[Scene] Sisters Catch Up
Lana: *it's a few days after she's resolved things after Jake's return; Lana arrives back at home from work and settles in, changing into casual clothes and reheating some leftovers on the stove. As she waits for her dinner to warm, she glances at her watch and then picks up the phone to dial Ema's number in Stowe. The sisters talk on quite a frequent basis after all, and by now Ema is sure to have several questions on the various happenings in Los Angeles since her departure...*
Ema: *at the same time, oceans away, Ema is holding her own phone in her hand as she sits on the couch in her small apartment. When it rings suddenly she jumps, but when she sees the name on the caller ID she immediately flips it open and puts it to her ear* Hey! Lana! I was just about to call you...
Lana: Really? *the smile is evident on her voice. There's a soft clatter as she places a lid onto the pot on the stove* Well, that's good timing: I just came back from work. ...How are you, Ema?
Ema: Oh, fine... you know, same old, same old, basically. *glances out the window* It's raining today... as usual. How are you?
Lana: I'm well. It was sunny today, as usual. *there's a slight clatter as she retrieves a wooden spoon from a drawer* Have you gotten over the time difference yet? It's never easy, is it?
Ema: Yeah, I'm not feeling too bad now. Coming home isn't too terrible, but coming back is a whole different story. Especially since I have to get up to go to work and all that... *she stops here, and doesn't continue*
Lana: Don't overwork yourself, especially with that much cold humidity.
Ema: *there's a long pause - finally, whenever it becomes too uncomfortable, Ema speaks* So... I see Mr. Marshall is back in town.
Lana: Hm? Yes, he is. *her voice is neutral, though a bit too nonchalant* He said that he couldn't quite get used to life in Wyoming. *there's a quiet jangle as she lifts the lid of the pot and stirs the food inside* I suppose he was more of a city person than he realized.
Ema: *notes the extremely casual tone in her sister's voice, but doesn't comment* Then... he visited?
Lana: Yes, he did. He surprised me at home, in fact. ...But I asked him to leave. *by the slight sounds of shifting, she's probably adjusting the phone as she stirs the contents of the pot*
Ema: Really? *there's a pause* How did Mr. Edgeworth take that? Him showing up?
Lana: He didn't like it. That's to be expected, isn't it? *sets down the spoon and goes to get a plate* I talked to him last Friday. We decided to put everything on hold. Or rather, I decided to put everything to an end. *there's the sound of a cupboard opening and shutting*
Ema: *her eyes widen* Y-You broke up with him? Because of Mr. Marshall? Does that mean you two are getting back together?
Lana: *sharply* No, it doesn't. Neither of us have any intention of doing that. *a light sigh* I just realized I needed some time to myself... I'd like to focus on my work for a while. We're getting several large cases that will require my full attention-without such unnecessary complications on the sidelines.
Ema: *a momentary pause as she decides what direction she wants to take in the conversation* Oh... yes. I did see something about needing help in your one LJ entry. Have you found anybody that meets the qualifications yet? *taps her fingertips on the arm rest as she asks*
Lana: *sounds rather relieved at the change in conversation* Not yet, no. Most people I've interviewed so far are underqualified... and those who meet the criteria--well, I suppose I'm rather choosy. Nothing's clicked yet.
Ema: Huh. Well, good luck with that, I guess. Hey, if I don't get a job at the station, I could come work for you. *laughs, but it's half-heartedly - she doesn't plan on that happening. She continues drumming her fingers, and there's an pause in which she has a thought that she decides to keep to herself for now*
Lana: *her laugh is a touch awkward as well* Hmm, it's certainly an option... but I'm sure it won't come to that. *contemplatively* Have you sent in your resume? Do you have any clearer idea on when you will be coming back?
Ema: *brightens* I did actually! I got back a letter saying they received it and they're considering me for a position... I need to come in for an interview sometime soon as well. But, regardless I think I'll be coming home within the next few weeks.
Lana: Oh! *it's clear she's quite stopped in everything and anything she was occupied in doing* That soon? That's wonderful!
Ema: *smiles* Yeah, I'm pretty sure. So, you better get my room all ready for me again, and... you wouldn't mind helping me look for apartments?
Lana: Your room is always ready. *in quiiiite a cheerful manner* And of course I wouldn't mind. I'll start immediately, in fact.
Ema: *her smile widens a bit - somehow she was expecting that* Thanks, Lana...
Lana: You don't need to thank me at all. *there's a slight crackle of static and the sound of footsteps as she brings her plate and cutlery over to the dining room table. Her voice is focused* When you book your plane tickets, be sure to let me know.
Ema: Of course I will. *it's quiet for a moment* Lana... are you positive you split with Mr. Edgeworth for more reasons than just Mr. Marshall? You seemed pretty happy when we went out to dinner. I mean, if he makes you happy...
Lana: He does-- *her voice grows soft* or did, rather. But yes, I'm not ready for it at the moment. It wouldn't have been fair for him at all. *gently* Don't worry about me, Ema. I'm happy like this-- this was my decision and no one else's.
Ema: I know it was your decision, but I want to make sure you made the right one. You know how stubborn you can be.
Lana: *pauses... then laughs lightly* Yes, I know. Thank you, Ema. I'm grateful you're looking out for me.
Ema: Of course. I've always got your back. You know that.
Lana: *warmly* I do. *there's the sound of a chair being gently pushed back against hardwood floor* ...I'll talk to you again soon, alright? Right after I find an agent, and take a look at a few condominiums.
Ema: *nods* All right. I'll give you a call when I book my plane tickets. Take care of yourself, Lana.
