Chapter three: Can’t Stand the Loneliness
    The loneliness hit Reese within three days. She tried to wear a smile everywhere she went but it didn’t last long. When questioned about her sadness, Reese would say nothing was wrong.
    But one day, Elle became pushy for the truth. She came into Reese’s room one afternoon and asked: “What’s wrong Reese?” Her cousin was rather stunned. “Think of something Reese!” she thought. “Uh…. what do you mean?” she asked at last. Elle’s temper shortened. “*Twinge* WHAT ARE YOU SAD FOR?!?” she yelled. Reese looked a little uptight. “Could you go away Elle? I have a headache.” she said at last. The time bomb in Elle was about to blow. “YOU DIDN’T HAVE ONE UNTIL I CAME UP HERE!!!!” she screamed. Reese felt trapped. She was running out of excuses. There was no other choice. She had to tell the truth.
    “All right.” said Reese. “But you must promise not to tell a soul.” “I promise.” Elle nodded. “Good.” her cousin said. “Now just close the door and I’ll tell you all.” Elle complied and Reese explained the whole story.
“You have a boyfriend and didn’t tell anybody?” Elle asked in shock. “Uh-huh.” said Reese. Elle sat silently on the bed. “Can’t stand the loneliness……” Reese murmured. Then she started singing “Slow Country” softly to herself. Elle became delirious. “What are you singing?” she asked. Reese didn’t answer. She just kept singing. “Reese.” Elle called. No answer. “REESE!!!” Elle yelled as she shook her cousin. That proved unsuccessful. Reese kept on singing. Tears streamed down her face. Elle just sat there in defeat.