Elsie&Ethan: title still in progress (although maybe I should simply call it "Elsie&Ethan")

Dear readers,

Hope you're all OK, despite all the rain we have had lately :)

Tonight, another small extract of Elsie&Ethan's adventures…:)

A brief resume of what happened last time: Elsie, after a horrible evening at Ned'd parents, found herself taking a break from her relationship with Ned (not her idea). As for Ethan, he's now more than convinced that something at his office IS definitely going on…

And now…

'Ethan? Aren't you going to say something?' Selena's voice came.

The car had been late. The traffic had been awful, therefore they'd arrived late, although that part Selena didn't seem to mind. She loved the fact they were fashionably late as she put it. She thought it was the thing to do. Everybody did these days apparently. Then, their names wasn't on the list, and they had to clear-up the misunderstanding. If it wasn't for the assistant of the person organizing the black tie event recognizing them eventually, they might have had to turn around. By then, Ethan wondered why Selena was still with him.
Even more so, when they found themselves at the same table of one of Selena's rival. Everyone knew it. And everyone knew that they always avoid each other if they could. The only person not having known that fact was his current assistant...Ethan had a feeling they were going to have a very different conversation tomorrow morning.
Later on, as the evening passed, Selena had insisted on dancing. A very reluctant Ethan had had to agree, hoping she would put this silly rivalry off-at least for the rest of the evening. Except it wasn't to be so. Selena, not only wanted to be the centre of attention, she also wanted to the queen of the dancefloor. Not kidding…
At some point, having had enough for one evening, Ethan finally insisted that they returned to their table. Selena wasn't too happy but she followed him nonetheless. However, she practically ignored him for the next hour. If she thought Ethan cared, he didn't. Go figure…

After mingling and exchanging a few words with a few other guests, Ethan decided to leave. He was tired and wanted to have a good night sleep. Silly but right now, very much true. Maybe his recently married brother had rubbed off on him…
Ethan smiled as he made his way towards the exit. He'd tried to look for Selena but she seemed busy elsewhere, not that she'd noticed whether he was here or not.
As he waited for the car, Selena, probably warned by someone, had joined him, looking rather furious.

'Ethan...aren't you going to say something?'
'Me? What am I suppose to say?' Ethan turned towards her.
'That you're sorry the evening has been a disaster? That you're going to make it up to me?'
'Selena...' Ethan sighed. 'What would be the point?'
'Excuse-me? This whole thing has been all your fault and-'
'No, it's not and I have had about enough of your accusations' Ethan replied.
'Ethan, sweetheart, I really like you but right now, I'm not certain I do, so unless you apologize in the next few seconds, you're going to-'
'To what, Selena? Regret it? Is that it? Well, let me let you on a little secret, sweetheart, I already do'
'Oh!' Selena gasped.
'Now, if you'll excuse-me, I'd like to go back to my appartement...alone'

Which Ethan did. As his car drove away, he looked outside the window. But not at the others cars driving around, or the tall illuminated buldings or the people still out, no, he was looking at the stars…

******
The next morning,

'So, how did it go last night?' Elsie's mum asked as soon as Elsie arrived in the kitchen for breakfast. Had she been up all night waiting to ask Elsie? Or simply got-up early so she could ambush her? Knowing her mother, it could be both...oh boy!

'And hello to you too mum' Elsie mumbled as she made herself a cup of tea and a toast.
'Hello...now, did you have a good time? I bet you did...Ned is such a gentleman...I mean at first, I guess I was bit skeptical but when I talked to him whilst you were getting ready, I realized you could do worse than him...at least, so unlike your father, you should count your blessings, Elsie! That Ethan is a keeper! He is determined to marry you and everything! Oh, I'm so happy, my little girl finally getting married!' She clapped her hands, smiling.

