Isis was practically jogging home from school a few days later, her backpack thumping with every step. It was Friday and she was rushing home because her older cousin Natalia was coming over to stay the night!
When Nat was in high school, she’d lived with Isis’s family for almost two years. Isis loved when her cousin was around because she was always laughing and making Isis feel special. Isis still wore the friendship bracelet Nat had made her when she was a kid.
The house smelled like taco casserole when Isis opened the front door. It was Nat’s favorite, and her mom only made it on special occasions. When she walked into the kitchen she barely said hello to her parents as she ran up to Nat and pounced on her. Nat let out an “Ooof” as Isis wrapped her in a tight hug.
“Hey Isis! So happy to see you!” said Nat, smiling at her younger cousin.
“I’m so happy you came over!” She replied excitedly.
Isis’s mom Trella chimed in “Guess what? Nat’s boyfriend is coming over tomorrow so we can all meet him! We’ll barbeque and have a pool day, how’s that sound?”
Isis looked at Nat and said “Yaaaay! I’m so excited to meet him!” The two of them sat at the counter chatting without taking breaths. A few minutes later Trella pulled the casserole out of the oven and said “Sit down everyone, it’s ready!”
Dinner was loud and messy and perfect. Nat told stories about her chaotic apartment; she lived with her boyfriend, her brother, and her brother’s girlfriend. Isis’s dad kept interrupting with jokes that made Nat snort-laugh and her mom kept piling more food on everyone’s plates.
As dinner was finishing up Isis said “Oh my gosh this feels like old times!” And they all smiled.
The best part came after dinner, when Nat and Isis changed into their swimsuits and ran off to gossip in the jacuzzi.
Isis didn’t even try to hide her giggles as she gushed about Roman. Nat leaned in, listening with a smile on her face, nodding like she was hearing the most important news in the world.
When Isis finally paused for breath, Nat squealed and grabbed her hands. “Isis, that’s amazing! I’m so happy for you. Sounds like he treats you right.”
Isis felt her cheeks warm in the best way. Then Nat continued “Why don’t you ask your parents if he can come over tomorrow too?”
The next day, Trella drifted around setting out towels and snacks while Alec manned the grill and bar. He made mocktails for Isis and Roman, and margaritas for the rest of them. He was currently holding a pair of tongs in one hand while animatedly talking to Nat’s boyfriend about grilling techniques.
Nat was tanning in a lounge chair and Isis thought she looked so cool with her fancy sunglasses.
Roman had been polite and was clearly trying his best to make a good impression. Isis was ecstatic that he got along with her family. The two of them were now sitting on the edge of the pool laughing at inside jokes
The afternoon unfolded easily. Everyone swam until their fingers pruned. They ate until they were full of grilled chicken and zucchini, and they laughed about funny family stories.
By the time the sun dipped low, the air smelled like sunscreen and charcoal. Isis thought to herself, today was perfect.
Authors Note: While this chapter doesn’t add much to the long-term storyline, I wanted Natalia to make an appearance, if you remember her from Part 1. This is also the last wholesome and sweet scene before the story gets deep.
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