Ecie & Esme II: Another Day Like This

Coming to Terms: One

'Brunch with Eric?' Esme said applying her makeup in the bathroom she shared with her sister. 'That's a little random.'

'Yeah,' Ecie agreed as she applied eye shadow. 'That is a little random.'

'Do you think dad minds?'

'Dad's like half way round the world,' Ecie replied. 'I don't think he really gets a say in anything.'

'I suppose,' Esme replied taking a step backwards and looking at her reflection. 'Do you think I should go a little darker around the eye?'

Ecie looked at her sisters reflection then turned to look at her sister. 'Just a little bit.'

They finished up their makeup then made their way into their shared closet and started looking at outfits.

'The only thing I hate about Eric is that I feel like we always have to dress up for everything,' Esme said. 'He just puts this pressure to dress really fancy and I just love it.'

'I know what you mean,' Ecie replied. 'It's like I want to dress up all the time when he's here. But I mean its only brunch, how dressed up do we really have to get?'

They walked into Curtain, Esme in a pale mauve power bandage Preen dress, a pair of cream grosgrain bow-front Fendi pumps; Ecie in a dark grey baroque peplum Acne dress and a pair of Bianca python Christian Louboutin pumps.

'You girls look very nice,' Sofie Thurgood said getting up and hugging her daughters. 'You managed to find the place okay?'

'We're sort of familiar with the area,' Ecie sniggered as they sat down. 'Looking handsome as always Eric.'

'Why thank you very much,' Eric grinned. 'You're both looking beautiful.'

'Thanks,' Esme smiled spreading a napkin across her lap. 'Did we get here too late?'

'You're right on time,' Eric said as a waiter came to their table with a tray filled with tea and teacups. 'Which tea would you girls like?'

'Okay girls,' Sofie said with a wide grin on her face. 'I have a little surprise for you both.'

Esme and Ecie wiped their hands on their napkins and looked at their mother.

Sofie pulled out two large envelopes from behind her and passed them to her daughters. Her grin grew as she watched them open their letters.

'Oh my god!' they screeched. 'We got in! USC!'

Sofie looked at Eric happily then back at her daughters.

'Congratulations,' Eric grinned. He beckoned for the waiter who brought a bottle of champagne in a bucket filled with ice and four glasses. 'What do the letters say?'

'We are happy to inform you that you have been given a place at the University of Southern California...' Esme read.

'...to attend in the fall,' Ecie continued. 'We look forward to meeting you at the beginning of next semester and we appreciate...'

'...that you will have other offers, we hope that you choose to study with us next year...' Esme said. She looked at her sister who shared her happiness and joy. 'This is so good.'

'This is amazing,' Ecie said. 'We have to tell dad.'

'You're right,' Esme nodded rummaging through her bag quickly. 'We've got to tell dad right away.' Esme pulled out her black iPhone 4 and found their fathers number frantically. 'I hope he picks up...'

'Hello?'

'Dad?' Esme said trying to contain herself.

'Esme,' he said yawning. 'I hope that everything's alright...'

'It is more than alright,' Esme said.

'We're going to USC,' Ecie said. 'We got in.'

'That's fantastic news,' Jonathon said proudly. 'I am so proud of you girls. You've worked so hard for this. Well done.'

'Thanks dad,' Esme said. 'Sorry if we woke you.'

'Its fine,' Jonathon said. 'I needed to be up this early anyway.'

'Well we've got to go dad,' Ecie said. 'But we'll call you later then stop by your place.'

'Okay then,' Jonathon said. 'I'll see you girls in a couple of weeks.'

'Love you,' they said.

'Love you too.'

Esme hung up then put her cell phone back into her bag and turned back to the table.

'This is most definitely a cause for celebration,' Eric said as he passed them glasses of champagne. 'To Esme and Ecie and making it into USC...'

'May they know what trouble they're getting themselves into,' Sofie added. 'Well done girls, I'm so proud.'

They clinked their glasses then drank their champagne.