Katzen & Eichhörnchen

Jamie was on a love high and convinced we should take the next step.

Jamie: “So why exactly don’t you want to move in together yet?”

Gillian: “Because you’re wearing a T-shirt with a dressed-up cat on it.”

Jamie: “And? You’re wearing a T-shirt with a squirrel — and that’s exactly why I want to live with you.”

Gillian: “Jamie, we live one minute apart and are always at your place or mine anyway. Why are you in such a hurry? Let’s take it slow.”

Then my mum called.

Gillian: “Hi Mum… riding out with Jamie in a minute. What — Sadie? When? And for how long? Well… I guess I don’t have a choice. Say hi to Aunt Beth for me. Yes, I’ll tell him. Love you too.”

Great. My mum had asked if my cousin Sadie could spend her holidays at Meadowland. She lived in Hamburg and was about 17 now. I hadn’t seen her in years. Raised without limits — and it showed. She had gotten into trouble and bad company, so Aunt Beth wanted to get her out of that environment. Meadowland seemed like the perfect place. I told Jamie during our ride.

Gillian: “Jamie, I have to tell you something… we’re getting a child.”

Jamie: “What?! That’s wonderful! I didn’t expect it to happen so fast. See? We should move in together!”

Oops. I had to clear that up fast before he started planning a nursery. He wasn’t shocked at all — completely enchanted. Luckily, he came back down once I explained. Still, he was excited to meet someone from my family. I… not so much. Sadie and I had always been enemies. When we got back, there she was — Sadie, sitting on the steps with her luggage.

Gillian: “Sadie?! I expected you next week.”

Sadie: “Then you miscalculated. Hi Gillian. I’m here. Who’s the guy with the cat shirt?”

Jamie: “Welcome to Meadowland. I’m Jamie. And it’s a dressed-up cat shirt.”

Great start. I showed Sadie her room.

Gillian: “This is your room. Make yourself comfortable. Come inside when you’re ready.”

Sadie: “You’re kidding. What a wooden shack. But I guess the alternative is the stable. I need to make a call now — so please leave.”

A lightning bolt straight into our peaceful idyll. This was going to test us. Sadie had changed — from girly to emo-punk. I couldn’t relate to either. I left her alone. Outside, Jamie sat on the steps.

Jamie: “It won’t be easy, but Gillian — she’s our first child. Let’s let her arrive properly. Meadowland will be good for her. We’ll be good for her.”

Gillian: “I hope so. We’ll be a team and show her what really matters — responsibility for yourself, for others, and for your actions.”

I showed Sadie the ranch. At the outer stables we met Claire with King.

Gillian: “Claire, this is my cousin Sadie. She’ll be spending the holidays here.”

Sadie: “Hi Claire. Cool outfit. Coming from a funeral — or heading to one?”

Claire: “Why? Want to join? You’re already dressed for it.”

Awkward. I told Sadie that.

Sadie: “I talk how I want. If you don’t like it, send me home.”

Gillian: “Oh, I will send you somewhere — to the stable. You’re helping muck out and feed the horses. Now.”