Ellen smiles at her acceptance letter. Orange County College has accepted her application in Political Science first year. She had her degree in Liberal Arts, so she didn't need to take the four years to graduate. According to Janet, this was a path that can open a lot of doors for Ellen, and despite what the name suggests, it wasn't all about politics.

Before Ellen picked this course, she did her research to see where her degree can take her. She could work in politics, but other than her stint as President of her sophomore year at SVH, she wasn't interested in working in that field. She was interested in social media as well as Public Relations, she was very good at advertising. One of her duties was displays at Lisette's, Ellen made sure every new design was eye catching for every new customer that walked in. That's how she got her position as manager, her boss Gary, the owner was very impressed by her work. He wasn't happy that Ellen was going part time, but he was glad to see Ellen was returning to school.

Ellen couldn't wait. She only had to attend for eighteen months, or shorter if she doubled her credits. Once she got her degree, she was guaranteed a job. Rachel said if Ellen was interested, she may have a job waiting for her in her division in Los Angeles, she was thinking of expanding. Ellen couldn't wait, she was finally going to have a good life.

"Morning." Ellen smiled when she felt arms. She leaned back at Sam Burgess' chest.

"I made smoothies."

"I rather have coffee." He said sleepily. He and Ellen were dating, it was early, but Ellen didn't care about social rules. She and Sam went back to Ellen's place after the night of the reunion. Sam was sweet, she had no idea why Elizabeth and Jessica warned against dating him. Whatever happened back then was a decade ago. Sam was sweet.

"Coffee it is." She went to brew a pot. "I was thinking. Since I got the day off, I was wondering if you want to go to the museum. Today's the last day of the Ming Dynasty Tour." Lila's app suggested that the members do things outside the box. Museums were never Ellen's thing, but she figured to do something new. There was also a fashion show, but it was going on at the same time the museum was open.

"Sure." He kisses Ellen's cheek. "I'm going home to have a shower. Pick you up at two?"

"Sure. I'll see you in a few hours." When Sam left, she quickly calls Grace.

"Hello?"

"Grace! It's me."

"Spill." Grace squealed what Ellen told her. She too, didn't care about social rules. However, she and Ben didn't get intimate. Grace wanted to take things slow. Her and Ben were dating openly, he wanted to take her out to dinner. "Wow. After a first date. Damn. You must really like this guy." Ellen heard the worry in her voice.

"I'm over thirty. The rule book was shredded years ago." Ellen was annoyed. She did what she was supposed to, and was still alone. Her last relationship lasted six months, they waited two months before taking things to the next level. Her and Colin Harmon broke up when he got transferred to Dallas, he and Ellen decided they weren't interested in a long distance relationship.

"Sorry. Anyways, what are you and Sam doing today?"

"Heading to the museum, then going to see a movie, then we are going out for drinks." Ellen was excited, it's been months.

"Oh you are gonna love the Ming exhibit. Ben and I seen it a few days ago."

"Can't wait." Ellen and Grace talked for a few minutes before they hung up. She went to take a shower.

Ellen looked at the clock. It was after four. The museum was open till five thirty. She checked her phone. No messages, no voicemail. She told herself she wasn't going to call Sam. After twenty minutes, Ellen called Sam's phone.

"I'm not available. Leave a message."

"I don't know why you are running late, but meet me at the museum. If you are stuck at work, I'll understand."

Ellen waited at the museum's entrance for ten minutes. Annoyed, she went back inside. She paid, might as well check out the exhibit. She came home after the museum closed, she was hungry. Sam better have a good excuse.

"You blew it Sammy." Ellen deleted his number. According to Lila, if he wouldn't make a excuse for her, he most likely never will. Oh well, there was other dates. Besides, she was attending college this fall. She picked up the phone and called Mary.

Mary, her son Jake and Ellen were eating pizza at Moon Beach Restaurant. Not surprisingly, Sam never called, Ellen was hurt, but not heartbroken. The sex was nice, her itch got scratched. Oh well. There are plenty of fish.

"Mommy, I'm thirsty."

"Here, you can have my chocolate milk." Little Jake was so cute, Ellen dreamt of having a child someday. Mary looked at Ellen gratefully.

"You don't have to. He would have been happy with water."

"I have a niece. Paula gets knocked out right after dairy." Sure enough Jake yawned. "Still want to see the movie?" They were watching Frozen.

"Yep. Never saw it, I want to take Jake myself before Grandma does." Mary liked Mrs McAllery, but she spoiled Jake too much. She also overstepped, she kept taking away Jake's first milestones. Grace commented she most likely was making up for Mike, she never spent much time with him growing up. Mary and Mike were getting overwhelmed. Mary was glad she was a stay at home mom, but she was looking forward to working again. She missed her job as a receptionist. Her job was easy, it was at her husband's auto shop.

After they got the tickets, Ellen stood in line to get popcorn and drinks. When she looked up, she couldn't believe her eyes. It was Sam, he was holding hands with Paula Perrine. Quickly, Ellen adverted her eyes. She was so glad she was wearing a baseball cap. Asshole. Once she paid, she went inside to see Mary.

"Here." She shoved the popcorn in her lap. Ellen lost her appetite.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing." She wanted to leave, but no way was she standing up Mary. She wasn't a jerk.

"Let it go! Let it go!" The heroine sang. Ellen was entranced. Wow.

Once the movie ended, she drove Mary and Jake home who was sleeping in his car seat. Mary saw Sam and Paula at the movie theatre laughing and kissing. She swore quietly on Mary's behalf, thankfully Jake was sleeping on Ellen's chest.

"I can't believe him!" Mary was furious. It was seventh grade again. Her 'boyfriend' cheated on her with a another girl. That sucked, but her friends humiliated him in front of the whole school, he ended up being dateless, both Mary and his crush both dumped him. Guy couldn't get a date all year.

"Let it go." Ellen sang in a soft voice. She wasn't bothered, it was only one date.

"Wow. Ellen, you changed." Mary was impressed. Ellen would have cried back in college.

"Lila and Janet have good advice. Be the best version of yourself." The app was well worth the cash.

After she dropped Mary and Jake off, she checked her messages. Sam was telling Ellen his mom was ill and couldn't make it. He promised to call. Ellen deleted his message.

"You blew it.'' Ellen whistled as she washed her face. She wasn't worried, the app warned there was bound to be frogs. The prince was out there, but to be Queen, she had to spoil herself first. Lila did say to be humble, being fake or selfish would draw Mr Wrong. Ellen wondered what she could do. She was interested in volunteering, maybe Grace can 'hire' her to feed the fish or something.