Chapter three - The late-night chat

Late at night, her heart still pounding with excitement over the life-changing decision she had made the day before, Natalie decided to confide in one of the people who meant the most to her in the whole world. Her beloved cousin.

Pete, whose real name was Peter, was the eldest and only son of George and his ex-wife Paula, and the younger brother of his future mother-in-law Laura. This was a fact that had caused him to roll his eyes several times at the engagement party where they had last seen each other. Of course, he wouldn't do that in front of his father, because he was actually very happy for the two of them. But it was strange to think that he would soon have to call his own big sister “Mom.”

For a little over a year, Nat and he had been something like steady friends, or as they would have said in the old days, they were dating. Even though they hardly ever got to do anything together, because her beloved Pete had moved to California with his side of the family some time ago and didn’t exactly live around the corner.
Strangely enough, Natalie was a little nervous as she made herself comfortable on her bed, turned on her tablet, and selected the top contact in her favorites list. Of course, she could have used video chat, but at this time of night, the two of them usually limited themselves to text messages because experience had shown that otherwise they wouldn't be getting any sleep. Excited, she wrote the first message, and it didn't take long for her boyfriend to reply.

NatRob31: Hey, Pete. I got some news.
Pete_TheRobster_2330: Let me guess. You 're doing it, aren't you? You said yes.
NatRob31: You know about it?
Pete_TheRobster_2330: Yeah.
NatRob31: For how long?
Pete_TheRobster_2330: For a few days. But Dad asked me not to tell you. He wanted your mom to have the chance to ask you herself. Are you mad at me?
NatRob31: I see. No, of course I'm not mad.
Pete_TheRobster_2330: You really wanna do this?
NatRob31: Yeah... Yeah, I think I really do.
Pete_TheRobster_2330: But you never talked about anything like this. You never showed any interest in it. I mean, in letting yourself be eaten.
NatRob31: I've thought about it, what girl hasn't? But I actually wanted to go to high school for a year first
Pete_TheRobster_2330: So you've already planned it?
NatRob31: No, I haven't planned it exactly, but I expected it to happen at some point.
Pete_TheRobster_2330: Since when?
NatRob31: Probably always, but especially after Rebecca's death. That's when I started thinking about it more seriously.
Pete_TheRobster_2330: Why didn't you ever say anything?
NatRob31: Well... I don't know.
It's very private.
Pete_TheRobster_2330: I thought we were talking about everything.
NatRob31: We are, Peter. But there are some things a girl has to figure out for herself first.
Pete_TheRobster_2330: I see.
NatRob31: Aren't you looking forward to it at all?
Pete_TheRobster_2330: I'm going to miss you.
NatRob31: That's not what I asked.
Pete_TheRobster_2330: You mean, am I looking forward to eating you? Yes.
NatRob31: Do you think I’ll taste good?
Pete_TheRobster_2330: You'll definitely be delicious.
NatRob31: But?
Pete_TheRobster_2330: How did you know there was a but?
NatRob31: Girls sense these things.
Pete_TheRobster_2330: But... I don't know what I'll do without you.
NatRob31: Oh, Pete... you'll find someone new.
Pete_TheRobster_2330: No one like you. You're my favorite cousin.
NatRob31: Because I'm fucking you.
Pete_TheRobster_2330: Don't say it like that. You're more than just a fuck to me.
NatRob31: That's sweet of you.
Pete_TheRobster_2330: Isn't there any way out? I mean, can't you just say you don't want to, or something? Dad will find another girl without any problems.
NatRob31: You're asking me to lie?
Pete_TheRobster_2330: No.
NatRob31: Then what are you saying?
Pete_TheRobster_2330: Nothing. I have to go. We'll talk later.
NatRob31: Pete?... Peter?... Sleep tight.... Love you.

Natalie sadly rolled onto her back and stared at the dark ceiling in the dim light of the tablet. She wiped the tears from her cheek and pressed her lips tightly together.

I wouldn't have thought it would hit him so hard


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