Chapter 1
May 5th, 1847, Carbury, Kildare County, Ireland
Dear diary,
It looks like spring has finally arrived in this sleepy 'ole town. The cherry blossoms have opened earlier today, their sweet scent fills the air of my room as I'm writing this.
Busy life on the farm has officially started again. While I'm usually always grateful for a distraction, I must admit that I already miss those lazy winter days, spent mostly in the solitude of my room by the warm fireplace, my sole company a good book, and my own thoughts.
There's no time to fret, however, or drown in self-pity. Life's gonna continue, whether we're ready, or not.
At least with the hard physical work on the farm commencing again, I'll be able to lose the extra pounds I've gained over the food-laden winter months, filled with mom's good food. I clearly overindulged one too many times, finding strange comfort in ma's cooking.
Thank the heavens that there's no pretty lass 'round here, else I'd never forgive myself for bein' such a lazy bum all winter and putting on weight.
I just heard someone come upstairs. I'll end this entry and check to see who's there and if my help's needed.
See you again soon.
Kate
Kate opened the door to her room and was greeted by the smiling face of her beloved father.
He asked her, his tone cheerful. "Had a good night's sleep, pumpkin? It's mighty early for you to be awake.“
The redhead grinned at her beloved father, shrugging nonchalantly. "I got awoken by the sun shinin' through my window and thought to myself I might as well rise early and make myself useful.
"Looks like spring's arrived at last, eh?“
Her father looked at her with a big smile, nodding in agreement. "Eyup. It's time to giddy up and get to farmin' again. That's my gal. Always there to help her 'ole man.
"Go have some breakfast first, pumpkin. Work can wait for a lil longer still.“
Kate was grateful for her father's understanding and shot him another charming grin before skipping down the stairs to the kitchen, taking two at the same time.
Upon entering the small room she was greeted by her younger sister who was already sitting at the table and her mother who stood with her back facing them, busy preparing their lunch.
Phoebe Janeway made a face at her sister, aware their mother wasn't able to see them with her back facing them.
Kate sighed softly and rolled her eyes before exclaiming cheerfully. "Good morning, ma!“
The oldest Janeway turned around, at last, acknowledging her eldest daughter's presence with a smile. "Morning, Katie. What's gotten you all cheerful so early in the day?
"Is it that sweet spring air that's gotten to your head? You'll be happy to hear I prepared your favorite for breakfast.“
Kate's eyes visibly started to twinkle, tiny specks of gold mixing in with the bright blue of her natural eye color, her voice dreamy. "Thanks, ma! It's a pancake kinda day, alright!“
Edward Janeway soon joined his family for breakfast, everyone enjoying their respective meal in a comfortable silence until Gretchen Janeway told her oldest daughter. "By the way, Katie. Since your dad and I'll be busy all morning I was thinkin' you should accompany your lil' sister to school for a change.
"It would help us a lot if you could do that.“
Kate had a hard time not choking on her pancake at her mother's unexpected request. The prospect of having to accompany her annoying little sister to school not exactly what she had planned for this morning.
Phoebe grinned at her like a cheshire cat. Kate had to suppress another eye roll at the youngest Janeway's antics.
It had turned out that bringing her sister to school had only been an excuse to get Kate to go to the town's center where she was to run a few errands, mainly for her mother.
'Should've known it.', Kate mused to herself bitterly, eyeing the almost foot-long list her mother had conspiratorially handed her earlier.
'Well, might as well head to the library and get some new reading material while I'm already there. Sometimes you gotta reward yourself to lift your spirits.' She thought, a smile creeping onto her pretty face.
Kate was a true bookworm and reading a guilty pleasure of hers, if you will.
Her trip around town took longer than expected and it was already almost lunchtime when she reached the local library.
Knowing her mother's love for routine, the Janeways always ate lunch together at 12:30 pm every single day, without exception, she grudgingly decided against going to the library but planned to make a trip there the next day instead.
She was on her way back down the main road when something caught her eye.
Kate stopped, inspecting the poster.
Take a trek to the stars. Come see the wondrous Voyager theater live! Buy your ticket now and join a trip to another world. What are you waiting for?
Kate was fascinated by the text written on the poster. She had wanted to go see a theater performance for a long time, but being from a sleepy small town in Ireland there had never been an opportunity to do so as of now.
'I need to tell pa about this! A trek to the stars. That sounds so exciting! I wonder what they mean by that?', she wondered giddily while skipping home, all the while humming a tune she had just come up with.
She arrived back at the farm at point 12:30 pm, the uncanny scent of Shepherd's Pie greeting her as she stepped inside, making her mouth water.
Kate only noticed now that she'd worked up quite an appetite, running errands all morning.
Inside the kitchen she was greeted by both her parents who were already sitting at the table, visibly waiting for her.
"I told you she'd be back for lunch, hun.“ Edward said to his wife, clearly proud of his eldest daughter's reliability.
Kate grinned from ear to ear, exclaiming cheerfully. "I wouldn't miss ma's Shepherd's Pie for the world! I've worked up quite the appetite walking around town all mornin'.“
Gretchen smiled, visibly pleased, filling her daughter's plate with a generous helping of the dish, handing it over to her across the table. "Here you are, Katie. You've clearly earned your lunch today. Have ya gotten all the items on the list I handed to ya earlier?“
Kate nodded proudly, motioning over to the hallway. "I left it on the chair for ya, ma. By the way. I've noticed a poster in the town center earlier, advertising a theater performance that's gonna be held here next week.