'Mum, I-' Elsie tried.
'Finally! I will able to tell Mrs Goldberg' (their neighbors), 'that old harpie! Always judging! Just because her son and two daughters did marry, and they have another son practically engaged, that's not a reason to brag...'
'Mum, come on, that's not-'
Ah, I'd love to see her face when I tell her the news!' 'It'll be priceless!' Yes, but what about my sister? She got married...Elsie thought. Except her mum was on a roll...
'
Mum, I-we, um, don't care about-'
'No, of course, not! You're the best...and you're going to have such a beautiful wedding! I can't wait to help you organize it! Oh, this going to be so much fun...choosing the dress, the flowers., the venue,..ah' She sighed again. 'Oh, I forgot, have you set a date yet? Because it could be a Spring wedding? Or summer wedding, although maybe not...it might be too hot? Or late summer? Early autumn can be very romantic as well...you know. Or you could-'
'Mum!' Elsie exclaimed 'Stop it! Just stop, please?'
'Elsie, honey? What's wrong? I'm sorry if I got carried away but it 's your wed-'
'If you say the word 'wedding' one more time, I'm kicking you out! And I don't care where you're staying!'
'Elsie!' Her mum gasped.
'Mum, I'm sorry to disappoint you but there isn't going to be a...wedding, OK?'
'Why ever not? Didn't Ned propose? That scoundrel!'
'Mum, no, he-'
'Wait, you're not already married are you? Because if you're and you didn't tell me, I-'
'Mum!' Elsie managed. 'The reason there isn't going to be one is that...Ned and I...are taking a break'
'A break?'
'Yes and I would appreciate if-'
'A break? Elsie! What did you do? Why Ned broke-up with you?'
'We didn't break-up...we're just taking some time a part to think about what we want' Elsie felt silly repeating almost word for word what Ned had said last night. But strangely that was the only thing that helped. Maybe if she said it enough time, it might make sense. 'And why do you assume it's my fault?'
'Because you're the one who don't want to commit'
'Oh my God!' Elsie exclaimed. 'Of course, I want to commit, but like I said, although apparently everyone conveniently forget we live in the twenty-first century, we don't have to get married just for the sake of the baby!'
'No, but...it's the right thing to do!'
Elsie groaned. She gave-up. What was the point? It appeared that everyone was against her. That they didn't care about her feelings or listening to her point of view…
Slowly, Elsie got-up and took her cup of tea along with her.
'Elsie? Where are you going? You haven't finish your breakfast yet!'
'I'm going to my room, so I can have some peace and quiet! And I'd like NOT to be disturd'

On that note, Elsie did exactly that.

******

As Ethan arrived at his office, his assistant greeted him as if nothing was abnormal. As if nothing had gone wrong the evening before. As if everything was the same. And went back to talking to one of her colleagues...OK, maybe it wouldn't be so difficult after all...

'My office, now...' Ethan said firmly. His patience had run out…

To be continued…
Don't worry, Elsie&Ethan will meet very soon…:)
Take care and see you for another article :) xxx

Elsie & Ethan: Title still undecided

Dear readers,

Hope you're all OK and enjoying the beginning this late Spring, early Summer :)

Sorry, I haven't written these past few months. First, work was quite busy and still have a lot on my mind.

Anyway, let's go back to Elsie&Ethan, shall we? :) Hope you're still enjoying it?!

Last time, Elsie was reminded by her mum that she was having dinner at Ned's parents. Doesn't really look foward to it as they keep hinting that they should get married. And Ethan receives a visit., whilst being distracted as he's trying to figure out what's going on his office…

And now….

'Elsie!'
Elsie growned but didn't move. For once, she was comfortable. All she wanted was some peace and quiet. For a few hours. If possible...'Elsie!'
Go away. 'Elsie!  Wake-up! Honey, you're going to be late...'
Late? For what?
'Elsie!' Someone gently shook her. Elsie opened her eyes slowly, getting used to the light. She saw her mum standing over her. Elsie frowned.
"I'm awake...no need to shout' Elsie mumbled 'What's going on?'
'What's going on? I'm going to tell you what's going on! Neds here and he's waiting for you! So while, I keep him compagny, you're going to change, brush  your hair, maybe put some make-up on and parfum because you don't have time to take shower. And hurry!'
'Ned's here…?' Elsie frowned before it came to back her. Ned's parents! They were supposed to have dinner with them. 'Oh, god! Sorry, I fell alseep...'
'That you did! But now not the time to dwell on that, you should get ready...'

Elsie took a deep breath. She really didn't want to go. What was the point? She was tired. she wanted to stay and snuggle on the couch, whilst watching a movie and fall alseep in front of it. except she'd to go and play nice with  Ned's snobby parents. Great! Kill me now. Elsie must have mumbled it  at loud because:
'I heard that!' her mum exclaimed.
'Oh, sorry...' Elsie slowly got-up and made a quick stop by the bathroom. She still didn't know how she managed it but soon they were, although a little late, on their way…

