Chapter 5

Catherine pov

Erika's big brown eyes looked up at me. I had just gone over the usual schedule, which is bound to be subjected to change due to the fact I know her schedule will be very sporadic. I remembered my time at Yale. The course work was brutal, and the test even more so.

I had it set every day at 5 p.m we start our mommy and me time. It could be early, or later, or split into one hour in the morning, one at night, whatever she needed. My work was very flexible as I was the one running the study on adolescence brain activity, so I'll have to bend to her schedule.

I picked up Erika from the rocking chair. She let out an adorable little squeal as I placed her on my hip. I could feel the tension she carried every time I touched her. It saddened me a bit, but I knew she still needed time to get used to this, to get used to me.

Erika was yawning throughout the duration of our conversation, making a nap overdue. I wouldn't want her to be fussy later in the day.

"Hey honey, you look tired." I said, as I walked to the kitchen with the intention of making a bottle. "Let's get you down for a nap." I stated.

"I'm okay." Erika lied, she attempted to wipe the tiredness off her eyes, an attempt she failed miserably, "I don't need a nap."

I shushed her in response. Her resistance was quite cute. I was fearful she wouldn't fit into the role as my baby, afraid she might be too independent, too mature, but alas her shy demeanor made her perfect.

Whilst I was making her bottle her eyes widened in what seemed to be nervousness. I understood that this is all a lot to handle, especially for a young girl. She isn't even 18 yet. I was expecting someone at least in their 20's as undergrad students need to dorm. I guess that doesn;t apply to foreigners.

"Am I going to drink that?" Erika asked on edge. While the bottle was in the warmer I rubbed small circles on her back to ease her discomfort. I could feel her slightly melt into my touch. This made me extremely happy.

"Yes, silly." I responded simply. I walked back over to the nursery. I lightly pushed Erika's head into the crook of my neck and slowly started to sway her.

After entering the room I placed the bottle on the ottoman by the rocking chair and sat. Erika was adjusted onto my lap to cradle her. If I had a penny for everytime she blushed, I would be Jeff Bezos. Her little cheeks had to be on fire at this point. Before the bottle her eyes were fluttering shut. She was falling in and out of consciousness, fighting to stay awake. 'My poor sleepy girl' I thought.

I smiled softly, seeing Erika struggle to keep her eyes open. Her stubbornness was both endearing and slightly amusing. "It's okay, sweetheart. Just relax," I whispered, brushing a strand of hair from her forehead.

I grabbed the bottle and brought it to her mouth, "Open wide." I cooed and with that I pushed the nipple between her lips. Erika's eyes flickered open for a moment, and I could see the hesitation in her gaze. But she opened her mouth, allowing me to ease the nipple of the bottle past her lips.

After a couple of seconds she still hasn't started sucking it. She pushed the bottle out of her mouth ever so gently, "I don't know how to use it." Erika shyly peeped. I laughed a little at her adorable statement, and her what seems to be now her permanent scarlet cheeks.

I saw her eyebrows slightly furrow, likely angered by my laughing, "Aw my sweet girl that's okay." I replied, I held that bottle to her mouth once more, "I'll teach you."

She nodded as I continued to explain, "So now that you have it in your mouth, all you're going to do is suckle with a little force and slowly you'll find a rhythm."

"Good girl," I praised softly as she began to suckle. I continued to rock her gently, my eyes never leaving her face. Her lashes fluttered against her cheeks, and her breathing slowed as she succumbed to the warmth and comfort of the moment. As she drank, I could feel the tension slowly melting from her small frame, and I hummed a soft lullaby to help ease her into sleep.

After she finished her bottle, I popped a pacifier in her mouth and because of the repeated motion of sucking from the bottle, she instantly took the pacifier. I continued to rock gently and hum ever so quietly while she was sleeping.

As I held Erika, I took the opportunity to observe her delicate features more closely. Her face was framed by a cascade of dark, wavy hair that seemed almost too long and heavy for her petite frame. Her skin was smooth and had a light olive complexion.

Her eyelashes were long and thick, casting delicate shadows on her cheeks as she slept. Her eyebrows were naturally arched, giving her an expression of perpetual curiosity. Even in sleep, there was a slight furrow between them, a sign of the tension she carried with her.

Her nose was small and slightly upturned at the tip, giving her an almost childlike appearance. Her lips were full and slightly parted around the pacifier, with a natural rosy tint that contrasted with her complexion. The pacifier bobbed slightly as she continued the rhythm of sucking in her sleep, a sign that she was quickly adapting to her new role.

Erika's cheeks, still faintly pink from her earlier embarrassment, were soft and rounded, adding to her overall look of innocence. The way she nestled into me, her body curled up in my arms, made her seem even smaller and more vulnerable. Her slender frame was delicate, yet I could sense she was a feisty one.

The room was quiet, except for the soft creak of the rocking chair and the occasional sigh from Erika as she shifted slightly in her sleep. The sunlight filtering through the window bathed the nursery in a warm glow, making everything feel peaceful and serene.

I leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead, careful not to wake her. "Sweet dreams, my little one," I whispered. "Mommy's here, and I promise to take care of you."

After a while, I gently laid Erika down in the crib, tucking the quilted blanket around her. She stirred slightly but didn't wake, her little hand clutching the edge of the blanket. I watched her for a moment longer, my heart full of affection and determination.

Quietly, I left the nursery, leaving the door slightly ajar. As I went about my tasks, I couldn't help but smile. This was just the beginning, and I was ready to give Erika all the love and care she deserved.

When she woke up I planned to get to know her better.

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really short chapter ik, sorry, next chapter will be much longer!