Elsie&Ethan: another extract :)

Dear readers,

Hope you're all OK since my last article :)

Last time, we followed Elsie, trying to balanced between her mum still living with her and her baby's arrival soon, as for  Ethan, he keeps wondering what's missing in his office...

And now...

'Oh bugger!' Elsie hung-up her phone. She had tried calling her dad and asked for his help, possibly convince his wife to come back home, and she'd gotten his voicemail. Not unusual, per se, as she didn't expect him to stay glued to his phone. However, she'd a feeling her dad was avoiding her. She couldn't explain it. Or maybe it was just her hormones. Elsie sighed. In any case, it was a moot point. Her mum could be as stubborn as a mule. So was her dad. So...it would be a long long time before the two of them found a middle ground.

Sitting on a park bench, Elsie patted her belly, absently looking around, wondering whether the other people's life was as crazy as her at the moment. Probably not. Her mobile rang, interrupting her train of thoughts. Distracted, she answered, thinking it was her dad, calling her back. It wasn't.

'Hello?' 'Um, yes...'
'Oh, thank God! Finally!' A voice exclaimed. It sounded familiar but somehow Elsie's brain (probably due to the pregnancy was working slowly).  'I've left a bunch of messages! Don't you ever answer your phone? Do you know in what century we're living in?'
'Er...I think so and no, I'm sorry I-'
'No need. Apology accepted. Now, I need-'
'I didn't-' Elsie protested but the person seemed unware and on a roll.
'...I need to know where the file is?'
'The f-file?' Elsie frowned. What was she on about?'
'Yes! The file! Keep up, will you? I don't have all day, OK? Oh, and I also need to know if you confirmed the black and tie event tonight on Mr Martin's schedule? I need to book a car and-'

Mr Martin. Right. As in Ethan Martin. Her boss. Who didn't even know she existed. Let alone what her name was. Not that the desperate assistant, Elsie deduced, appeared to know either.

'Listen, let me stop you right there...I'm sorry but I'm on leave a the moment and all important informations related to Mr. Martin's specific needs or expectations are not that complicated to figure out...but if you really don't know the answer, ask Marge. Goodbye' Elsie turned off her phone. Enough. I need peace. And then some more.

*****
Why did it keep happening? Ethan wondered as he made his way back to his office. Everything was a mess. Lately, it was as if chaos had replaced peace. Appointements were either double booked or disappeared entirely. Or cancelled even. Or moved to other dates. Lunch or dinner dates were mixed-up. Gifts too. Phone numbers  were not they were supposed to be and his messages...well, let's not that about that. Or the fact that his filing system was also a mess. The elevator doors opened. Ethan got out and went directly to his office, not stopping to hear anyone. Ethan closed the door behind, indicating he didn't want to be disturbed. Hopefully, they would get the message. Or not...apparently someone was brave enough to come knocking on his door.

'Yes?' he replied, tersely. 'Oh, it's you...'

*****
'Elsie! Where have you been?' Her mum exclaimed as soon as she came back. 'I have been worried to death...' Elsie looked up to see her sitting on the couch, a wine glass on the coffee table, watching T.V, a cooking show or other.

'I see...' Very worried indeed. 'Um...I'm going to-'
'Next time, it would be nice to know where you're disappearing to. That's what phones are for'
'I know, Mum. Now, I'm going to my room and-'
'Get ready...I imagine'
'Ready? Ready for what?' Elsie frowned.
'Ned's picking you up in an hour'
'He is?'
'Yes. You're going to dinner at his parent's house...or have you forgotten?'
'Um, n-no, no...sorry, I-sorry. Thank you' Elsie nodded, turning around and going to her bedroom. Oh crap! Dinner with Ned's parents? Kill me now! Sorry, that wasn't fair. They were nice people. In all. It was just-OK, there was no other way to say it. They were...a bit judgemental on the fact that she and Ned weren't married. And didn't plan to. They were always dropping hints here and there about 'how it was the right thing to do' and  they at least 'consider getting married for the baby's sake. Yeah, we were in a modern world. A world where you don't necessarily need to get married because you felt like you had to. Elsie had so wanted to explain it to them. Yet, another moot point. They only listened to their own opinion. So, she'd stopped trying and went along with their constant remarks, gritting her teeth, whenever she'd to see them. Fortunately for Elsie, it wasn't very often. Tonight being the exception...
Elsie lay down on her bed, head on the pillow, and closed her eyes...just for a few minutes and then I get ready. Oh my, it feels good to relax...