"I was wondering if I may go there? It sounded truly delightful. You guys know how much I love theater and literature.“
Gretchen did not seem too happy about her request, her father, however, smiled his kind smile and told her. "Of course, you can go there, pumpkin. If your heart desires it how could we refuse it to ya?
What would you say about turning it into a family trip? Your mom, sister, and I accompanying you to that performance. How does that sound?“
'Should've known he'd be suggesting that. It would be fine if he'd accompany me, maybe even ma. Phoebe, however? Oh, hell, nah. I'd prefer her not tagging along to this...'
Despite her doubts about turning this into a family trip, as her father had called it, Kate, in the end, gave in, knowing that it was better than not being allowed to go see the performance at all. "Alright, pa. Let's all go there together. It'll start at 7 pm next Friday.
"We'll have to buy tickets in advance though. I'm sure they're gonna sell out fast.“
With that having been said it was settled that the next Janeway family trip would lead them to the theater performance Kate was eager to see.
Her father, in all honesty, was quite excited himself, but wouldn't let it on in front of his wife who he knew to be rather skeptical in regards to modern things like performance groups touring around the country with their program.
May 16th, 1847, Carbury, Kildare County, Ireland
Dear diary,
Today is the day! At 7 pm we'll be heading to the town square to see the performance of the Voyager theater group.
I'm so excited! Finally, there's something interesting happening in this 'ole town.
I only hope that Phoebe won't be causing any trouble while we're there. Knowing her she might not be able to keep her mouth shut during the acts.
Heaven forbid if she'll interrupt the performance! I'd be so ashamed to be associated with the likes of her shall that happen.
After all, I wanna make a good impression on those actors and especially on the actresses, which I bet they'll be beautiful. Oh, Gods, I hope they won't be too pretty, else I might faint!
That's all for today. I'll write you again tomorrow to tell you how it went.
Kate
May 16th, 1847, Carbury, Ireland
Just like that we have left England behind and reached the first stop of our tour through Ireland. Our tour through England was surprisingly successful with the people there making for a fine audience.
To my astonishment, they seemed to enjoy my performance in particular. I had honestly been concerned at first that the people of this country would disapprove of someone like myself and the family as a whole.
The hear-say about Ireland, our next stop, however, is a whole other story. Thanks to the catholic background of the country I deem it highly likely that the people here are going to be shocked, repulsed even by 'freaks' like us.
It would not be the first time that I, for one, would receive that kind of reaction from others. Why does it still hurt even after all these years?
If only I could turn invisible. I am still hoping against hope that the people here are more open-minded than hear-say lets them out to be.
I guess in a few hours I will know. I can already feel my nerves trying to get the best of me...
целую и обнимаю анастасия Kisses and hugs, Anastasia
A knock on the door of her trailer made the young woman snap out of her reverie. She quickly hid the brown journal in its usual hiding place then she got up from her seat, opening the door to her trailer.
The blonde inwardly sighed in relief upon seeing the smiling face of her fellow theater mate. "Papa! I thought it was those ungrateful pigs! I had feared they would get me, this time for real.“
The old man chuckled heartily, carefully wrapping one arm around his foster-daughter, knowing the young woman was very sensitive when it came to physical contact due to her past.
The old man smiled gently, displaying the upper row, showing off his fang-like incisors and missing front teeth. "Nastya, please don't be so frightened. Your papa wouldn't allow those monsters anywhere near your trailer.
"If anyone tries to come near you they'll have to fight me first.“
He playfully displayed his bicep which, to his delight, sent the softest smile to the young woman's face.
The moment didn't last long, Anastasia's expression turned stoic again, her tone distant. "Do you think the Irish people will accept me like this? Would it not be best to hide my scars and oddities?“
The old man's heart hurt at her words, yet he told her genuinely. "I don't think you should have to hide anything, moya lubov. If they can't accept you for who you are that's their loss.
"You're beautiful and perfect just the way you are. I see you already are in costume.“
Anastasia heaved a small sigh, knowing it was pointless trying to convince the old man otherwise.
She inclined her head softly, muttering. "I am ready for my performance, at least, in terms of my attire...“
The old man nodded, smiling reassuringly at his daughter. "I'll come over after my own performance and inform you how the general mood of the audience tonight is. Alright?“
Feeling slightly more calm at this, Anastasia nodded slowly, smiling the softest smile at the man in return. "That would be acceptable. Thank you, papa.
"I believe you should depart now. It is soon going to be your turn.“
Pjotr nodded slowly and left the trailer.
Once he was gone the young blonde sank onto her bed, burying her face in the pillow.
'What do I do? I guess it is time to suck it up and be strong as usual. How I wish my performance was over already and I could simply sleep.'
While she had that thought, rows of people from the small town of Carbury entered the makeshift theater, excited chatter filling the air.
Among them was Kate Janeway accompanied by her family. Her younger sister Phoebe having bombarded the poor redhead with questions all the way to their seats.
Kate's expression had transformed into that infamous 'death glare' of hers, her tone menacing she turned towards the still babbling young girl. "Pheebs, I swear if ya don't shut that lil mouth of yers right about now I'll make ya do so.“
That effectively stunned the small redhead to silence. Kate leaned back in her seat, sighing in content.
'This evening just might turn fun after all now that problem's solved...'
Anastasia in her trailer wasn't so sure if that would be the case...