The Book of Essie

The Book of Essie by Meghan Maclean Weir

Publish Date: June 12 2018

Read Date: 07/19/2018 - 07/21/2018

Esther Ann Hicks (Essie ) is the 17 year old daughter of an Evangelical Preacher on a TV reality show, and the youngest of 6 children of the Hicks family.  Due to the faith of the family, she is strictly regulated and regimented in her daily activities and lifestyle. Every part of her life is broadcast as she is followed by cameras and voice monitors throughout her house. The only privacy she has from the cameras is at school, since they can film only school functions , not on campus. 

The image the family displays is the most important thing, because this is their paycheck, their lively hood. The Hicks children are expected to show their best side and and their best behavior at all times.

Essie has a secret. One that must be dealt with, and hidden from the public veiw.

Essie is pregnant. For now, only a select few know. Her Mother, Celia, has discovered the pregnancy and with the help of the shows producer go through the available options. They have decided on 3 options. They can send Essie out of the country on a “ mission Trip”. They can alow the birth of the child and convince the world that the child is Celias. Or they can go big and marry Essie off,  thus providing a storyline explaining the pregnancy and boosting the ratings.

Essie has learned to listen in on the conversations that occur in the office from one of her sisters. She uses this skill to eavesdrop on the decisions being made on her behalf.

Celia tells Essie that they have decided to marry her off in a quick wedding, and they will need to find a willing counterpart to go along with their plan.

Essie acts the obeident daughter, and agrees to go along with her mothers choice. But, Essie has other plans.

Essie starts showing interest in a boy from her church and her school, Roarke Richards. Quickly her mother gains interest and sets a meeting with Roarkes parents to pitch the wedding plans.

With the promise of financial gain and stability the Richards family agrees to go along with the ruse. Essie and Roarke begin to fabricate the backstory of their relationship, creating pictures and stories in an attempt to present to the public that the relationship is real.

Essie grants infamous investigative reporter Liberty Bell an exclusive on the wedding, in return for a secret favor, and Libertys trust.

The wedding is fast approaching and the plan made by Essie and Roarke is in full effect. They just have to make it through the wedding.

The day of the wedding arrives. Essie and Roarke are married in an extravagant and televised event. After the marriage license is signed and safe in the hands of Liberty Bell, Essie stands in front of the press and begins to speak.

The words spoken shock the world, they cause her mother to faint, and they can’t be taken back.

The truth is out.