To be continued...:) Don't worry, Elsie and Ethan will meet soon ;-) Take care and see you soon for another article! :) xxx

Copyright-all rights reserved.

Elsie & Ethan are back :)

Dear readers,

Hope you're all OK and are enjoying the beginning of the Spring...:)
I apologize for not writing sooner but I had (still have) a lot on my mind lately.

So, today, another extract on Elsie &Ethan's adventures, hope you still like it ;-)
Last time, we left them, Elsie had Ned visiting and Ethan nursing (or he will be) a hangover...

And now...

'So here we are on the different objectives we had previously...' the voice was closed but also seemed far away. Ethan hide a groan. Man, if I'm not dead before this presentation is over, it'll be a miracle! His hangover was indeed still there from the previous evening. The aspirin taken earlier had yet to take effect. He moved in his seat, trying to focus on what Miles, his colleague, was explaining. Usually, he'd found it interesting but today, it sounded like gibberish. Or something very dull. But he'd to set the examples and appear as if it was interesting. Easier to say than done...Ethan glanced at the window briefly. A whole other world...people coming and going in the street, cars, buses...
'....don't you agree, Ethan?'

He froze, as he finally registered his name had been called. Oh bugger! Ethan cleared his throat, trying to buy himself some time.

'Don't I agree?' Ethan repeated.
'Yes...' Miles replied. 'So?' He's not going to help me, is he? I'm on my own, aren't I?
'Um, I...I'm not sure exactly...'
'Oh. Why?'
'Well, um, I have think it over first...before I-we make a decision'
'Really?'
'Is there a problem?' Ethan frowned, looking Miles directly. 'When in doubt, always stand on your own two feet...and don't back down, otherwise your opponent is going to think you're a fool..' a famous sentence from his late grandpa. One he'd never forget...and seemed rather useful at the moment, even though Ethan wasn't so sure...
A few minutes or a few seconds (it could have been more) passed, and Ethan thought he was going to admit forfeit as Miles seemed perfectly capable and handling the situation, yet...

Miles looked away first. He cleared his throat. 'No, no problem. Take all the time you need. OK, next'
Ethan couldn't believe it. Thanks Grandpa! He hide a smile, as the rest of the meeting went on...

A few days later,

Different. Different can be good, right? There was no rules against it. It meant change. It could also mean a fresh start. If that was the case, why was she plagued by doubts ever since Ned's last visit? Why did his words sounded false? Elsie groaned, putting away her book. I'm going crazy. It probably means nothing anyway. Ned was just being...Ned. Kind and affectionate and thoughtful. It seems he wanted to make things work between them. Except...

'Elsie?' Came her mother's voice.  Oh boy, what now? Elsie wondered. 'We have a problem'
'What problem?' Elsie asked, as patiently as she could.
'This flat, it cannot continue like this!'
'Oh?' A flicker of hope appeared in Elsie's heart. Could it be?
'This isn't possible anymore' Could her mother realize it was time to go back to her dad?
'Um, what do you mean?'
'It's not going to work...this situation'
'OK...well, if you want to g-'
'This flat is a deathtrap! It's not safe!'
I should have known better than to hope. I should have known taking her in would mean she would never ever leave! Elsie wanted to scream.
'My flat is safe, Mum'
'No, it's not! It needs...babyproofing if you still call it like that these days'
'We do and Ned said-'
'I don't care what Ned said...you shouldn't trust men, didn't I teach you that, already?'
'Um...'
'Never trust a man that takes you for granted, let me tell you!'
Oh boy, here we go again...Elsie braced herself for another lecture.

                                                               *****
So, if I were a very important file, where would I be? Ethan looked around, once more. Not like  he hadn't been looking for the past hour but there you go. Actually, it wasn't only this hour, it had been going on for a while now and something, whether people realized it or not, was different. His office looked different. What was a usually well oiled machine, didn't look like one anymore. More like a rusty one. Damn it! Ethan swore. I'm pretty clever, usually, so why can't I figure it out? What's missing?

                                                             ******
Elsie closed the door of her appartement behind her. Enough. She needed to take her life back before it was too late...
To be continued....
Take care and see you soon for another article. Thank you again for following me and my stories :) xxx

Just a few words...

