Chapter 9
After finishing breakfast with no further incidents, it was time for Nastya and Natascha's departure.
Kate's heart felt heavy, but the two girls promised each other to meet again soon.
Phoebe and Natascha were equally upset, clinging onto each other in a tight embrace for what felt like ages before Gretchen firmly announced. "Phoebe, you need to get going, or you'll be late for school!“
The youngest Janeway's eyes widened in shock, completely having forgotten that today was Monday and she had to go to school.
To her delight, Anastasia suggested. "Natascha and I could accompany Phoebe to school, Mrs. Janeway.“
The older woman smiled gently and to everyone's surprise, said gently. "Call me Gretchen, sweetheart, and that sounds wonderful. I'm sure Phoebe would like that.“
Phoebe nodded enthusiastically, a wide grin on her face. "I'd love that! Thanks for the offer, Nastya.“
The blonde's face showed the hint of a smile, her voice the tiniest bit softer than usual. "You are welcome, Phoebe. We should depart now. I believe you still require your school bag, however.“
Phoebe blushed at the older girl's words, quickly hurrying back up the stairs to her room, grabbing her school bag then hurrying back down. "I'm all set. Let's go! Bye ma, bye pa, bye Katie!“
The other Janeways smiled and waved at the departing trio, calling out in unison. "Bye, Phoebe!“
The youngest girls giggled, amused at the choir Phoebe had received.
Nastya merely raised her left brow but refrained from saying anything, content to see her little sister so happy and in the company of someone her age for once.
Her own heart ached at the prospect of having to leave Kate, however, already missing the redhead.
When she turned around, their eyes met one more time, Anastasia was stunned to find the shorter girl's eyes had turned gray.
'Curious. I am absolutely certain that her eyes were a perfect cerulean earlier when we sat next to each other during breakfast.', the blonde mused to herself before dismissing the thought, turning around again and starting to walk at a fast pace, wanting to catch up with the younger girls who had already walked ahead, not noticing her absence due to being lost in their own little world.
Kate felt utterly miserable once Nastya and the two young girls had departed.
Despite knowing that she'd be able to see the blonde again soon, she couldn't help but already miss her.
To her surprise, her father standing next to her, sensing his eldest daughter's misery told her gently. "Go after them, pumpkin. I'm sure you'll still be able to catch up if you hurry.
"I'll be fine handlin' the farm on my own for today.“
Kate's eyes widened. She quickly hugged her father, telling him while smiling widely. "Thank you, pa! I'll be back for lunch!“
She dashed off, before long having spotted the trio that was already closeby to Phoebe's school.
She slowed down her pace, moments later walking casually just behind the trio, stunned when Nastya asked, her voice laced with irritation. "Kate. I thought you had to work?“
The redhead who by now walked alongside the taller girl felt her cheeks heat up, mentally cursing herself and that heavily beating heart of hers. "Pa told me he wouldn't need my help on the farm today, so I decided to accompany you, after all. I hope that's alright with you.“
Her tone was unsure, somehow afraid the blonde might not approve of her company.
To her relief Anastasia stated, her voice gentler than was normal for her. "I appreciate your company, Kate.“
To Kate's chagrin, her younger sister having eavesdropped on the older girls' conversation snorted, exclaiming. "She appreciates your company, Katie! I'm sure the same goes for my sister. Right, Katie?
"You appreciate Nastya's company too and very much so. Don't ya?“
The youngest Janeway instantly regretted her teasing, Kate shooting her that infamous stare, making the young girl shiver.
Kate's voice was stern. "Less you want me to tell ma about this, ya take what you just said back. Understood?“
Phoebe nodded and stuttered out. "S-sorry for what I just said. Please, don't tell ma, Katie!“
Kate sighed. "I'll let it go this one last time. Now go inside, short one. Your classes will start in five minutes.“
Phoebe sprinted off, all the while cursing out under her breath.
To Kate and Nastya's surprise, Natascha had told the two older girls to bring her back to the camp since she needed to catch up on some sleep.
After Kate and Nastya had safely brought Natascha back to her trailer, the blonde remarked. "I believe you still owe me a 'tour around town', Kate.“, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.