Lana: I will. Goodnight, Ema. *turns off her phone and sets it down, taking a moment to reflect over the conversation before she begins to eat her dinner*
Ema: *she hangs up, reaches for her laptop and opens it, and begins to browse for plane tickets*
Ema: *at the same time, oceans away, Ema is holding her own phone in her hand as she sits on the couch in her small apartment. When it rings suddenly she jumps, but when she sees the name on the caller ID she immediately flips it open and puts it to her ear* Hey! Lana! I was just about to call you...
Lana: Really? *the smile is evident on her voice. There's a soft clatter as she places a lid onto the pot on the stove* Well, that's good timing: I just came back from work. ...How are you, Ema?
Ema: Oh, fine... you know, same old, same old, basically. *glances out the window* It's raining today... as usual. How are you?
Lana: I'm well. It was sunny today, as usual. *there's a slight clatter as she retrieves a wooden spoon from a drawer* Have you gotten over the time difference yet? It's never easy, is it?
Ema: Yeah, I'm not feeling too bad now. Coming home isn't too terrible, but coming back is a whole different story. Especially since I have to get up to go to work and all that... *she stops here, and doesn't continue*
Lana: Don't overwork yourself, especially with that much cold humidity.
Ema: *there's a long pause - finally, whenever it becomes too uncomfortable, Ema speaks* So... I see Mr. Marshall is back in town.
Lana: Hm? Yes, he is. *her voice is neutral, though a bit too nonchalant* He said that he couldn't quite get used to life in Wyoming. *there's a quiet jangle as she lifts the lid of the pot and stirs the food inside* I suppose he was more of a city person than he realized.
Ema: *notes the extremely casual tone in her sister's voice, but doesn't comment* Then... he visited?
Lana: Yes, he did. He surprised me at home, in fact. ...But I asked him to leave. *by the slight sounds of shifting, she's probably adjusting the phone as she stirs the contents of the pot*
Ema: Really? *there's a pause* How did Mr. Edgeworth take that? Him showing up?
Lana: He didn't like it. That's to be expected, isn't it? *sets down the spoon and goes to get a plate* I talked to him last Friday. We decided to put everything on hold. Or rather, I decided to put everything to an end. *there's the sound of a cupboard opening and shutting*
Ema: *her eyes widen* Y-You broke up with him? Because of Mr. Marshall? Does that mean you two are getting back together?
Lana: *sharply* No, it doesn't. Neither of us have any intention of doing that. *a light sigh* I just realized I needed some time to myself... I'd like to focus on my work for a while. We're getting several large cases that will require my full attention-without such unnecessary complications on the sidelines.
Ema: *a momentary pause as she decides what direction she wants to take in the conversation* Oh... yes. I did see something about needing help in your one LJ entry. Have you found anybody that meets the qualifications yet? *taps her fingertips on the arm rest as she asks*
Lana: *sounds rather relieved at the change in conversation* Not yet, no. Most people I've interviewed so far are underqualified... and those who meet the criteria--well, I suppose I'm rather choosy. Nothing's clicked yet.
Ema: Huh. Well, good luck with that, I guess. Hey, if I don't get a job at the station, I could come work for you. *laughs, but it's half-heartedly - she doesn't plan on that happening. She continues drumming her fingers, and there's an pause in which she has a thought that she decides to keep to herself for now*
Lana: *her laugh is a touch awkward as well* Hmm, it's certainly an option... but I'm sure it won't come to that. *contemplatively* Have you sent in your resume? Do you have any clearer idea on when you will be coming back?
Ema: *brightens* I did actually! I got back a letter saying they received it and they're considering me for a position... I need to come in for an interview sometime soon as well. But, regardless I think I'll be coming home within the next few weeks.
Lana: Oh! *it's clear she's quite stopped in everything and anything she was occupied in doing* That soon? That's wonderful!
Ema: *smiles* Yeah, I'm pretty sure. So, you better get my room all ready for me again, and... you wouldn't mind helping me look for apartments?
Lana: Your room is always ready. *in quiiiite a cheerful manner* And of course I wouldn't mind. I'll start immediately, in fact.
Ema: *her smile widens a bit - somehow she was expecting that* Thanks, Lana...
Lana: You don't need to thank me at all. *there's a slight crackle of static and the sound of footsteps as she brings her plate and cutlery over to the dining room table. Her voice is focused* When you book your plane tickets, be sure to let me know.
Ema: Of course I will. *it's quiet for a moment* Lana... are you positive you split with Mr. Edgeworth for more reasons than just Mr. Marshall? You seemed pretty happy when we went out to dinner. I mean, if he makes you happy...
Lana: He does-- *her voice grows soft* or did, rather. But yes, I'm not ready for it at the moment. It wouldn't have been fair for him at all. *gently* Don't worry about me, Ema. I'm happy like this-- this was my decision and no one else's.
Ema: I know it was your decision, but I want to make sure you made the right one. You know how stubborn you can be.
Lana: *pauses... then laughs lightly* Yes, I know. Thank you, Ema. I'm grateful you're looking out for me.
Ema: Of course. I've always got your back. You know that.
Lana: *warmly* I do. *there's the sound of a chair being gently pushed back against hardwood floor* ...I'll talk to you again soon, alright? Right after I find an agent, and take a look at a few condominiums.
Ema: *nods* All right. I'll give you a call when I book my plane tickets. Take care of yourself, Lana.
Lana: I will. Goodnight, Ema. *turns off her phone and sets it down, taking a moment to reflect over the conversation before she begins to eat her dinner*
Ema: *she hangs up, reaches for her laptop and opens it, and begins to browse for plane tickets*