Chapter 7
Following Kate's advice, Dee had gone to 'The Faerie Queene' and asked the barkeep Michael Sullivan for the directions to the Janeway farm which he happily gave the brunette, all the while attempting to flirt with her.
Only thanks to her out-of-this-world patience did Dee manage to remain polite and keep her smile in check. She was damn glad once she was out of that pub again however, the crisp late May air aided in clearing her infuriated mind, helping her to ground herself before going back to the camp.
At the theater group's campsite, Nastya had just finished completing her outfit for the night which consisted of a simple white long-sleeve shirt, black pants, and her regular black boots.
Natascha who was in the trailer with the older girl had changed into a long skirt along with a wide shirt which she'd found in her 'big sister's' closet. Nastya couldn't help chuckling softly at the adorable sight of the young girl dressed up like a mini version of herself.
Natascha joined in on the laughing, finding the older girl's laughter infectious. Dee, who entered the trailer this same moment, couldn't help but gape at the rare sight of a carefree Nastya.
Not wanting to disturb the two girls she silently walked over to the chair and took a seat, watching her friends' interaction for a while longer.
To the oldest girl's surprise, it was Nastya who asked a few minutes later in an amused tone. "Enjoying yourself, Dee?“
Feeling like she got caught red-handed, the brunette's cheeks darkened in embarrassment which was hardly visible thanks to the dim light in the trailer.
She grinned at her tall friend and nodded. "I am, sweetie. It is a true joy to see you this carefree for once. The barkeep told me the directions to the farm, so we can leave whenever you're ready.“
The two younger girls gave a nod of acknowledgment, Nastya asking her older friend. "Are you ready, Dee?“
The older woman frowned at the question before gasping in realization, exclaiming. "Oh, my Goodness! I completely forgot to change myself! I won't be long, I promise. Sorry, girls!“
She rushed out of the trailer, resulting in another giggling fit of her younger friends. Nastya felt much like a child again herself, it had been years since she'd last been able to laugh in such a carefree manner and it honestly felt so good to let go for once.
She smiled adoringly at her young substitute sister who was at the moment busy braiding her long hair.
Nastya bit her bottom lip, watching the young girl in amazement.
Natascha who noticed her tall friend's looks asked. "Shall I do your hair too, Nastya? I can do other hairstyles too, not only braids.“
The older girl blushed softly at the question, nodding hesitantly. "I would... like that, Natascha. I am not accustomed to wearing my hair any other way than open, however. Is there, perhaps any 'hairstyle' that you could recommend to me?“
The younger girl grinned, nodding her head in determination. "Leave it to me, sis. You trust me, right?“
She looked up at the other girl who smiled softly and nodded her head. "I trust you.“
This made the younger girl's grin turn ever brighter. "Good to know.“
Natascha soon started combing through the unruly golden mane of her big sister who sat in her chair patiently, humming in content at the surprisingly to her oddly calming, relaxing treatment.
Once her hair was tangle-free and impossibly shiny and soft, the young girl grabbed it, holding it together before fixing it into a high ponytail with a fluffy red ribbon.
Dee who just got back from her own trailer, now dressed in a turquoise flowy dress and ballerinas gasped in surprise at the view of Nastya who she'd only ever seen with her hair open now sporting a high ponytail which accentuated her regal long neck, milky white skin exposed.
To Nastya's dismay, her facial implants were now exposed as well.
Suddenly remembering something, she shot a hopeful look in her older friend's direction, asking her. "Dee, do you by any chance still possess one of your potions which conceal my implants?
"They are rather exposed due to my new 'hairstyle' and I would rather not risk meeting Kate's family in this state.“
Dee smiled and nodded. "I do still have a few of those left actually since Pjotr told us that we'd stay here for a while still. Wait a moment, sweetie. I'll go get one real quick then we can leave once the effect of the potion is activated.“
Nastya got up. "I think it would be best if Natascha and I were to accompany you to your trailer, Dee. That way you will not have to get back here again. It is already rather late. Is it not?“
Dee was once again stunned at the younger girl's words, Nastya's enhanced senses and abilities still fascinated her even after four years of knowing her.
Other people might be creeped out, or repulsed by this, but Dee and Natascha as well had learned to love and appreciate the young woman just the way she was.
Once the potion was in effect, her implants invisible to the naked eye, Nastya along with her two friends left the camp.
Her father who had at first been skeptical and hesitant to agree to their outing had agreed as soon as his daughter had used her infamous 'please' on him, something the old man could never refuse, especially along with those puppy dog eyes she gave him while saying it.
