Since becoming roommates, Ellen and Zoe have moved into a new apartment. Their new landlord allowed them to paint their walls any color they choose, so they chose jade green! The girls are finally moved in and are beginning to settle into a normal routine.
Both Ellen and Zoe have the weekend off. Ellen has plans to spend the day with Vic, who is coming over later, while Zoe will be out running errands.
Ellen comes in with a plant she bought earlier that day.
Ellen: Hey Zoe, meet Sheila.
Zoe: Who’s Sheila?
Ellen: Our new houseplant. I figured since we’re going for a green theme, we should definitely have some plants around.
Zoe: OMG Elle! Do you name all of your plants?
Ellen: Well, of course. Plants are people too. Besides, my mom named all of her plants and they grew like crazy.
Zoe: Umm...I don’t know. I’m pretty sure that's not scientifically based.
Ellen: Whatev’. Have you heard from your aunt?
Zoe: No. I assume she’s pretty busy with her lecture series. Once she starts on those marine animals, there’s not much else on her mind.
Ellen: Well, I hope she hasn’t forgotten she’s supposed to be getting married this summer.
Zoe: I don’t know, but maybe they’ll push the wedding back.
Ellen: Maybe. So...are you and Takeo still not talking.
Zoe: Umm...I don’t know. I think I still need some time…
Ellen: I’m no expert on relationships, but the longer you two go without talking, the harder it will be to stay together. I think you should talk as soon as possible.
Zoe: Maybe, but I have to go. I’ve got a ton of stuff to get done today! Have fun with Vic!
Zoe rushes out, leaving Ellen and Sheila alone. A few minutes later Vic arrives with his guitar.
Vic: Zoe isn’t here is she?
Ellen: No, she’ll be out most of the day running errands.
Vic: Good. I don’t know how you can deal with her. Doesn’t she irritate you?
Ellen: Funny, that’s what most people ask me about you. Zoe’s sweet, but a little ...over enthusiastic at times. Besides, as soon as I mention that she should talk to her boyfriend, she manages to find an excuse to jet. Do you want a sandwich?
Vic: Sure. Hey, is this a new plant?
Ellen: Yeah. That’s Sheila. I got her this morning.
Vic: Sheila? You’re seriously naming a plant? Who does that?
Ellen: Um, anyone who wants their plants to grow gives them names. Why is that so hard for people to get?
Vic: (mumbling under his breath) Because it’s crazy.
Ellen: (from the kitchen) Did you say something?
Vic: (thinking to himself) How did she hear that? (Out loud) Uh, no. Maybe it was Sheila.
Ellen: (coming from the kitchen with the sandwiches) Very funny! Have you heard from Guy? Zoe says Kira has been so busy with her lecture that she hasn’t talked to her. What’s going on with the wedding planning?
Vic: Guy’s been coaching a Girl’s junior gymnastics team, and they have a competition coming up, so he’s been pretty busy too. Not that I really want to get involved in his wedding planning anyway. You’re acting like it’s your wedding!
Ellen: Don’t get scared Vic; I’m not going to pressure you to marry me. I’m just super excited about going to a wedding! Do you know when the last time I went to a wedding? It was two years ago when my cousin got married, so I’m due for another one. I have the perfect dress in mind, too! I think I will go on and put it on layaway now just to be on the safe side.
Vic only responded with an exasperated sigh. After they had eaten, Vic began playing his guitar and Ellen started working on her blog. They were disturbed by a knock at the door. When Ellen answers it, she’s surprised to see a young man at the door.
Takeo: Sorry to disturb you, but I was wondering if Zoe was here? I’m Takeo, by the way.
Ellen: I’m Ellen. No, she’ll be out for most of the day. Have you tried calling her?
Takeo: Yes, but she hasn’t been answering.
Ellen: (thinking to herself) Dang, she’s been ignoring his calls too! (To Takeo) Oh...well she should be back in a couple of hours. I could let her know you stopped by, but I know Zoe, and she will just keep avoiding you. It’s probably best if you stick around until she comes back, that way you can corner her and she’ll have to talk to you.
Takeo: Oh...But won’t she get angry?
Ellen: Yeah, I’m sure she will. But she’s already pissed at you anyway, so you have nothing to lose.
Takeo: Well, when you put it that way, you do have a point. Are you sure you don’t mind if I hang around?
Ellen: No, we weren’t really doing anything anyway. Do you want something to eat or drink?
Takeo: No I’m fine.
Ellen invites Takeo in and goes back to her blogging. Takeo takes the opportunity to talk to Vic about his guitar.
Takeo: So, you play a lot?
Vic: Not a lot. This is mostly a hobby for me. I hear you’re in a band.
Takeo: Yeah, but we haven’t done a show yet.
Vic: Do you play lead?
Takeo: No bass. I like the deeper tone of a bass, but it can be harder to play because of the thicker strings. I use a pick, but that’s a bit tricky for me when I’m paying standing up.
Vic: Other than the strings, is it harder to learn than a 6-string?
Takeo: Well, I can’t really say. I was pretty crappy at guitar, but I’m fairly good a bass. I’m not the best, though. Our lead plays guitar and bass and he’s phenomenal on both.
The boys continue to blab on about guitars and lose track of time. It isn’t long before Zoe comes back.
Zoe: Hey Elle, look at all this stuff I found on sale at...ahhh! What are you doing here?!
Ellen: Oh, Takeo came by to see if you were here. Since you were out I told him to stay and wait on you.
Zoe: What!!
Ellen: Actually, Vic and I were planning on making eggplant parmesan together.
Vic: We were?
Ellen: Yeah, so we’ll just head to the kitchen to get started.
Ellen grabs Vic and drags him to the kitchen before he has a chance to protest, leaving Zoe and Takeo alone in the living room.
To Be Continued...