Dear readers,

Hope you're all OK ? :)

Just a short article today, I won't be long and let the picture speak for itself :)

Dedicated to someone very special that I still miss very much :)

Take care and see you soon for another article, xxx

Elsie&Ethan, their adventures continues...:)

Dear readers,

Hope you're all OK, despite the very fresh temperatures we've got lately and that you're keeping yourself warm enough! :)

Meanwhile, still a lot on my mind and missing England like crazy, more every day...:-) Sorry, I hope I'm not bothering too much you with all that...;-)

Anyway (a word, if you've been reading my blog, that I use quite often^^), let's go back to Elsie&Ethan...

In the last episode, Ethan was still trying to figure out what seemed different at the office and also decided to go have a few drinks with some friends, whilst Elsie is dealing with her mum, now living with her, having suddenly decided to leave her husband of thirty-five years...let's see what happens next! :)

And now...

After she managed to calm her mum down, reassuring her that the food was indeed healthy and that she was absolutely following what her doctor had prescribed, Elsie was about to go back to her room, when the doorbell rang. Elsie stopped in her tracks. What now? Hopefully, not her sister having also left her husband or her dad coming to get his wife back (although that would be helpful), or...someone else with their own problem because she wasn't sure she had any strengh left in her.

'Well...don't stand there and open the door!' Her mum had joined her. 'Why don't you do it yourself then?' Elsie almost blurted out 'as you obviously made yourself at home!' but at the last second, Elsie held her tongue. Not now. She'd to learn how to chose her battles. That wasn't one of them.

Elsie opened the door. 'Ned!' She exclaimed, surprised. Although, why should she be? He was her boyfriend (kind of) and also the father of her baby, he'd the right to come and see her. However, to be honest, with everything going on, Elsie hadn't had time to think about Ned. Was it strange? Elsie frowned.

'Hey honey...' Ned smiled. 'Surprised to see me?'
'Hey Ned...yes, sorry...um, were you suppose to-'
'No, I mean yes, I planned to come earlier than that, but work kept me busy...' He apologized.
'Oh, don't worry, that's OK...I'm happy to see you'
'Me too. So, how's the baby? You haven't been doing anything-'
That was Ned for you. Thoughtful and kind. Always worrying. Elsie shook her head, ready to reply when her mum beat her to it.

'Young man, I'm here to make sure Elsie keeps her feet up at all times...so, you don't have to worry'

'Er...hi and who might you be?'

'I'm Elsie's Mum, Polly,  it's nice to make your acquaintance and I'm guessing you're Ned? She held her hand out.

He shook her hand. 'I'm...and nice to meet you too' 'Um, I didn't know you were visiting'

'Oh, I'm not visiting'

'You're not?'

'No, I'm staying here. With my daughter. For a little while'

Suddenly, Elsie wanted to disappear. Ned glanced at her. 'You...are? I'm not following'

'N-Ned, will you come for a minute? Please?' Elsie managed. Fortunately, Ned got the message and followed her to her bedroom. He closed the door behind them.

'Would you mind explaining?' Ned crossed his arms.

Elsie did. 'So, she's actually leaving with you?' Ned asked, five minutes later.

'Yes, she is...'

'For how long?'

'I have no idea and stop looking at me like that..it's not like I invited her here...she came on her own!'

'I know, I know but can't you tell her-'

Elsie shook her head. 'I...I can't. I mean I tried but...at the end of the day, she's my mum and-'

'I'm aware of that' Ned interrupted her 'However, this is your life, you've to set-up boundaries and you've-we've got the baby coming soon...how do you see it working?!'

'I haven't thought this far ahead and she'll probably go back to my dad soon...it's just a phase' Elsie said, despite knowing deep down, that it might not be just a phase. Yet, what else could she do?

'Let's hope, it is because let me tell you...we absolutely can't live here the four of us...'

'I'm sure it's-wait, what? What did you just say?'

'I hope it's just a phase?'

'No, no, not that part. The part after that?'

'Oh, we can't live the four of us together here...'

'Yes, that one. What, um...what did you mean by that?'

'You, me, the baby and your mum, we can't-'

'Ned, we...how...I...' Elsie stopped.

'It's a bit early to plan everything, I know, but I thought you'd be glad  for us to be a family...'

'I....got that...and I'm...I just wasn't...expecting that' Elsie admitted.

'Why ever not?'

'I don't know....it's-we barely know each other, that's all and this baby is-was a surprise, I didn't know how you felt exactly...'

'Well, it's a way, like any other, I guess and when I said I wanted to be involved, I meant it'

'Oh....'

'You don't seem happy about it?'

'No, um, sorry....' Elsie chuckled 'I...I'm happy...sorry'

Ned smiled, relaxing. 'I'm not going anywhere? OK?' He kissed her gently, before helding her in his arms. Normally, Elsie loved it. Yet, in the middle of all these beautiful words and promises, something felt...different. But what exactly? Oh, stop it! And enjoy the moment, Elsie told herself as she hugged him back.