Kate gulped audibly, finding herself lost in the blue depths of the taller girl's eyes for a moment before telling her lightly. "Let's go then! There's this place I'd love to show you. It's kinda what this town's famous for and it's one of my favorite spots that I think you might enjoy as well.“
Nastya agreed, stating softly. "Lead the way, Kate. I trust you.“
Kate felt her heart leap at the blonde's words, their hands laced together they left the theater's campsite, walking in a direction Nastya hadn't been to before.
She was wondering what Kate wanted to show her. Seeing as the redhead had referred to it as one of her favorite spots, Nastya was convinced that she would enjoy it as well.
She usually didn't trust strangers, but with Kate it was different. Somehow she instinctively knew that the Irish girl was no threat, unlike many individuals she'd encountered in the past.
She quickly forced herself to stop thinking of the past, knowing she would risk another panic crisis, as Dee would refer to it now if she wasn't careful.
The duo walked along fields on which blue flowers were blooming which Nastya found to be very pretty.
She plucked one of them and whispered. "Kate, could you stop walking and stay still for a moment, please?“
The redhead blinked in confusion, but followed Nastya's instruction, muttering. "Sure, Nastya. Is there something wrong?“
Nastya shook her head and showed the delicate flower to the redhead. "I think this flower would look good on you. May I?“
Kate felt herself blush once more, nodding softly in reassurance. "Go ahead.“
The taller girl bent slightly down to get to Kate's level, gingerly placing the flower in the redhead's hair, a flutter starting in the pit of her abdomen at the sight of Kate with the flower. "This is perfection! The color of the flower truly highlights that of your beautiful hair, Kate.
"Blue and red are complimentary colors. That also explains why your eyes along with your hair look so captivating.“
Kate hadn't thought it was possible for her to blush even more, but hearing that compliment from Nastya proved her wrong.
Her own body's strong responses towards the beyond gorgeous blonde never ceased to amaze her.
Not being a very artsy person Kate had never once considered before that her eye and hair color were in a way a perfect match.
Now hearing that statement from Nastya for once made her appreciate her genetics.
Humbled, Kate whispered. "Thank you, Nastya. I sincerely appreciate your compliment.
"I really love the combination of your hair and eye color as well. It suits you very well.“
Now it was Nastya's turn to flush.
Kate delighted in the rosy hue gracing the other girl's usually porcelain cheeks. "Thank you, Kate. I am... glad you find my appearance acceptable.“
Kate couldn't help blurt out. "Acceptable? Nastya, you are gorgeous!!!“
It had grown silent between the two girls after Kate's outburst, worrying the redhead.
'Why couldn't ya keep that mouth of yours shut, Katie? You'd said enough as it was already. No need to overdo it.'
Sure enough Kate spotted the location she'd meant to show Nastya, pointing up ahead. "You see that over there?“
Nastya followed Kate's line of sight and upon spotting the ruin, confirmed. "I do.“
Kate grinned and told her. "That's Carbury Castle. We also call it Fairy Hill thanks to the small cottage closeby.“
Nastya's eyes widened at the mention of the second name.
'Fairy Hill? Can this truly still be a mere coincidence?'
The young blonde dismissed her inner musings, deeming them irrelevant and told Kate. "I am curious to find out why it is one of your favorite spots of your hometown.“
Kate gently squeezed the blonde's hand and started to run up ahead, leaving Nastya no choice but to pick up her pace as well. "You'll see once we'll be there!“
After another ten minutes, the two girls had arrived at their destination. Nastya was still wondering what it was with this place that Kate seemed to be so fascinated about it.
Having grown up in a poor area, Nastya was not very fond of ruins. This ruin soon turned out to be an exception, however. Kate showed the skeptical blonde around and told her about the castle's history.
The castle had been built in the 12th Century and been in use until the 1600s. Its last owners, the Colley family, still had descendants living in the town these days, but said people, according to Kate, had no interest in restoring the place, leaving it as the ruin it was, open to the public.
"I wouldn't mind living up here! The view is gorgeous and I'm sure if it was to be restored it could attain back its former glory.“
Nastya nodded in agreement. "I concur. Yet, I am certain that it would take years restoring a castle of this size.“
Kate sighed in defeat. "I guess you're right. Also, it's too spacious for my liking. If I was to live here on my own it sure would feel overwhelming.“
Nastya to both of the girls' astonishment stated, voice soft. "I would not mind living here with you.“
Both girls blushed profusely, Kate quickly exclaiming. "Let me show you Fairy cottage next! I promise you're gonna love it.“
Nastya snapped out of her daze, only thanks to her enhanced physique was she able to catch up with Kate.
