Chapter 6

Erika's pov

I awoke to the soft light filtering through the gauzy curtains of the nursery. My mind was foggy, the remnants of my dream slipping away as I slowly became aware of my surroundings. The gentle creaking of the rocking chair and the faint hum of Catherine's voice from somewhere in the house reminded me of where I was.

I stretched out, feeling the plushness of the quilted blanket against my skin. I looked to the crib's bars that loomed around me, I felt trapped, enclosed. The pacifier was still in my mouth, I hadn't even realized I was still suckling on it in my sleep. I put it out and blacked it next to me.

Sitting up slowly, I looked around the room. The mobile above the crib turned lazily, the porcelain fairies and stars casting delicate shadows on the walls. The room had an almost dreamlike quality to it, with its pastel pink walls and whimsical mural.

But unfortunately this life wasn't exactly a dream.

As I pushed the blanket aside and swung my legs over the edge of the crib, I felt a mix of emotions. Part of me was still resistant to this entire arrangement, the other part grateful for the roof over my head and the care Catherine was offering. My thoughts drifted to my mother and the burden she bore, and I reminded myself why I was doing this.

The door creaked open slightly, and Catherine peeked her head in. I wonder how she knew I was awake. Her face lit up with a warm smile when she saw me awake. "Good morning, sleepyhead," she said softly, entering the room. "Did you have a good nap?"

I nodded, feeling a blush creep up my cheeks again. "Yeah," I mumbled. "I guess I was more tired than I thought."

Catherine's smile widened, and she walked over to the crib, leaning down to meet my eyes. "That's perfectly fine, sweetheart. You need your rest. How about we get you something to eat? I've prepared a little snack for you."

I nodded again, grateful for the distraction. She helped me out of the crib, lifting me effortlessly. I tensed in response to her unwelcomed touch. My cheeks warmed again at how easily she handled me.

We walked to the kitchen together, Catherine's hand resting gently on my bottom. The kitchen was bright and welcoming, the scent of freshly baked cookies filling the air. On the counter, a plate of cookies and a glass of milk awaited me.

"Here you go, honey," Catherine said, guiding me to a chair at the small kitchen table. "Enjoy your snack, because after this sugary treats will be a privilege,"

I sat down and picked up a cookie, taking a tentative bite. The sweet, buttery flavor melted in my mouth, and I couldn't help but smile. Catherine took a seat across from me, her eyes filled with a mixture of affection and curiosity.

"So, Erika," she began, her tone gentle but firm, "what was your life like back in Japan?"

I chewed thoughtfully, considering my response. "Life was simple. I come from a small village in Okinawa, Japan. Everyone knew each other, everyone helped each other, but I wanted more." I took a breath, "Are you from Connecticut? I mean like did you grow up here?"

"No, I grew up in California." Catherine answered simply, but I wanted to pry more out of her.

"What was your fav part about California?" I asked before taking a drink of milk.

"Hmm I didn't like California very much, too many memories. I almost worked at Stanford, but I didn't want to stay there." Catherine looked away from me. The first every time she had shown any sign of insecurity. She was always so confident. I admired her for that.

Catherine sighed, "Now enough about me missy. How are you adjusting? I know it is, this is, a lot."

"It's... different," I admitted. "But I'm trying to get used to it. I just want to make sure I'm doing everything right."

Catherine reached across the table, taking my hand in hers. I moved my hand slightly before giving her a small sorry and putting it back. "You're doing wonderfully," she assured me. "This is a learning process for both of us. I've never been a mom before. If there's anything you need or if you have any questions, even school wise, just let me know, okay?"

I nodded, feeling a little more at ease. "Okay, thank you, Catherine."

She squeezed my hand gently, making me internally squeal with discomfort. "Remember, it's 'Mommy' during our time together," she corrected softly, her eyes twinkling with warmth.

I blushed again, but managed a small smile. "Okay, Mommy."

"Good girl," she praised, letting go of my hand. "Now, finish your snack, and then we'll see about getting you dressed for the day. We have some fun activities planned, and I think you'll enjoy them."

As I finished the last crumbs of my cookie, I couldn't help but ponder Catherine's hidden depths. Her fleeting moment of vulnerability piqued my curiosity even more. She seemed so composed and confident, yet there was something beneath that exterior. Perhaps, in time, I'd uncover her secrets.

"Oh also I was wondering, what's your major?" Catherine asked suddenly, invading my thoughts.

"Oh I'm majoring in neuroscience, minoring in psychology." I answered with a smile. I love the brain, I suppose.

"Wow that's what I majored in, you have a lot of schooling ahead of you little one." She responded with a laugh, "What a coincidence," She looked down with a small smile, "while I have every set of notes or textbooks you might ever need." She told me while looking back up.

I couldn't believe the odds. Catherine took the plate of cookies and empty glass from my presence. I looked up sadly, I wanted another cookie.

"Aw now don't pout, if you're a good girl you can have some after dinner." Catherine said, making my frown turn upside down. Not because I'll get more, but becauseing pouting makes me seem like such a baby.

Catherine stood up, her movements graceful and assured, and reached for my hand. I hesitantly took her hand, "Come on, Erika. Let's get you ready for the day," she said with a warm smile. Her touch was gentle yet firm as she guided me back to the nursery.

