Ecie & Esme III: Forever and a Day

Four

'How long have you been living with them?' Ethan asked as he walked along Wilshire Boulevard holding hands with Lauren.

'About two months,' Lauren replied. 'It's really cool living with them.'

'What do you guys do?'

'What we did before,' Lauren replied. 'Nothing's really changed since I've moved in.'

Ethan nodded. 'Do you think they'll let me into the apartment?'

'Why wouldn't then?'

'E hates us and Es is obliged to agree with her,' Ethan replied. 'I don't want them to kick you out.'

'Why does Ecie hate you?'

'Just some complicated crap with an ex boyfriend,' Ethan replied. 'I guess you can't really blame her.'

'Yeah,' Lauren nodded. 'She's had a tough ride, lately. But she's great.'

Ethan nodded.

'Do you have any plans for later?'

'No,' Ethan replied. 'I'm all yours.'

'I'm not free tonight,' Lauren replied. 'I was only asking if you did. I'm sorry.'

'Don't worry about it,' Ethan said. 'I can always see the guys tonight. What are you doing?'

'I've got so much school work to do,' Lauren said letting go of Ethan's hand. She tucked some hair behind her ear then adjusted her reversible dark brown leather and shearling Marni tote on her shoulder. 'Do you want to come over tomorrow morning for breakfast? Ecie makes the best breakfast.'

'Sure,' Ethan said taking hold of Lauren's hand again. 'If it's okay with them.'

'God Ethan,' Lauren laughed. She held up their hands and looked at them. 'What's wrong with you?'

'Nothing,' Ethan replied as they came to the Remington building. 'This is weird for me.'

'So is holding hands with someone,' Lauren said holding up their hands again. 'But that doesn't stop you from holding it every second.'

'Well if you don't want to hold my hand...'

'Oh my god,' Lauren laughed annoyed. 'Fucking hell.'

'Hey man,' Taylor greeted Ethan as he sat out on the roof. 'How's it going?'

'Don't even ask,' Ethan rolled his eyes. 'Lauren is driving me crazy.'

'What did she do?'

'Forget it,' Ethan said. 'What's been going on with you?'

'Nothing much,' Taylor replied. 'I've been with Es.'

'Where is she?'

'She's coming out in a bit,' Taylor replied. 'Is Lauren inside?'

'Yeah,' Ethan nodded. 'No doubt she's moaning to Es about me.'

'What did you do man?' Taylor laughed.

'I don't know what I did,' Ethan replied. 'I swear Lauren is on her period or something because she's acting like a fucking bitch.'

'Wow,' Taylor laughed. 'It must be really bad.'

'She doesn't want to hold my hand; she doesn't want me to touch her. She doesn't want to touch me, she doesn't want to hang out tonight because she's "studying",' Ethan said. 'I give up. I thought things were getting better.'