The tall girl's eyes glazed over at the sight of the most perfect little cottage she'd ever seen. "I see now why this is one of your favorite spots, Kate. This place is so picturesque! It appears as if it comes straight out of a story.“
Kate smiled and queried. "Are you referring to Fairy Tales? Well, there's a reason they are called that way.“
Nastya felt an odd flutter at this. 'Is everything in this country associated with fairies?'
Unable to help herself Nastya blurted out. "Are you by any chance a fairy, Kate?“
The redhead blinked rapidly before barking out a laugh, slapping her own knees, causing Nastya to eye her in bewilderment.
Once the redhead had calmed down she to Nastya's shock winked at her which made the poor blonde feel weak in her knees before telling her conspiratorially. "This has to stay between the two of us, but I am actually the queen of the fairies, Nastya.“
Unbeknownst to Kate the blonde being a little slow in terms of social matters and humor now deemed her suspicions about the, as she deemed, impossibly perfect and beautiful girl being an otherwordly being confirmed.
'I must be under her spell. This is bad. I need to consult Dee later and ask her if there is a reverse potion to rid me of my symptoms.'
Kate looked at Nastya in confusion and asked her innocently. "Is something wrong? You look pretty pale even for your standards, Nastya. Maybe it would be best if we'd get back home.“
Nastya nodded slowly and they descended the hill and went their way back into town. Their walk was silent, each of them lost in their own thoughts.
Kate was concerned for the blonde's health while Nastya had concerns of a whole other nature.
'If she is a fairy. Does that mean that the rest of her family are fairies as well? Her parents do seem rather youthful, especially considering they have a daughter who has just turned sixteen.'
Once they'd arrived back at Nastya's trailer the blonde couldn't help ask the one question that had been bothering her. "How come you are the fairy queen and not Gretchen, Kate?
"As your mother and your elder would she not be more suited for the role?“
Kate blinked rapidly, laughing out loud, deeming the question to be a joke until she noticed the look of irritation on Nastya's face.
'Oh my! She fell for that earlier?'
Kate felt bad for having pulled the blonde's leg like that, her tone apologetic, she told her. "Nastya, that earlier was a joke. I'm no fairy, much less their queen.
"I didn't think someone as rational as yourself would believe in legends and myths.“
Nastya felt her cheeks heat up, mentally facepalming.
'You fool! How could you believe for even one second that something like fairies could be real?'
She felt deeply humiliated, mumbling. "I must have gotten carried away having read those legends and myths of your country before getting here. I apologize, Kate.“
Kate smiled softly, sending a flutter to Nastya's heart. "It's fine, really. In all honesty, I feel honored that you think I could be a fairy. They are said to be beyond beautiful, after all.“
Nastya stated matter-of-factly. "You are perfect, Kate. It seemed very possible to me that you could indeed be one of those otherworldly creatures.“
Kate cast her gaze down, trying in vain to hide her cheeks that had turned crimson.
To her chagrin, Nastya told her in a tone that sounded oddly flirtatious. "I think that color on your cheeks adds to your charms, Kate. It is truly becoming on you.“
Kate coughed and uttered. "I... eh... Lunch...“
Nastya blinked as the redhead speeded off home. The blonde chuckled softly at the petite girl's antics while entering her trailer.
'Adorable.', Nastya mentally scolded herself the moment she had that thought.
Kate panted heavily when she arrived home, sweat trickling down the sides of her face.
Gretchen and Edward Janeway looked up in surprise at their eldest daughter entering the kitchen.
"Back so soon?“ Gretchen asked her oldest daughter.
Kate blinked, asking cautiously. "It's lunchtime, no? I didn't wanna miss out on that.
"Less I'm not welcome here anymore. Am I intrudin' something?“
Edward Janeway immediately chimed in. "Of course, you're welcome here, pumpkin! Your mother and I just figured you might not be back for lunch.“
The redhead was confused at his statement, taking a seat in her usual chair, asking. "Why would I not be back for lunch? I wouldn't miss ma's lunch for the world!
By the way, what's for lunch today? I've worked up quite an appetite.“
To the young girl's irritation, her parents exchanged an odd look before Gretchen stated. "I hope roast chicken with green peas and potatoes sounds good to you.“
Kate licked her lips, exclaiming. "That sounds perfect, ma!“
After lunch, Kate had helped her father on the farm before heading up to her room.
