A very special thought :)

Dear readers,

Hope you're all OK and are enjoying this festive season as another Christmas (makes you realize how time flies by sometimes) is about to roll in...turkey, mince pies, smoke salmon, foie gras (for those who have a big appetite), beans...and probably many others (which I probably forgot!) and of course the gifts...:)

Anyway, just a short article today (don't worry Elsie & Ethan will be back soon), I won't be long.
This article is dedicated to a very special person whom I miss very much :)

Take care and see you soon for another article, have a good week! :)

Elsie&Ethan are back (again)

Dear readers,

Hope you're all OK and enjoying the beginning of the winter, despite it being quite fresh!? :)
Sorry (again), I'm aware I haven't been writing very much lately...:)

Anyway, let's go back to Elsie & Ethan, shall we? Last time, if I remember correctly , Ethan was asking H.R for a possible new assistant and Elsie was juggling between her mum living with her and her break-up or shall we say her time part from Ned.

 And now...

She really didn't know what the right term was as she hated the term 'we're on a break', which constantly reminded of the running gag between Ross and Rachel, in the famous T.V show (and her favorite in passing) F.R.I.E.N.D.S, you rarely ever knew anyway what it meant. You could either think your relationship was over and therefore (if the opportunity arises) might be tempted to seek comfort elsewhere OR you thought you were temporarily apart and might be able (hopefully) to put this all behind and reunite. Everything was possible. Exactly. Who is to say that Ned may have already set his attention on someone else whilst away from her? Or that like he said, he needed time to think this through on his own? Elsie sighed. Her mum's words certainly didn't help either. Why did she have to take Ned's side? Why not try and see her point of view? Was it too difficult? She thought as her mum's footstep faded away.
A few minutes later, her phone vibrated. Lost in her thoughts and still thinking about what Ned was doing, Elsie forgot to check the caller I.D as she answered: 'Ned?'

'Um, sorry, no. Is this Miss Elsie Fitzpatrick?'
'Y-yes....who is this?'
'Hello, I'm Mrs Watson from H.R at Martin&Wood Associate?' There probably wasn't a interrogation point needed but Elsie could still hear it.
'Hello, yes...what can I do for you?'
'It's rather...um...' She paused. '..an unusual request actually...'
'Oh? Is there a problem?'
'No, not exactly...'
'OK, can you tell me why you're calling me? I don't-'
'I apologize. There isn't any problem...it's just-'
'Am I fired?'
'F-fired? No!' Mrs. Watson exclaimed. 'Absolutely not. Sorry. Again. It's just Mr. Martin-'
Why couldn't she get to the point? Elsie took a deep breath. 'What is it?' What did they want now?
'Mr Martin needs a assistant'
'Yes. So? Doesn't he have one already? I'm on maternity leave...I've been told that-'
'We know' She interrupted her. 'However, none of them seem to work out'
'Why not? It's not that complicated, well, maybe sometimes but-'
'I'm aware. Mr Martin is, shall we say, getting impatient' (in better terms, he wasn't getting his way) ' and despite our best effort, we haven't been able to find a suitable candidate'
'I'm not sure how I can help...usually-'
'She isn't here at the moment' Mrs Watson said referring to Marge, one of his usual assistant. 'She is off sick'
'Oh, I hope she feels better soon'
'Mm-mm... anyway, we need you to come back until she's recovered. I don't think it'll be long. Of course, you'll be compensated for your troubles. In meantime, if you could-'
'Wait! Stop! Listen, I'm sorry for...everything but I'm afraid I can't'
'Why not?'
'Because for one, I'm pregnant'
'Yes, we know' She replied patiently.
'And second, I'm on bed rest. This is why I had to leave a little earlier than planned. My doctor doesn't-'
'It should be fine' She interrupted Elsie. 'You'll mostly be sitting at your desk anyway, it shouldn't be a problem'
No, I won't! If Elsie knew something about her job, is that she was rarely sitting down, more like running around all day. Barely having a minute to herself.
'Listen, I'm sorry. I'm sure there are plenty of other assistant who can help him better than I can at the moment. I-I have to go. Good luck' Elsie hang-up, feeling tired. She turned off her phone, just in case. She wasn't in the mood. Suddenly, being in the four walls of the bedroom, wasn't enough. She needed some fresh air...
A short walk should do the trick.

