Ecie & Esme III: Forever and a Day

Eight

'Are you sure you're okay?' Eric asked.

'I'm fine,' Sofie replied. 'I've just got a headache. I'm fine.'

'You look a little pale,' Eric said looking at Sofie. 'I can call a doctor or something.'

'Eric,' Sofie said stroking his cheek with her hand. 'I'm fine, it's just a headache. I've taken some aspirin so I'll be fine. I just need to rest a bit.'

'Okay,' Eric kissed Sofie's forehead and put his arms around her. 'You would tell me if it was something else.'

'Yes Eric,' Sofie said snuggled in Eric's chest.

'Are you still worrying about Verd?'

Sofie nodded. 'Something's wrong.'

'Well he'll call you,' Eric kissed Sofie's head. 'But in the mean time, you've really got to stop worrying; it brings on stress and it's not good for you.'

'Please not now Eric,' Sofie mumbled into his cable knit Burberry sweater. 'Just don't talk to me about it now. I've got a headache.'

Sofie inhaled Eric's scent before leaving the room and going back outside where Ross, Emily and Esme were sat talking.

'Where's Lauren?' Sofie asked.

'She went down to the beach with Ecie,' Esme replied. 'I think they'll be back soon. They're just talking and stuff.'

'Okay,' Sofie nodded sitting down. 'I thought she might have left or something.'

'Are you okay mom?' Ross asked.

'I'm fine,' Sofie smiled. 'I've just been working really hard lately. But you know how I hate to slow down.'

'Come to the spa with me,' Emily said. 'It will be so relaxing and we'll be in bathrobes and we'll drink mojitos.'

'Okay,' Sofie nodded. 'I would love to be able to sink away. When is it?'

'It's in October and it's a weekend retreat,' Emily replied. 'It's only in a couple of weeks.'

'I'm in,' Sofie said. 'You'll have to remind me to mark it in my calendar.'

Lauren and Ecie returned from the beach and went to sit with the others outside.

'I was wondering where you girls has gotten to,' Sofie said. 'Did you watch the sunset Lauren?'

'I loved it,' Lauren replied making herself comfortable. 'I've never experienced it like that before.'

'Well you can feel free to experience it like that any time you like,' Sofie replied rubbing her eyes. 'You're always welcome here.'

'Thank you,' Lauren smiled. 'That's really nice of you.'

'Do you have any classes tomorrow?' Sofie asked.

'I've got one in the afternoon,' Esme replied. 'But nothing in the morning.'

'I'm working tomorrow,' Ecie replied. 'But I've got classes the day after.'

'What are you doing tomorrow morning Ross?' Sofie asked. 'I want to do brunch before I fly to Canada on Wednesday.'

'What's the sudden interest in Canada?' Ecie asked.

'Cassie lives out there now and I haven't seen her in a while,' Sofie replied. 'But while I'm out there, I'll be working a lot.'

'Will Eric be going with you?' Esme asked.

'I don't know,' Sofie replied. 'He's got to work as well you know, so I doubt it.'