Being the only one who knew the directions, Dee led the way, Nastya memorizing it right away. The farm was not too far away as it turned out. The area was surrounded by fields which the blonde presumed must belong to the Janeway family as well. They were farmers after all.
When the trio came near the main building, music and laughter could be heard.
'Fun will now commence.' Nastya thought to herself, her stomach having knotted up painfully due to anxiety.
Kate was currently watching her parents dance to the sound of her little sister playing the accordion, laughing happily as her father twirled her mother around.
Her laughter died in her throat when she caught sight of her three guests from her peripheral, one of them, in particular, catching her eye.
Kate turned around, walking over to the odd trio, almost not recognizing Nastya at first due to her drastic change of appearance. Kate suddenly felt insecure in her dress, fiddling with the bow around her waist.
When their eyes met, both Anastasia and Kate were stunned to silence for a moment, unable to do so much as blink.
A cough could be heard, followed by a familiar gentle voice. "You look just lovely, Kate. The color of the dress nicely accentuates your eyes. Don't you think so too, sweetie?“
She looked at Nastya with an odd expression.
The tall blonde swallowed, nodding slowly. "I concur. It is good to see you again, Kate.“
The redhead felt her cheeks grow warm at the other girl's words, butterflies flying wild in the pit of her stomach, her voice sounding raw when she replied. "Thank you. You look lovely as well, all of you. It's good to see ya again too.“
Kate ushered the three girls over to the main house, her nerves suddenly kicking in at the prospect of having to introduce her new friends, especially Nastya to her parents for reasons she could not yet comprehend.
She was merely aware that this was a moment of great importance and her parents' reaction played a huge role. All her fears soon dissipated, her parents and even Phoebe welcoming the trio warmly, treating them like they were close family to Kate's great relief.
When the redhead noticed Nastya lingering behind at the front porch, keeping a safe distance from the rest of the guests. Kate, seizing the moment, decided now was as good a time as ever to actually get to know the girl of her dreams, quite literally.
Nastya, to Kate's surprise and slight shock, said long before she stood next to her. "Kate.“
The redhead had made sure to be extra quiet, careful not to startle the other girl which apparently proved to be futile.
'How did she do that?', the young Janeway girl asked herself.
She shrugged off the odd feeling for the time being and came to rest next to Nastya, asking her gently. "Not fond of social gatherings?“
Anastasia felt caught at the redhead's question, her gaze turned down in shame, muttering. "Not particularly, no. I apologize for being 'no fun'.“
Kate chuckled softly which send a flutter to Nastya's stomach. "No need to apologize. In all honesty, I'm the same. I only celebrate my birthday for the sake of my family.
"They love festivities like this one and I don't have the heart to tell them that I'm not too fond of them myself.
"I'm glad you're here though. I was kinda afraid you might not show up after all...“
Nastya frowned, telling the smaller girl genuinely. "Why would I not 'show up', Kate?
"You had invited me to your birthday and I promised to come. I always keep my promises.“
Kate bit her lip, the way the blonde's left eyebrow was arched along with that alluring deep voice of hers, resulting in her knees growing weak.
'Heavens, help me! How can anyone be this beautiful, so sensual? My poor heart! My books could've never prepared me for a girl like her.'
Desperate for a distraction, Kate asked the tall girl. "Did you try the apple pie already? It's my favorite. My mother bakes the best apple pie in town.“
Nastya nodded softly. "I have not yet tried it, but if you think so highly of it, I think I should try it then, Kate.“
The redhead grinned happily, gently grabbing the other girl's arm, leading her to the kitchen where the cake stood on the table.
Kate blinked when she saw that there was exactly one piece of cake left glaring at her from the table.
She put the cake on a plate, grabbing a fork and handing it over to Nastya who bit her lip. "Kate, are you sure that it is acceptable for me to eat the last piece of your favorite cake on your birthday, no less?“
Kate felt her heart figuratively melt at the blonde's act of compassion.
She grinned and nodded, pushing the plate towards Nastya once more, ushering her to take it. "It's fine, Nastya. I really want you to try it, so I don't mind you eating it even if it's the last piece. I'll gladly give it to you.“
Suddenly feeling like a lightbulb went on inside her mind, the blonde suggested. "How about we share the cake? I am not a big eater actually and I only wanted to try it anyway. Would that be acceptable to you, Kate?“
Kate felt her cheeks heat up at the suggestion, remembering her classmates referring to things like these as an 'indirect kiss' since they would be sharing both the cake and the fork.
