Third Chapter


Late at night, Natalie's heart was still pounding in her chest with excitement, because of the big decision she had made the day before, she decided to let the one person in on the whole thing, who probably meant the most to her in the world. Her beloved cousin Pete.

Pete, actually Peter, was the eldest son of George and his ex-wife Paula and the younger brother of his future mother-in-law Laura. Which was a fact that had often made him roll his eyes at the engagement party, where they had last seen each other. Even if he wouldn't do it in front of his father, of course, because he was actually very happy for the two of them. But it was strange to have to call your own big sister Mom in a short time.

For a little over a year now, Nat and he had been something like sweethearts, or, as people used to say, they were going steady. Even though they hardly ever managed to do anything as a couple, after all, her beloved Pete had moved with his part of the family to California some time ago, which was anything but just around the corner.

Nervously, Natalie made herself comfortable on her bed, switched on the tablet, and tapped the first name on her favorites list. Of course, they could have used video chat, but at that hour they usually stuck to text messages, otherwise, as experience had shown, they would never get any sleep. Excitedly, she typed the first message, and it didn’t take long before he replied.


NatRob31: Hey, Pete. There is news.

Pete_TheRobster_2330: Let me guess. You’re doing it, right? You said yes.

NatRob31: You know about it?

Pete_TheRobster_2330: Yes.

NatRob31: For how long?

Pete_TheRobster_2330: A few days already. But Dad asked me not to tell you about it. He wanted your mom to get a chance to ask you. Are you angry with me?

NatRob31: Oh ok. No, I'm not angry.

Pete_TheRobster_2330: You really want to do this?

NatRob31: Yes... Yes, I think I really want to.

Pete_TheRobster_2330: But you never talked about anything like that. You never showed any interest in it.To become meat, I mean.

NatRob31: I've already thought about it, what girl doesn't? But I actually wanted to go to high school for another year.

Pete_TheRobster_2330: So, you expected it to happen at some point?

NatRob31: Of course. Especially after Rebecca's death. That's when I started thinking about it.

Pete_TheRobster_2330: Why didn't you ever tell me?

NatRob31: Well... I don't know either. This is very private.

Pete_TheRobster_2330: I thought we tell each other everything.

NatRob31: We do, Peter. But there are some things a girl has to figure out for herself.

Pete_TheRobster_2330: Okay…

NatRob31: Aren't you looking forward to it even a little?

Pete_TheRobster_2330: I will miss you.

NatRob31: That’s not what I was asking…

Pete_TheRobster_2330: You mean if I'm looking forward to eating you? Yes.

NatRob31: Do you think I taste good?

Pete_TheRobster_2330: You’ll be delicious I’m sure

NatRob31: But?

Pete_TheRobster_2330: How did you know there was a but?

NatRob31: Girls know stuff like that

Pete_TheRobster_2330: But... I don't know what to do without you.

NatRob31: Oh Pete... You will find a new girlfriend.

Pete_TheRobster_2330: Not one like you. You're my favorite cousin.

NatRob31: Because we bang

Pete_TheRobster_2330: Don’t say it like that. You are way more to me, than just a hole.

NatRob31: You’re sweet

Pete_TheRobster_2330: Is there no way out? I mean, can't you just say you don't want to, or something? Dad will find another girl, no problem…

NatRob31: You say I should lie?
Pete_TheRobster_2330: No

NatRob31: So, what do you say?

Pete_TheRobster_2330: Nothing... I have to go, we’ll talk later.

NatRob31: Pete?... Peter?... Good night... Love you.

Suddenly sad, Natalie rolled onto her back and stared up at the dark ceiling in the faint glow of the tablet. She wiped the tears from her cheek and pressed her lips tightly together.

I never thought it would hit him that hard.