Catherine

9. Girls Of The Garden Are Girls Of The Trees

It was 10 in the mourning. Carine was taking her breakfast in the living room as she watched her favorite comedy show on the television. Her husband wasn't home, because she insisted that he should go to the nearest hospital, to check if everything was alright, although his nose wasn't as bad looking as it was on the other day.

The twins were on the backyard, just relaxing on one of those blankets people normally use when they go out for a picnic. It  was not their parent's best choice. It had an awful chess pattern: a weird combination between a light green and grey.

Catherine was lying, playing with the few toys she had around her. She, some times, looks at them and thinks about how useless they have become since she stopped playing with them. So she trows them out, one by one, when she feels like it.

Ellen was sit next to her, watching her in silence, thoughtful, trying to enjoy this peaceful Sunday, which was one of the last sunny days of autumn. For the next week, the temperatures would drop, and soon, it'll be winter.

" Hey sis... " Ellen said.

" Yes? " Catherine answered, in a joyful tone.

" Do you think mom will leave daddy if our grandma convinces her that he is bad? " she asked.

Catherine stopped and turned to her sister.

" Of course not! Daddy is the best person in the world! " she said, exalted.

" But, it could happen... " Ellen said.

" Ellen. They've known each other for years. That's never going to happen. I don't think dad would ever hurt her. "

" N- no, that's not what I mean... I'm worried about mom leaving him, because he is not good at taking care of us. "

Catherine turned to her sister again, her smile had faded. " I don't think I understand where this is going, Ellen. Dad has always been at his best on everything... and until today, he still is! "

" I know... but... people change... people change just as Summer changes to Winter. They grow up, and get old... and then they lose everything. Just as trees lose their leaves, " Ellen said.

" But you know we will have to change too, eventually. Right? " Catherine asked.

" That's the problem! They won't be around as much as they are! Non of them will be there to protect us... "

" I know what you mean, but I don't think that makes much sense. I mean, isn't that what life is about? Taking risks and fight against your dreads? That's what it means to grow up Ellen. They are our parents...they will never change. "

" It's not that...I... you're completely dodging the subject. This is so frustrating! " Ellen shouted.

Catherine sat in front of her.

" Are you scared? " she asked.

Ellen looked away.

" Ellen. Are you scared? " Catherine asked once again, grabbing her sister's hand. " You can't hide it! I know that silly face since the day I found out you're afraid of the dark. " she giggled.

" I am! " she admitted.

Catherine hugged her, laughing " You know Ellen, some times, you're a little spoiled girl, even though you're the older one. I feel like we change roles once in awhile..."

Ellen smiled as she looked over her sister's shoulder, and squeezed her tighter.

" You know we'll always be together, right? " said Catherine. " I'll always protect you no matter what. "

Ellen didn't say anything back.

" I don't think our parents would ever do this to us. As time goes on,  things will changes. You're right. But, evidently, we will have to change too. Of course we don't have to be what the World want's us to be, but... you just need to have a little faith in yourself, and everything will be alright. What happened to you, was just a little life lesson... when we grow up, it'll be our time to protect them. Daddy lost his family when he was younger, because there was nothing he could do to protect them. But now, we're here for him, and he finally can do it. Look at you! He took a punch in the face for you. He protected you the best way he could. Mom understands that, and we also should try to understand it too, even thought we're still young to get this kind of stuffs. As we grow up, things will change. But they will only get bad if you let them lead you the wrong way. You understand? "

" I think I do... " Ellen said. " I wanna talk to them. I've just been locking myself in our room for the past days... "

Catherine didn't sayanything.

" Cath., did you hear what I said? " Ellen asked.

" I did. " she answered. " I was just staring at them." she said, as her sister turned back to look at their parents. Their father had just arrived. " Go talk to them. I think this is the perfect time. " she smiled.

Ellen stood up as she released her sister, and walked inside.