She immediately retrieved her diary from its usual hiding and got to writing a new entry.
May 21st, 1847, Carbury, Kildare County, Ireland
Dear diary,
After being unable to sleep last night, I sneaked out once again and went to the camp.
I didn't expect Nastya to open the door for me, considering it was the wee hours of the morning, but she did.
I was confused at first though, seeing as how she was dressed as Nikolai. It turned out to really be Nastya in the end though.
In all honesty, I'm still stunned at how she manages to pull off this act so convincingly. She truly is an outstanding performer and her acting skills are phenomenal, not even to mention her looks...
But I'm drifting off. After having breakfast together where Phoebe made another suspicious remark (I swear that girl knows something she shouldn't and I don't know how), Nastya agreed to accompany Phoebe to school along with Natascha.
I missed her even before she had left! Gods, those feelings of mine are clearly bordering on insanity. Pa, to my surprise, told me I should accompany them to the town center, telling me that he wouldn't need my help on the farm today.
I didn't think twice and ran after them like a lovesick puppy. Then something strange happened.
I swear I had not even caught up with them yet when Nastya had already noticed my presence.
Sometimes I wonder if those metal pieces on her face have something to do with her hearing being this refined.
Once we'd brought Natascha back to the camp, Nastya asked me about a tour around town.
I then decided to introduce her to Carbury Castle and Fairy Hill. She seemed to really like the cottage which only further proved that we do in fact have quite a few things in common.
Earlier, while we were at the castle ruins, I told her that I'd like to restore the place and live there, but that living there on my own would be too overwhelming.
She seriously told me that she'd love to live there with me! Can you believe it? I was so stunned. I blushed at least five times today, probably more because of her.
When we were walking through the fields she put a flower in my hair and complimented my looks.
She thinks that I am perfection. Never in my life would I have considered myself anything but average, but when this gorgeous girl tells me that I want to believe her.
The prize has to go to her declaring me a fairy however and believing me when I jokingly told her that I am their queen.
You should've seen that look on her face! She looked like a baby deer!
Oh, Gods, this girl will be the end of me, and how come she's turned so flirty and daring out of a sudden?
I'll try to go to sleep now.
Kate
Nastya had brewed herself her favorite herbal tea, picking up her journal and sitting on her bed, opening a pristine new page, her heart still racing and mind swirling with thoughts of a certain redhead.
May 21st, 1847, Carbury, Ireland
Today already started off intense.
After a long night of lying awake, my mind replaying images of the evening before, mainly dancing with Kate and the way she looked so perfect in that blue dress, let alone the carefree way she laughed when I twirled her around during our dance.
I had just managed to fall asleep when a knock on my door awoke me once more.
Alerted by past experiences I dressed in my disguise as Nikolai and then opened the door.
I had nowhere near been prepared to come face to face with none other than the same girl responsible for my insomnia.
Kate had never looked more beautiful than in that moment. Her hair disheveled, her nose and cheeks red from the early morning air.
She brewed herself coffee while I drank tea as we sat in comfortable silence. I had never expected her to already drink coffee.
Seeing her take the first sip of that vile brew actually caused her eyes to sparkle and she gave off this primal sound which did things to me I can not quite fathom.
We had breakfast together with her family at the farm, Kate had borrowed me a shirt and pants that fit me perfectly.
She claimed she'd never seen those garments before and that they were not hers.
After breakfast, Kate showed me one of her favorite spots here in Carbury. It was the castle of this town, or what is left of it.
At first, I was skeptical and repulsed by the ruins, but they did have a certain appeal to them and in a way their own beauty.
Fairy cottage was a whole other league, however. This house was marvelous! It looked like it was straight out of a story. Kate referred to those as 'Fairy Tales'.
I truly wonder about this country's fascination with spirit folk and magical creatures. I made a fool of myself by asking Kate if she indeed was a fairy.
She told me that she, in fact, was their queen, which later turned out to have been humor.
I still have a lot to learn in terms of humanity and the English language.
I wonder if Kate thinks of me half as much as I think of her? If she also feels that strong attraction, that bond which seems to have been there from the first time we met?
I am going to try to get some rest now.
целую и обнимаю анастасия Kisses and hugs, Anastasia