Ecie & Esme III: Forever and a Day

Six

'So what do you think dad?' Ecie looked at Jonathon expectantly.

'How much is this Boston guy going to cost me?'

'Seriously dad.'

'Well,' Jonathon thought. 'I think you gave it a try and you realized that college was not for you. There's no harm in that at all.'

'Seriously?'

'College isn't for everybody,' Jonathon replied. 'I didn't go and look at me now. I'm doing alright for myself.'

'What about mom?'

'What about mom?' Jonathon said. 'Sofie will be fine with it. Let me be honest, I think she'll be quite relieved.'

'Why?'

'Neither of us wanted you going to college,' Jonathon replied. 'We thought it was too soon for you, and we thought that you should stay at home.'

'Why didn't you ever tell me?'

'It wouldn't have had any effect on you,' Jonathon replied. 'You're old enough to make those decisions for yourself, and your mother and I will always stand by those decisions.'

'Thanks dad,' Ecie hugged Jonathon. 'Will you be joining us for dinner tonight?'

'I don't think I will,' Jonathon replied. 'I've got a lot of stuff to catch up on and I'm meeting Riley tomorrow...'

'Hey dad,' Esme said walking into Jonathon's study. 'How are you?'

'I'm good,' Jonathon nodded. 'How are you?'

'I'm good,' Esme replied. 'Did E talk to you about her next move and stuff?'

'Yeah,' Jonathon nodded. 'I think its fine and I don't see why Sofie would have a problem with it either.'

'That's good,' Esme replied. 'So what are you guys doing now?'

'I invited dad to dinner tonight, but he's turned me down,' Ecie replied. 'He's meeting Riley tomorrow.'

'Cool dad,' Esme smiled. 'How is she anyway? I haven't seen her in forever.'

'She's doing great,' Jonathon replied. 'She flew back to Canada to see Cassie while I came home, but she'll be coming back tomorrow.'

'Were you in New York with mom?'

'We didn't go together, but we met up for a couple meetings together,' Jonathon replied. 'I actually had no idea she was in New York.'

'Did you guys fight?' Ecie laughed.

'No,' Jonathon said. 'We were grownups.'

'I'm sure you were,' Esme laughed. 'You guys always fight.'

'Well you're mother is pregnant and I don't want to aggravate those hormones any further,' Jonathon replied. 'I just nod and agree with everything she says, and then I do my own thing.'

Esme and Ecie laughed.

'So what have I missed?' Jonathon asked. 'Have you girls done anything fun since I've been away?'

'I went to a homeless shelter with mom,' Ecie replied. 'That was a really emotional day.'

'I know,' Jonathon nodded. 'Sofie was telling me about it. But she said you were really interested and just kept asking loads of questions. It's good you took such an interest. Maybe you'll end up doing some philanthropic work later in your life.'

'Yeah, I was thinking about it,' Ecie replied. 'Es and I already donate loads of our clothes and things, but I would love to get more involved in stuff like that, especially with homeless people. The only problem is that I don't think I'd be able to handle all those personal stories and ordeals.'