CHAPTER 18 (NIGHT RITUAL)

Where is he?

I checked my watch. It was about ten in the evening already. The darkness blanketed the sky and the pale moon was shedding its light on me. A soft breeze blew past me. It was a bit chilly and I was so grateful that I brought my jacket.

All of a sudden, there was a rustling noise and the soft padding of footsteps. I looked to my right and saw Nate emerge from the bushes. He looked sleepy and he was wearing a blue jacket with stripes on it. His hair seemed messy, maybe indicating that he took a little nap before this venture.

"Hey, you okay?" I asked him.

He shrugged and slowly came closer. "I'm fine. A bit sleepy. Let's get started then. Where's the shovel?"

"I dug the hole already."

"And Milk flakes?"

It took me a few seconds to answer, and as I did, I felt like choking. "She's… there."

He patted my shoulder and I could see it in his face that he understood me and offered me his sympathy. "It's all right Norah. She's in a better place now."

"Yeah… In dog heaven… Chewing on a large bone…"

He smiled. "Well, let's get going."

We walked towards a small tree, where Milk flakes' body lay near. I still couldn't believe that she would never leap into my arms or chew my shoes anymore. Heck, I'd let her chew all the Converse shoes she'd want if it'd bring her to life. But that can't happen.

At first, I denied what happened. For me, she was like Snow White and Sleeping Beauty. She'd wake up. I know she would.

But then, that's a foolish girl's wish. Now I have to face the facts.

And bury her.

Nate slowly picked her body up. "Where's the hole?"

"There," I pointed to a hole about three feet deep. I decided that it would make this go faster of I already dig it.

He bent down. "You ready?"

Tears started prickling in my eyes. I wiped them away with the back of my hand. I sniffed. "Yes… Go on…"

Gosh my voice is wobbling an awful lot.

He was slowly lowering Milk flakes towards the hole.

All of a sudden, I felt that I wasn't ready yet. No… I can't do it… Not yet… Not now…

STOP!!!

All of a sudden, my body propelled forward in an attempt to stop Nate. We both fell into the hole and I could soon taste soil in my mouth.

EEW!

I sputtered. "Eew! Bleeech!"

Nate stared at me. "What… what was that Norah?"

I turned scarlet instantly and I slapped my forehead.

Jeez! What the bananas was I thinking??? Why did I have to do that????

We were both in the hole, and soil covered us. Nate was still holding on to Milk flakes and he was brushing away soil from his hair. He didn't seem upset. Just flabbergasted.

"I… er… Oh fine. I wasn't ready yet," I admitted. Although it seemed like a lame excuse, at least it was the truth.

To my surprise, he laughed. "Hah. I knew it. I felt the same way when my goldfish Cookie died. Shane had a hard time flushing. I nearly attacked him with the plunger."

My eyes widened. Well, I certainly wasn't expecting this. "Really?"

He nodded. "Yup. I know how you feel. Let's just bury her when you're ready. I certainly wasn't expecting you to actually push me into the hole. But I'm fine. Really Norah."

I smiled at him and hugged him. "Thanks Nate."

I heard him chuckle in reply.

Gosh. Nate was so nice. I've been causing him a lot of trouble too. Maybe I should get over Milk flakes. She may be gone, but I have other things to be happy about. I know that she wouldn't want me to be sad.

"All right. I think I'm ready now," I stated and pulled away from him.

"You sure?" he asked me, probably fearing that I would push him a second time.

I bobbed my head. "Positive."

Slowly, we climbed out of the hole with Nate carefully holding Milk flakes. He finally buried her, and I could only smile and cry at the same time.

Goodbye Milk flakes. I'll miss you.

After he had totally buried Milk flakes, he yawned.

I smiled. "Sorry to make you stay up late."

He shook his head. "Nah. I'm fine. Well, goodnight Norah."

Then he pecked me on the cheek and walked towards his house.

After he left, I was burning inside. I could hardly contain my excitement. My bodily temperature was rapidly escalating. So…

I fainted.

Oh bananas!! Why the fudge did I have to faint??