Ecie & Esme III: Forever and a Day

Three

'So then what's the plan?' Esme asked sitting cross-legged on the sofa in the living room with Ecie.

'I'm going to stay in Laguna for a couple weeks,' Ecie replied. 'Then I'm going to start my new life.'

'Laguna?' Esme looked at her sister. 'But what about college?'

'Dad didn't go to college, neither did Cassie,' Ecie pointed out. 'Mom dropped out of college after a year. What about college?'

'What about your dream of becoming the best female lawyer on the west coast?' Esme asked. 'What about everything?'

'School doesn't work for me,' Ecie replied. 'I should have known from high school...'

'But you were a straight A student,' Esme said. 'You've been a straight A student ever since you started school.'

'I know, but that doesn't mean anything,' Ecie replied. 'I can still put all those skills to good use.'

'So what are you going to do now you've given up your life long dreams?'

'Why are you so mad at me?' Ecie laughed. 'This isn't your life. It's mine.'

'I'm sorry,' Esme said. 'I'm not mad at you. I'm just thinking that you want to keep your options open. You don't want to end up like those rich kid stereotypes, do you?'

'I won't,' Ecie replied. 'Besides, I've got a life coach.'

'You do?'

'Yeah,' Ecie grinned. 'His name is Boston...'

'E,' Esme looked at her sister. 'Seriously? He's a he?'

'Carole got him for me,' Ecie said. 'I promise not to have sex with him.'

'You're terrible,' Esme laughed. 'Anyway, what did he say?'

'He laid everything out for me and it made total sense,' Ecie replied. 'Even though we've only had one session, I think he's amazing.'

'I'm sure you do,' Esme said. 'What did he suggest for your new life?'

'Well Carole asked me what I was thinking of doing with myself now, and I told her I was dropping out of college and taking a break,' Ecie explained. 'Boston asked me what things I was good at and what I enjoyed doing. I told him and he drew this really cool mind map of ideas. He said I should definitely take the break, and Carole suggested it was some place relaxing and where I felt most like myself. I thought that Laguna was the best place. It truly is my home away from home. Our house is right on the beach and I've got loads of friends down there...'

'Yeah, I get that,' Esme said. 'But what about when you get back from Laguna? What about Landon?'

'Well I'm going to talk to Landon before I go to Laguna,' Ecie replied. 'And when I get back I shall be offering my services to all people.'

'That sounds really wrong,' Esme laughed. 'You'll be offering your services?' What kind of services?'

'Well for starters, it does not sound wrong,' Ecie thought for a moment then giggled. 'Okay, maybe it does.'

'So what will you do?'

'I'm going to be tutoring kids,' Ecie replied. 'And I'll also be working at the LA branch of the gymnasium where I used to train. I'll be coaching cheer squads and gymnastic classes.'

'Will you still be working at Chêne de Pois?'

'Yeah,' Ecie smiled. 'I've got it all worked out. After my three week break, I'll work in the store on the weekends and on Wednesday's; I'll tutor every Monday and Thursday; then I'll train Tuesday's and Friday's.'