A few hours later, not so far from Elsie's flat, a taxi picked-up Ethan. He groaned softly as he finally arrived back at his flat. He let the lights off, made a quick trip to the bathrooom before falling asleep on his bed, still wearing his clothes. Last time, I'm ever having this much to drink....was his last thought.

To be continued...:)

Hope you still like their adventures? :) Take care and you soon for another article! :) xxx

Elsie&Ethan's new adventures :)

Dear readers,

Hope you're all OK?!

I hope you're still enjoying like I do whilst writing their stories, Elsie&Ethan's adventures....? :)

Last time, we left Elsie dealing with the unexpected arrival of her mum, who had decided to leave her husband...
So let's see what happens next :)

And now...

Something was still...not the same. Yet, Ethan knew it couldn't be possible. After all, everything seemed to be the same as ever. Everything was running smoothly. His professional life as well as his personal was fine.  He had run over in his head every possibilties, every scenario as to why something would be off. It wasn't. OK, Sarah had also noticed something when she'd stopped by to yell at him. But even that didn't prove it was or wasn't the same. Oh, damn it! He sighed. Stop driving yourself crazy! Everything's fine! Stop seeing things that aren't there!

Ethan went back to work. Without too much interference from the rest of his staff. Towards the end of the day, as most of the employees had already left, he turned his computer off, took his jacket and briefcase, closed his office door, making his way towards the elevator. His phone buzzed as the doors opened. Ethan took it out as he went in.

Friends were inviting him from a drink. Drinks more like. The same bunch he often hang out with. They were fun and not too complicated, which Ethan needed right now. Although a part of him wished they could take things more seriously from time to time. Stop making silly jokes (OK, some were still funny) but...some were less fun even though he laughed, just to fit in. Or would give sound advice. Listen. Would be there in case of emergency. Because at the end of the day, these friends weren't going to be around if anything happened such as losing his compagny or if he had a car accident. Fun,yes, they were there a hundred per cent. Serious stuff? Ah, are you kidding me? No way. Not like Paul, his brother was. Or....well, Sarah was. If that was possible. He may have tried to seduce her but that was all pretend. She never took shit from him. She was always straight with him. Never afraid of telling him what she thought of him. And, not that he'd admit it, but he considered Sarah a friend.

The elevator's doors pinged indicating he had arrived at the ground floor, interrupting his thoughts. Maybe for the best or he'd turned into one of...his ex-girlfriends? No. Nope. No. That's not me. He shook his head. What just happened? Ethan glanced at his phone, buzzing again. OK, maybe just a drink. A few at the most. Ethan texted back before he could change his mind.

A few miles away, Elsie was trying NOT to go crazy, such as losing her mind. Living with your parents or one of your parents was one thing when you were growing-up but living with them when you were an adult...not so much! Elsie took a deep breath. Give me strengh...give me strengh not to-

'Elsie!' His mum's voice interrupted her. Barely two days and- 'What kind of food is this? You're pregnant! You should eat healthy! Not that...junk! Who is-' she drove her crazy! 'You won't even know I'm here....she'd said. Well, guess what? I know you're here! 'Oh, that's remind me, we need to-'

OK, kill me now...Elsie sighed, going out of her safe heaven that was her bedroom and see what her mum wanted...

To be continued...:) Take care and see you soon for another article :) xxx

And...8 years! :)

Dear readers,
Hope you are all OK?
Just a short article today to wish my blog a happy birthday! Can't believe it has  been eight years already!
Thank you again for (still) reading my articles, hope you're having a great time and are not too bored (rire).
Anyway thanks again and see you soon for another article, take care.  Xxx

Elsie&Ethan-temporary title

Dear readers,

Hope you're all OK and that the start of the new year has started off well :)

In the meantime, sorry I haven't been writing much lalely. I've had a lot on my mind. Anyway, let's go back to Elsie&Ethan's adventure, shall we?

What happened previously? Elsie, heavily pregnant, is put on bed rest by her doctor. She's a bit worried about her work but knows it's best for the baby. After a small misunderstanding concerning her maternity leave, Elsie has to come to the office to sort it out. At the same time, her boss, Ethan is starting to feel something is different but can't put his finger on it....