Meanwhile...

'What do you mean? She said what exactly?'
'She said she couldn't do it' Mrs Watson repeated, not for the first time.
'Why ever not? Didn't you mentioned that she would-'
'I did'
'And that she also would get-'
'Yes! I'm not stupid'
'I apologize I've never implied that you were. I just...' His voice trailed off. 'Never mind. Do you have another candidate?'
'Not at the moment. But I'll keep looking'
'Thank you' Ethan was about to hang-up when he asked one last question (or favor) to Mrs. Watson.

To be continued....
Hope you're still enjoying it? :) No worries, they will meet soon...;-)
Take care and see you soon for another article.
Copyright-all rights reserved.

Un Peuple et son Roi

Dear readers,

Hope you're all OK and that going back to work after the summer holiday wasn't too hard...:)
And will enjoy the beginning of this fresh Autumn.

I would write again about Elsie&Ethan today but if you don't mind, I'd like to press pause just for this article. Don't worry, they'll be back ;-) I can't wait to write the rest of their adventures (hoping you're still enjoying it?)

Yesterday, I went to cinema and saw a French movie, which was about the French Revolution.
Indeed some centuries ago,the 14th July 1789 more precisely, the French People decided they had enough and wanted more, which lead to the writing and publication of the French Constitution, that still exists today, making all man and woman, free and equal when they're born. Also, lead to the death of Louis XVI and many other majors events...
This movie is centered on all of that. More specifically, on the events following the French Revolution and how the French People reacted and dealt with it. How they got organized. How they tried to make themselves heard. There was of course the King Louis XVI, his family and the court. And how he dealt and managed the situation...

In all, the movie, from a historical standpoint, appears very accurate (not that I'm an expert) and you learn a lot. For example, I had forgotten how long it took, after the Revolution took place, for everything to move forward. And the King Louis XVI wasn't sentenced to death just yet. He 'kind of' stood trial, people deciding whether or not, he should live, be banished or die. Same went (not that it was portrayed here) for his family we can only suppose. Although, we already know that Marie-Antoinette and her children didn't make it either.

There is just a few things that I felt was missing: the reaction of the Louis XVI (despite wanting to do his best in a way and agreeing for the Constitution to be published) in all of this. He appears, a part from, being genuinely sad and resigned or a moment, also detached from all that happened. He barely tries to comfort his family, and just wait for it to be over. We also rarely see him during the movie, as it's mostly filmed from the French People's point of view. Not that it's a bad thing, it's interesting to see all sides of the story. For those who like action scene as well, you might be a little disappointed. There are some, however, there are mostly centered on the French People trying to make themselves heard once again by the French Government, still desperately holding on to little power they have left.

Anyway, in all, the movie is worth the detour and you'll learn a lot (or learn again). :) Take care and see you soon for another article :) xxx

Elsie&Ethan (let's call it this way for now) :)

Dear readers,

Hope you're all OK and enjoyed your summer?! Sorry, I haven't been writing much...but I have had a lot of my mind (still do actually).

Anyway, let's go back to Elsie&Ethan :)
Last time, Ethan was going to an event with his then 'girlfriend' but the evening didn't turn out the way it was suppose to. They ended-up parting ways. As he went to his office the next morning, a serious conversation with his assistant was in order, not that the latter seemed very concerned...
Whilst, Elsie had to deal telling her mum there wasn't going to be a wedding because her and Ned were on a break. It wasn't easy of course but somehow her mum blamed her!

And now...

