Ecie & Esme III: Forever and a Day

Six

'Come on Megan,' Ecie said. 'You've got to stretch your legs properly, like this.' Ecie stopped Megan and demonstrated. 'You're going to tear something if you don't stretch your legs out properly. Do you want this scholarship?'

'When I stretch I get behind everyone else,' Megan replied. 'Coach said that if I stretch quickly...'

'I'm pretty sure she didn't say that,' Ecie said looking at Megan and watching as she stretched properly. 'Your coach would not want you to tear ligaments in those valuable legs of yours.'

Megan rolled her eyes. 'I can still get the scholarship.'

'Oh yeah?' Ecie looked at her. 'Stretch!'

'I am...'

'Okay guys!' Ecie clapped her hands. 'We're going to take a ten minute break. Get some fresh air and eat something, I don't want any of you passing out on me.'

The squad scattered to their lockers and left Ecie.

'You're pretty good,' Lauren smiled joining Ecie. 'I'm impressed.'

'Thank you,' Ecie smiled taking off her grey Kain silk and modal tank. She took out a grey T by Alexander Wang classic striped jersey tank and put it on. 'Where have you been all morning?'

'I have been flirting,' Lauren grinned as they sat down. 'I have been flirting all morning and having a great time doing so.'

Ecie laughed as she uncapped her bottle of water and took a long sip. 'Flirting?'

'Yep,' Lauren nodded. 'I'm taken advantage of being hot. For once in my life I actually believe that I am hot. I am so goddamn hot, it's crazy.'

'Right,' Ecie nodded. 'And your newfound hotness has nothing to do with the fact that you're scared as hell?'

'One hundred and fifty percent,' Lauren laughed. 'I'm scared as hell.'

'When are you going to tell Verd?'

'I don't know,' Lauren replied. 'He really likes me and I don't feel like hurting him. I really like him too.'

'Here's something,' Ecie said. 'I know that cheating is so wrong and not good, and just plain terrible. Don't get me wrong, I do not for one second condone cheating anymore...'

Lauren started laughing. 'I'm sorry, go on.'

'I think you should continue cheating on Ethan,' Ecie replied. 'He doesn't have to know that you've shut Verd out of your life forever. It'll be fun and exciting, and me and Es'll cover for you.'

'Wait, what? I'm lost.'

'You want to keep your options open,' Ecie said. 'You...'

'Wait a minute,' Lauren laughed. 'You're just upset that you're going to try a monogamous relationship. You're not going to live your cheating life vicariously though me. I will not allow it.'

'Oh,' Ecie pouted. 'Please, I'm going to need some excitement in my life.'

'Maybe I should dump Ethan instead,' Lauren said. 'He's been so sweet and stuff, but Verd offers me excitement. He actually makes me laugh and he talks to me. Ethan is just sweet and boring to me. He doesn't thrill me like he should.'

Ecie laughed. 'You're right. You should continue flirting until you've made up your mind.'

'Thank you,' Lauren nodded. 'I think I will.'

'So what do you think of my girls?' Ecie asked one of the scouts as the squad performed their routines. 'I've only had them for a couple of weeks, but I think they're doing really well. I'm Ecie by the way.'