing.

"How old are you?

-I’m fifteen.
-Mhmm…I was sure you were older…
-and you? How old are you?
-Seventeen
-I thought you were my age
-Jesus! I look like I’m fifteen?
-Well…Hey! What’s wrong with being fifteen?
-Nothing…It’s just that it’s kind of young…
-Yeah…’cause you’re so much older.
-I’m not…but there’s a huge difference of maturity between a fifteen year old and a seventeen year old because it’s a period of life where we experience a lot of change.
-I can’t believe this! You are so pretentious!
-I’m just stating a fact.
-Whatever."

Tina was up on her feet and walking towards the hotel.

"Oh come on! You’re not really going to leave me because of that!
-It’s getting late and my mother must be worried.
-Ok, wait. I’ll walk you to your door."

Bette said wiping the sand of her shorts. Tina was looking at her fascinated. The tall brunette could make the simplest thing look so unique and special. She had a way of doing things that looked so different.

"Tina?"

Bette had lightly pressed her hand against her waist. The blond stood there completely stunned.

"I thought you were in a hurry?"

Tina wondered if the brunette knew the effect she had on people.

"I’m sorry. I was daydreaming.
-More like nightdreaming."

Bette added shyly. Tina busted in laughter grabbing Bette’s arm with affection. She took Bette’s middle and index fingers in her hand and dragged her through the labyrinth of stairs that lead to her hotel room.

"513
-Yes
-Tomorrow, I’ll come and knock at your door and wake you up. We’re playing a volleyball game you could join.
-That would be nice
-I guess I should go now.
-Ok.
-See you tomorrow.
-Yeah
-Bye
-Bye"