Ecie & Esme III: Forever and a Day

Eight

'Okay listen to me Ecie,' Carole said looking at Ecie. 'I think I've got an idea of what is going on with you.'

Ecie blinked back at Carole.

'If you're not going to talk to me, then you've got to talk to someone else,' Carole said. 'Someone that you would trust with your whole life. Someone that has always been there no matter what. You've got to feel safe with this person.'

'But I...'

'You are stronger than this,' Carole said sternly. 'You are better than this. I know this, you know this, every person that has ever known you, knows this. You are so much better than this. I think you know what I'm talking about.'

Ecie nodded.

'Good,' Carole smiled.

'Is Ethan coming tonight?' Ecie asked as she did her makeup in the bathroom with her sister and Lauren.

'No,' Lauren replied. 'We're taking a break from each other for a couple of days then we'll talk about what we want.'

'That sounds diplomatic,' Esme smiled. 'Do you have any idea what you're going to do about everything?'

'I'm going to go out with my girlfriends tonight and we're going to have a good time,' Lauren smiled. 'We're going to get really drunk and absolutely irresponsible.'

They all laughed as they finished their makeup then went into the closet to get dressed.

'I got the cutest thing from the store today,' Lauren said bending down and emptying her oak Mulberry leather Piccadilly bag. She gently pulled out a tobacco multicolored Nanette Lepore leopard print chiffon Come Hither dress. 'What do you think of this?'

'You got this from the store?' Ecie said taking the dress from Lauren. She looked up at her for a moment then back at the dress. 'I have found love. I no longer need anything else.'

'That is so cute,' Esme said. 'How much was it?'

'It was only two hundred and ninety eight dollars,' Lauren replied. 'I saw it and realized I just had to have it.'

'The color goes so well with your skin tone,' Esme said. 'I want to see you in. Put it on.'

Lauren took off her black leggings and navy tank top then put on the Nanette Lepore dress and twirled. 'What do you think?'

'I love it,' Ecie nodded standing back and at looking at the dress. 'What shoes did you bring to wear with it?'

'You are going to love me,' Lauren grinned pulling out a pair of black Brian Atwood calf-hair platform Maniac pumps. 'I got a pair of Brian Atwood's.'

Ecie grinned at Lauren then threw her arms around her.

'How proud are you?'

'I am so proud,' Ecie said letting go of Lauren. 'I can remember when you had no idea who he even was.'

'Really?' Esme looked shocked.

'Really,' Lauren nodded giggling. 'I had no idea what a Brian Atwood was. How funny is that?'

'I thought it was totally insane,' Ecie said looking for something to wear. 'I thought she was crazy.'

'Well tonight is going to be a very fun and naughty night,' Lauren smiled. 'I want to let my hair down and relax.'

'Look at what Cassie sent us,' Ecie said as she took out a taupe jersey Cushnie et Ochs gathered cross-front dress.

'That is so cute,' Lauren said. 'When did she send it?'