And now...? Well, let's find out! :) 

Bored. Bored. Bored...Elsie sighed. She knew she was supposed to be 'putting her feet up' and enjoying her maternity leave and she was...in a way. There was no paper pushing, no phone calls, no messages, nothing urgent. Peace and quiet. Just her. So, why wasn't she feeling happy? relaxed? 

Probably because she had had time to catch-up on her reading, her T.V shows, movies she hadn't seen yet, read every magazine she posessed, cleaned every inch of her flat she could without exhausting herself, separating winter and summer clothes, starting to build her babies coat, make a list of things she missed and Ned could get for her later, paying her bills (trying to no think about her salay decreasing every time...) these past few weeks. She hadn't even known she could do all of this. I guess when you have a lot of free time, you can do a lot...

Friends and close relatives had also visited at first but after a while, they had to return to their own lives. Elsie couldn't held them hostage. Shame...we might have had some fun. She laughed, what a crazy idea. See what nothing to do all day, does to my brain? The baby moved, interrupted her train of thoughts. Yeah, I know...Elsie patted  absently, her pregnant belly and soon had to go to the bathroom. 
As she went back to the living room, the door bell rang. Elsie went to open.


'Mum!' She exclaimed. 'What are you-'
'Can't I just visit my daugther?' 
'Of course, you can. i just...wasn't expecting you today, that's all. And-Mum?'
'Yes, honey?' She asked, innocently.Elsie frowned. What was she up to?
'If you're only visiting for a day, why do you have a suitcase?'
'Oh, that...it's, um, a few things I wanted to give-'
'Mum...you're a bad liar, your ears are red..now, why are you really here?' Elsie crossed her arms.
'You know, you look a lot like your father when you do that...'
'I-Mum!'
'What?'
'Stop it! Why are you here?'
'I just thought...I could spend some quality time with you and the baby'
'The baby isn't born yet..'
'And? I can still...' Elsie kept her arms crossed. 'visit for...a few days'
Why had she paused? Why had she paused before finishing her sentence? 
'Besides, you said Ned was...a bit busy lately; so...I won't be in the way' She continued. 
Not in the way? Elsie thought Are you kidding me?
'Mum...you don't vist, remember? Most of the times, I have to come and see you...spill the beans!'
'OK, fine. I have left your father, finally'
'Wait, what?' 'But...I don't understand'
'There is nothing to understand. I was married. I won't be soon. End of story'
'Mum! You threatened to leave him every day but you don't follow through. Why would it be any different? You love Dad...don't you?'
'I do but honey...he won't change. I've cooked and cleaned and...kept a tidy house, paying the bills on time, raised his children, made sure we had rooof over your head. Although apparently that's not enough for him! It's never enough. He takes me for granted you know! Well, not this time! This time I'm taking back my life and I intend to make up for the lost time'
'I...can't you guys talk about it first before doing something...shall we say, irrevocably stupid?'
'Elsie, when you are married, for as long as we have, then you'll undertand. In the meantime, don't judge'
'I'm not, I'm trying to understand'
'Understand what?'
'I don't know...for example, why after more than  35 years of marriage, you suddenly drop a bombshell on us-'
'Your sister doesn't know and I'd like to stay it that way...'
'Even better' Elsie mumbled. 'Mum, this is ridiculous. You can't-'
'I can actually and I did...I won't change my mind...'
'I know' Elsie sighed again. When she got an idea into her head, it was hard to let go. 
'Listen, I'm not planning on staying forever, just a few days, to get back on my feet...' 
'I...no, you-'
'Please, please...you won't even know I'm here' Yes, I will! 
'Mum...' Elsie wanted to be firm, to tell her mum to stop being stupid and talk with her dad like adults. To sort things out. Except...that wasn't how her mum worked. Oh no...quite the opposite in fact. She avoided any sort of conflict, mostly when it didn't serve her own interest. She loved to be right. Hated when she was wrong. However, Elsie made the mistake of looking into her mum's imploring eyes (not really, but she was a good actress whenever she wanted). 'You can't...I mean I-fine, you can stay...but only a few days like you said'
'Thank you, thank you' She hugged her, which she rarely did. 'A week at the most. You won't regret it' I already do...

Suddenly, as Elsie watched her mum making herself right at home, she had a feeling it would be more than a few days or even a week. Great...

Wilst Elsie was trying to figure out a way to cohabitate with her mum and not jumping out of the window (kidding of course), her mobile vibrated. The ID on her screen indicated it was her office calling...but Elsie didn't notice. Maybe that was for the best...at least for now. 

To be continued...
Hope you still like the story! :) Take care and see you soon for another article. xxx