The Hidden Path (WINNER OF THE BEAUTY AWARD for Spiritual)

Easter (part one)

You cannot stop the birds of worries and sorrow from flying over your head, but you can stop them nesting in your hair.
- Chinese Proverb

The next morning was Easter Sunday.

Although Tina and myself were not little children any more, Mum had still hidden a few Easter baskets - full of sweets and some money - outside the house for us to search for. Fortunately, the weather was still as inviting as it had been the day before and we really enjoyed running around in our small garden. Secretly, I was also grateful that Mum did not insist that we attend Easter mass, anymore! As far as I was concerned, holidays were meant for sleeping in!

As always, Tina and I were both quick in finding our treats in between some bushes, hidden behind rocks or in oversized flowerpots. Years of practice. . .

Moving around, I discovered that I felt a bit. . . sore. . . but otherwise quite the same way I always had.

There was, however, a small problem that hopefully would not turn into a bigger one, soon. And I meant that quite literally. . .

Why? Don't get me started!

On second thought. . . suffice it to say that 'somebody' should not have been too unconcerned concerning certain. . . actions during the previous night and that I was adamant about getting the morning-after pill first thing on Tuesday morning (Monday still being a public holiday).

Which was why, when Luk and Beni appeared in the early afternoon, I did not jump into my boyfriends arms in greeting. Which would not have worked out, anyway, since he was holding my hard-earned cake. . .

No, we definitely had things to discuss!

"What are we going to do should I turn out to be pregnant?" I whisper-yelled at Beni, as soon the boys had stepped through the entrance door.

Luk loudly cleared his throat and looked at Sofi imploringly. Heavens, he was even blushing! I had had no idea he was capable of showing subtle reactions like this...

Interesting. So, boys would eagerly participate in sexual activities, but feel uncomfortable talking about possible. . .  consequences? . . . really?!

Sofi, however, obviously did not see it my way and took pity in Luk's plight: "Let's take the cake upstairs and leave those two to it," she suggested, taking the sweet burden from Beni, who had the good sense to look a bit sheepish.

"Calm down!" he urged me, as soon as Sofi and Luk were climbing up the stairs. "I am sure that nothing has happened. I was careful enough," he tried reassuring me.

"I can't believe it!" I groaned, softly closing the door leading to the entrance.

"My first time and already a pregnancy-scare!" I complained, turning to face the annoying boy in front of me. "By the way, are you ready to be a Dad?" I asked him, only half-joking.

"God, no! I think I would flee to Siberia should that happen. Although. . . why should I chose such a cold country. . . Maybe I would escape to somewhere in Italy. . ." he added in a misplaced effort to tease me.

"And leave me and the baby alone!" I whisper-yelled once again, outraged. I was not really in the mood for jokes.

Don't worry!" Tina's voice suddenly interrupted my rant, making Beni and me jump in surprise. "If you're pregnant, I am going to take care of the baby!" she brightly declared, emerging from her room.

"What. . . why. . . how. . .?"

"Well, you cannot talk in front of my door – loudly, might I add – and not expect me to overhear a thing or two," she replied smugly.

I swallowed hard. It seemed that we had not been as quiet as I had thought.

"Right. So-"

"Don't look so concerned, I won't tell our parents. But you have to promise to give me the baby!"

Beni and I glanced at each other, not quite sure how to react.

"Why would you want to have the baby?" I questioned. My sister sure was strange, sometimes!

"Don't you see? I would have a baby without needing a . . .man! I would not have to – urgh – kiss one. . . It would be simply perfect!" she squealed excitedly at the end.

I shook my head and would surely have burst out laughing, had I not been so distraught at that moment. "You know, you won't always feel that way," I pointed out.

"Oh, no! I won't ever change the way I think now," she insisted.

"Well, thank you for the offer, anyway. Just in case I really turn out to be pregnant." I shuddered, sending a quick death glare Beni's way, who responded by simply shrugging his shoulders.

"Mia, Tina, Beni! what are you doing down there? Why don't you come upstairs?" Mum's voice effectively ended our conversation for the time being.

"Coming! We were just talking about the birthday cake he's made!" I shouted back at her. "All right, then. Let's go up."

Sorry for the very(!) short chapter. I am really busy at the moment, but I still wanted to give you something. The next one will be longer again, I promise :)
As I feel a bit embarrassed, I won't bother you with voting. (Although it would still make me happy, of course ;) )