The nursery was bathed in soft light, making everything seem almost ethereal. Catherine opened the closet, revealing an array of clothes, all looked as if they were meant for a very young girl. She selected a soft yellow dress with little white daisies embroidered on it. "I think this will look lovely on you," she said, holding it up for me to see. I nodded, feeling the utmost of embarrassment.

As she helped me into the dress, her touch was gentle but efficient. I've never felt so resentful towards such a touch so delicate and nurturing. My mother never was affectionate with me. In fact my earliest memory of her was her wearing gloves whenever she touched me.

"There we go," Catherine said, stepping back to admire her work. "You look adorable, Erika."

I blushed, mumbling a shy "Thank you."

She took my hand again, leading me out of the nursery and down the hallway. "Do you want to color?" she said, her voice full of enthusiasm.

We entered a cozy room that looked like a blend between an artist's studio and a playroom. I wondered how many rooms were in this house. It looked huge from the outside. This was my first thought when entering.

There were easels, paints, crayons, and various other art supplies neatly arranged. Catherine set up a small table with coloring paper and a box of colored pencils.

"Have a seat," she said, gesturing to a chair. I sat down, feeling a bit overwhelmed by the sheer amount of art supplies around me. Catherine sat across from me, picking up a pencil. "Why don't you color something that makes you happy?" she suggested.

I picked up a pencil hesitantly and started to color a flower. It reminded me of cherry blossoms from back home. Catherine watched quietly, her expression soft and encouraging.

"That's beautiful, Erika," she said after a while. "Good job." She said while clapping.

I smiled shyly, "Thank you."

After a few more moments of coloring, Catherine suggested we take a break. "How about we head outside for a bit of fresh air? I have a little garden I'd love to show you."

I nodded eagerly. The idea of being outdoors was appealing, especially after spending so much time inside. Catherine led me through the house and out to a charming garden. It was filled with blooming flowers, a small pond, and a couple of comfortable-looking benches. The air was fragrant with the scent of roses and jasmine.

"This is beautiful," I said, taking in the vibrant colors and the peaceful atmosphere.

"I'm glad you like it," Catherine replied. "I find the garden very calming. It's a perfect place to relax and think."

We sat down on a bench by the pond. Catherine began to talk about the different flowers, pointing out the ones she had planted herself. I listened, genuinely interested, and found myself opening up more than I wanted. I shared stories about the gardens back home, the festivals, and how we celebrated the changing seasons.

Catherine listened attentively, her eyes never leaving mine. I cursed myself for sharing so much, I barely knew her, to share my world with her seemed like overstepping. There was a moment of silence, a comfortable one, as we both took in the beauty around us.

Suddenly, a butterfly fluttered by, landing on my shoulder. I giggled, watching its delicate wings open and close. Catherine smiled, reaching out to her pocket. She snapped a photo before gently brushing the butterfly away. "It seems even the butterflies are drawn to you, my little flower," she said warmly.

We stayed in the garden for a while longer, enjoying the tranquility. Eventually, Catherine suggested we head back inside for lunch. "I'll make pasta, do you like pasta?"

I nodded in response, I already spoke enough today. After a little bit she was finally done with lunch. In the meantime I just sat on the couch and watched her, more like I observed her. I observed the way she looked at me every five seconds as if at any moment I were to disappear. Another sign of insecurity, I observed the way she smiled after completing each step, which displayed confidence in her abilities. She's one confusing woman.

Catherine served us both and we ate at the dinner table, "This is really good." I said, smiling at her.

"I'm glad you like it," she responded, her eyes twinkling with happiness.

After lunch, Catherine suggested we watch a movie together. "How about something fun and light-hearted?" she asked. "I have a collection of classic Disney movies. Would you like to watch one?" I nodded.

We settled on the couch in the living room, and Catherine put on "Inside Out." It's my favorite Disney movie, but she couldn't have possibly known that.

"This is my favorite movie." Catherine said just before pressing play. I smiled in response at the eerie similarity. As the movie started, she wrapped an arm around me, pulling me close. It felt so odd and sent a shiver down my spine. The unwanted touch made me twitch. She moved slightly and removed her arm. I was reminded of the role I was playing, my obligation and against my better will I snuggled into her side, my head resting on her shoulder.

A huge smile was plastered on her face and tension coursed through my body. She placed her arm back around me and she started to rub small circles around my back. The feeling was foreign yet not the worst I suppose.

Halfway through the movie, I glanced up at Catherine. She was watching the screen with a soft smile on her face. I realized that, unlike me, she wasn't just playing a role; she genuinely wanted to be a mom, my mom I guess.

When the movie ended, Catherine turned to me, her expression warm and gentle. "Did you enjoy the movie, sweetheart?" she asked.

"Yes, I did," I replied, smiling up at her.

By this time I knew our two hours had long passed, and Catherine was aware of it as well. I got up from the couch.

"Well that brings us to the end of our mommy and me time." Catherine said as she also stood up, "When do you start school?" Catherine asked.

"I start in two days, I cut it a little close." I said with a little awkward laugh. "It's okay I'm sure you'll be fine" Catherine smiled so genuinely at me.

I headed over to my room to get acquainted with my surroundings. I also decided to try and find a job already since I will need one very soon. I want to be as independent as possible.

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i'm going to start doing a song that i think relates to each chapter :))

first one is

love is embarrassing by olivia rodrigo

erika is embarrassed about sharing so much abt herself !