Deciding to be bold Kate nodded and smiled brilliantly at the other girl. "Sure. Let's share the cake, Nastya.“
The tall girl scooped up a small bite of the cake, gingerly lifting the fork up to her plump lips, parting them. Kate was mesmerized by the sight of the beautiful blonde eating, making it look like a form of art.
When a soft moan involuntarily left Nastya's lips, Kate had a hard time not to faint, her body feeling like it was on fire.
'Gods, what is going on with me? It's rather hard to keep my composure with this... goddess right there next to me.'
Kate was wondering if the tall girl was teasing her, or if Kate herself was simply a naughty girl as her mother would call it and misinterpreted the other girl's actions.
Nastya licked her lips, an action that sent the blood rushing to Kate's cheeks, and exclaimed. "This is perfection! Thank you for introducing me to this 'dessert', Kate.“
The redhead grinned widely, accepting the plate Nastya held out to her and answered her. "I'm glad you liked it, Nastya. You're very welcome. Are you sure that you don't want to eat more of it?“
Nastya nodded. "I am sufficiently sated, for the time being, Kate. Thank you for asking. Feel free to eat the rest of the cake.“
Once Kate had finished eating the cake she linked arms with the other girl, both their hearts beating faster at the contact. "C'mon, let's hit the dance floor.“
Nastya blinked rapidly, confusion at the petite girl's words evident in her big blue eyes.
Kate noticing this gasped and asked the taller girl. "Don't tell me you've never danced before?“
Nastya bit her bottom lip, answering embarrassingly. "I have not. Could you... teach me, Kate?“
The redhead felt the butterflies go wild in the pit of her stomach at Nastya's question, nodding her head. "Sure, I can teach you, Nastya. It's not that hard really. I'm sure you're gonna get the hang of it quickly. Just follow my lead, alright?“
Nastya nodded in determination, stating firmly. "Understood.“
Soon enough the two girls were dancing to the music. It turned out Nastya was a natural which in all honesty didn't surprise Kate in the least, considering the other girl's agility and lithe built. Their bodies swayed gracefully, both girls having lost track of time.
Only when a cough could be heard followed by Gretchen Janeway's voice did they part from each other, slowly snapping out of their daze. "Sorry to interrupt ya girlies when you're obviously having so much fun, but it is nearing 10 pm already, Katie.
"You need to get up early tomorrow mornin' after all and your guests still need to go back home.“
Both Kate and Nastya could not believe it was already this late. The past few hours seemingly had gone by in the blink of an eye.
Kate immediately exclaimed. "I'm gonna accompany my friends back home, ma. It's already dark and this was their first time coming to the farm, after all. They might not find their way back on their own.“
Nastya was about to object, having memorized the way to and from the farm earlier on their way there, yet, she decided to keep that fact to herself, secretly wishing Kate would accompany them back to the camp, so she could properly bid goodbye to her.
'You are acting selfishly. Kate's mother just told her that she has to get up early tomorrow. She should go to bed instead of accompanying you back home.'
Nastya was fighting an inner battle which proved to be unnecessary with the redhead's mind being made-up.
Gretchen, knowing her eldest daughter well enough to recognize that look of determination in her eyes, sighed, telling her defeatedly. "Alright then, Katie. Suit yourself.
"Please, make sure to be safe out there on your own when ya get back here though!“
Kate had a hard time not rolling her eyes at her mother's words, simply nodding. "Yes, ma. No worries. See ya later.“
Nastya was stunned when she found Natascha clinging to who she deemed must be Kate's younger sister, her eyes teary. "I don't wanna leave. Phoebe and I were having so much fun!“
Kate had a hard time not to snort at the young girl's words, unable to imagine anyone having fun with her little sister. Yet, even she had to admit that the two girls looked absolutely adorable together.
She couldn't remember a time she'd seen her younger sister this heartbroken before while earlier she'd watched her dance happily with what she deemed to be Nastya's little sister, the resemblance between the two girls uncanny.
To Kate's surprise, her father's voice suddenly exclaimed. "Natascha can stay here overnight. If that is alright with her sister, that is.“
He looked at Nastya who blushed softly which Kate found to be very endearing. "That is acceptable. Be a good girl, Natascha.“
The young girl grinned from ear to ear, hugging the unexpecting blonde tightly before exclaiming cheerfully. "You know I always am a good girl, Nastya!“
The tall girl smiled and gently ruffled the young girl's hair. "I know. I trust you, Natascha. Sleep tight and sweet dreams. I will see you tomorrow.“
Natascha grinned and waved at the retreating trio. "See you tomorrow, sis. Sleep tight and sweet dreams to you too and to you as well, Dee!“
Kate led the two performers back to their camp without incident.