'You wanted to see me, sir?' His assistant said, still looking innocent. How does she do it? Ethan wondered.
'Yes, indeed. Can you explain something to me?'
'Um, sure. But explain what?'
Oh dear God! Ethan had to stay calm. He took a deep breath. 'Explain about last night?'
'OK, what about last night?' Was she doing that on purpose? 'Didn't you have a good time?'
'Well, let see, shall we? The car you ordered was late, consequently, there was traffic, so we were late. Nor that it mattered fortunately, because Selena loves to make an entrance. Anyway, the evening didn't exactly ended there. We were sitting at the same table and-'
'So? You are a couple, aren't you? Why wouldn't you be seated at the same table?'
'Yes' Ethan replied as patiently as he could. 'However, we were also seated at the same table as one of Selena's rival. And let me tell you, it wasn't fun! Because then Selena even wanted more attention..by wanting to dance with me in front of these people! Making an even more fool of herself'
'Oh...'
'Indeed.  Now, tell me, what happened?'
'Nothing. I did exactly as you asked' His assistant - Crap, I'd better learn their names...what is Bethany? Beverley?-shrugged.
'I wonder if you did because the evening didn't go according to plan and-'
'It's not my fault!' She exclaimed.
'How is it not? You were the person in charge, were you not?' Stay calm...
'Well, yes but-'
'But what?'
'I'm just a temporary replacement' She explained. 'I usually work with Mr Wood'  He was Ethan's partner and associate. A good friend and hard working mostly but he preferred fun to work whenever he could. 'H.R asked that I filled in for a while. Mr Wood is-'
'...away, yes' Ethan interrupted her. No need to go into detail. 'However, whether you're a temporary replacement or not, you should still be able to do your job properly'
'I did!'
Ethan sighed. She was really determined. 'Don't tell me it was because last night was anything but...despite having left specific instructions'
'If you say so...now can I get back to work, please?'
What? Ethan blinked several times. Was she for real? 'Excuse-me?'
'I need to get back to work. I'm also handling Mr Wood's-'
'Just go' Ethan resigned himself to ask human resources to find someone else to cover. Dave's assistant would go back to her old job.
Beverley/Bethany or whatever her name was (I might need to learn it) shrugged and left his office. A few laughs were heard soon after. Damn it! That is it!
Ethan  immediately called human resources and  all they could do was being surprised and asked: 'Again?'
*****

'Elsie! I know you're in there!' Her mum knocked on her bedroom door. Elsie stayed silent. 'Come on, let's talk about this, like adults'
Like adults? Ah! Elsie wanted to laugh. She'd just announced she was leaving her husband and practically refused to talk about it.
'Elsie!' 'I'm sure you can find a compromise. Ned is a-seems at least-like reasonable guy. If you apologize to him, he might-'
Wow, wait a minute! Elsie got-up. 'Excuse-me?'
'Ah, I knew you were there. Open the door, so we can talk'
'No, I'm not opening the door, Mum. How could you!'
'How could I what?'
'Don't you see? You're taking Ned's side, but I'm your daughter, you should support me'
'I'm!'
'By telling me, I made a mistake turning down Ned?'
'Well, you did. Men like Ned don't often come around and you're not getting any younger'
'Oh, OK, so, I should just marry Ned just for the sake of it? Huh? Well, sorry to disappoint you, that's not how things work. At least not for me. I want the real things. I want to be able to make my own decision on whether or not, I want to get married. And could please, just this once, believe in me? Take my side? Believe that I'm doing the right thing?'
'Honey, I-'
Elsie brushed away her tears. 'So nice of you. Can you just go, please?'
She looked under her door, her mum's feet hesitating before her steps faded away. She sat down on her bed, her heart beating faster. Had this really happened?

A few minutes later, Elsie had barely recovered for the conversation with her mum when her mobile vibrated. Lost in her thoughts, she didn't check the caller ID. 'Ned?' She replied absently.

To be continued...
Hope you're still enjoying it? Thanks again for following their adventures. And I meant what I said, Elsie and Ethan will meet soon...just  a little bit patience :)
Take care and see you soon for another article, xxx
Copyright-all right reserved.

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
Coyright-all rights reserved.

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

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