******

'What do you mean it's me?' Selena, Ethan's current girlfriend  asked.
'No reason...' Ethan got-up and kissed her gently. 'Sorry, just a lot going on..did we have a date or Something?'
'Ethan!' Selena exclaimed 'Is this a joke?'
'A joke? What? No….what are you talking about?'
'The black tie event…? That's tonight and you invited me, remember?' 'Or have you forgotten already?'
'No, I haven't forgotten...' Ethan pretended. 'I'd know, come on, you're hard to forget'
'I know' She nodded 'but how do you know you haven't? Because unless your assistant isn't trying to take care of the last minute details for tonight, I'm pretty sure she has or you have forgot for that matter'
'If she is, what's the problem? Oh...' Ethan realized.
'Indeed...I was right once again' Selena sighed.
'Listen, I'm really sorry if I did forget, that wasn't my intention...it's just that lately, things at the office have been kind of strange'
'Strange how?' Selena frowned. 'I mean your assistant might a little over her depth, but otherwise, it's the same to me'
'I know. And I have been trying to convince myself, that is the same, except it's not'
'Oh?'
'You see, my schedule is all messed-up, my appointements are either cancel or double-booked, messages get lost, people are getting impatient...'
'Is this why you...have been distracted lately?'
'Yes'
'I see. Well, there is one thing to do'
'And what is that?'
'Hire another assistant'
'Another one? As...severals assistants working together or...completely change?'
'The latter' Selena replied.
'I appreciate the advice...however, no one is firing anyone just yet. I'm sure there is a perfect explanation...maybe it's just a computer glitch'
'If you say so' Selena shrugged 'but don't say I didn't warn you'
'Mm-mmh...OK, then...are you still up for going tonight?'
'Of course, I'm!' She exclaimed 'I wouldn't missed it for the world!'
'Great!' Ethan grinned. 'Let's go then...'

******

Elsie glanced at Ned, who was driving (well who else, she couldn't anymore). He was focusing on the road, looking very serious. She sighed. the evening had been a disaster. Not only Elsie had tried (again) for the sake of their future baby, her effort had gotten shut down completely. She barely had the chance to show them who she was. They had clearly already made-up her mind about her.

'You''ve been rather quiet since we left, are you OK?' Elsie asked.
'I'm fine' Ned replied.
'Ned, l'm sorry if I-'
'Elsie, I don't want talk about it, if you don't mind'
'OK' Elsie turned her head, glancing outside. Looking at the stars. Cliché but somehow it made her feel better. Less alone.
A few minutes passed before Ned spoke:

'Why?'
'Why what?'
'Why is it that every time we see my parents,  it always ends in a fight and I have to pick a side?'
'Ned, you know that's not true...' Elsie protested.
'Oh, really? So, that comment about being an independant woman and not wanting to get married wasn't perhaps?'
'Oh, come on! That's unfair and you know it'
'How?'
'Ned, we...dated a couple of times in all, we slept together which lead to...you know' Elsie glanced at her large belly. 'and now, your answer, despite agreeing with me before, is to get married!'
'Why not? I mean I know I've been reluctant before, but that's not a bad idea. We could be a family. A real family'
'Aren't we already?'
'Y-yes but we could such much more and I want to give my baby...the best. A mum and a dad. together, living under one roof'
'And married I take it?'
'Exactly'
'What suddenly made you change your mind?'
'My parents...they showed me what it could be and growing-up I couldn't imagine-that if I ever chose to get married-not having the same kind of marriage they had-have today'
Elsie wanted to laugh. Really laugh. She had to bite her tongue in order not to. Then again, she'd to respect Ned's opinion.
'I'm glad they did' Elsie replied carefully 'but that doesn't mean we have to...get married, just because people are telling us we should'
'Yes, so you said'
'Ned...'
'I want more Elsie and I have tried to be patient, to give you the space you needed but...lately, I don't know'
'What are you saying exactly?'
'I'm saying we should take  a break, take time to think about what we really want'
'A break? Are you Breaking-up with me?'
'No, a break as...pushing the pause button, you were right, we don't know each other that well'
'Wow...I knew the evening was a total bust but I-I didn't think we would, um, break-up' Elsie didn't want to cry, but when you were a pregnant woman, your hormones levels was doubled. Or tripled.
'Elsie, sweetheart, we're not breaking-up, we're just taking some time to think'
'So...why does it feel like it is?' Elsie murmured. To that, Ned had no answer. Maybe that was for the best…

******

Meanwhile, accross town, another evening. Another disaster. And suprisingly not Ethan's fault….

To be continued…
Thank you again for following Elsie and Ethan's adventures, and for your patience. They'll met soon…:)
Take care and see you soon for another article :) xxx
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