Nastya, aware the redhead knew the path by heart used the opportunity to cautiously watch the beautiful young girl, taking in every little detail, every freckle on the other girl's face, the way her cerulean eyes twinkled in the dark, the way her lips curled when she smiled, small lines forming on her forehead and between her brows while she did, the way her pleasant husky voice sounded when she talked and her laughter that sounded like something out of this world.
Nastya was once again reminded of Irish legends featuring fairies, wondering for an odd moment if Kate Janeway could in fact be one of those magical creatures. She quickly dismissed the ridiculous thought, however, deeming it to be highly illogical.
Far too soon they arrived back at Nastya's trailer. The blonde felt her heart grow heavy at the prospect of having to part from this special girl she'd grown so fond of in the short time they'd known each other.
Unsure of how to part from someone who was no longer a stranger, yet, not yet a friend Nastya stood there stiffly for a moment before she felt a gentle squeeze on her right hand.
Their eyes met, Kate breathed out. "Good night, Nastya. I had a great time tonight. Hopefully, we can repeat this some time. Thank you for granting me the best birthday ever. You truly are a special person.“
Nastya felt her heart leap at the shorter girl's words, her cheeks tinted pink. "Good night, Kate. I had a great time tonight as well. I sincerely hope we can meet again some time as well. It was my pleasure. You truly are a special person as well, Kate.
"Have a safe trip home.“
Kate smiled softly, reluctant to let go of the other girl's soft, warm hand, not wanting to leave.
Nastya watched her part with a heavy heart before going back inside her trailer. Once she had undressed she lay on her bed, taking her journal out from its hiding spot, desperate to let out her thoughts, adding to her entry from earlier that day.
May 20th, 1847, Carbury, Ireland
Kate's birthday was unlike anything I have ever experienced before. I had been so reluctant to go there at first, remembering the few social functions I had attended in the past. This was nothing like that. Both Kate and her family are such unique, warm-hearted people.
Her parents immediately accepted Dee, Natascha, and me.
I, admittedly, had made some preparations in advance by drinking that concoction Dee has invented to hide my implants, but regardless of that I had had my doubts whether I would be accepted at first, which proved to be without reason, seeing as how Kate's family is so welcoming and hospitable.
Natascha has made a new friend in Kate's younger sister as well.
I am truly happy for her, yet I am also afraid her heart will get broken once we will have to continue our journey and she will have to part from her new friend again. I admit I am afraid to get my heart broken myself.
The thought of having to leave this town and Kate behind hurts me in ways I can hardly comprehend. This is all so new and frightening to me. How come she is able to evoke such strong emotions inside me when we have in fact merely met?
This is highly illogical! Could she truly be one of those Irish fairies that are said to bewitch people, after all? I can hardly believe a mere human to be as perfect as her. I am talking nonsense! How could she be a magical creature? I do not even believe in magic.
I think it is best for me to try and sleep now. These thoughts are unbearable!
целую и обнимаю анастасия Kisses and hugs, Anastasia
Kate heaved a heavy sigh once she finally lay in her own bed, finally out of those too tight, admittedly uncomfortable clothes and in her nightgown instead. Her heart was racing at the thought of Nastya.
She quickly grabbed her diary from its hiding spot, eager to share those new, overwhelming emotions with someone even if that someone was, technically, merely a journal.
May 20th, 1847, Carbury, Kildare County, Ireland
Dear diary,
I don't know where, or how to start! First of all, this was, by far, my best birthday ever. Nastya really came! I still can't believe it. When she arrived earlier it was like I was having a vision. She looked more beautiful than I'd ever seen her before.
I honestly didn't think that was even possible! That gorgeous golden hair of hers was tied up in a high ponytail, accentuating that regal long neck of hers and her high forehead. She truly has the looks of a goddess!
Sometimes I wonder if she is the reincarnation of one of those goddesses from Greek mythology. Her personality is so sweet as well!
She claimed that she had never danced before so I decided to teach her earlier, but it turned out that she didn't even need lessons since she was a true natural. Oh, my God! We shared pie as well.
There was merely one slice of ma's apple pie left and I really wanted her to try it. She was such a darling and asked me if I wanted to share it with her, so that's what we did.
Bidding goodbye to her was so hard! I really didn't want to let go of her, let alone go back home. What is wrong with me? This is so absurd! We only met a few days ago, yet, I feel like I've known her for a long time already.
Is this what my novels like to refer to as 'love at first sight'? Oh, Gods, I'm doomed if that should be the case.
The theater group will surely leave again soon. How am I supposed to survive without her?
I will try to sleep for now since I gotta get up early for work tomorrow.
Kate