Ekaterina [18+]

1

CHAPTER ONE

The morning was the warmest it had been since the seasons had changed from Summer to Fall. A bright golden glow filtered through the clouds, signaling the end of the rain from the previous night. The sun shone brilliantly: bathing the whole landscape in its warm glow.

The water in the ponds and lakes glittered invitingly, all of them surrounded by tall trees that danced and swayed gently in the breeze. The spectacular scenery captivated every one and they all took to the streets; dressed in short shorts, skirts, sleeveless shirts, sandals, shades, t-shirts, trousers and sundresses.

All but one, Ekaterina Torres, who instead of taking her chances to enjoy the warm weather - for however long that may be - was cooped up in her bedroom on a sofa, in a light green nightgown, watching her all time favorite Disney princess movie "Princess and The Frog" with a small cup of peppermint milk tea in one hand and her stuffed frog squishmallow - who she had named Evangeline after the evening star - in the other.

It's not that she didn't want to - she was prohibited from doing so. At least when her aunt wasn't around. Leona would allow her to go with her whenever she had to take a trip to the market, mall, or sometimes even her job. She still snuck out to the backyard to feed all the little creatures and critters in the garden on a day-to-day basis.

A light knock sounded at the door of her bedroom and her aunt, Leona, called out her name. Of course, she was too busy singing along to "Almost There" to hear. Seeing that the young girl didn't answer, she pressed her ear to the door; laughing to herself as she heard her singing along to the song and decided to make her presence known.

It wasn't until Ekaterina heard the door open and close that she turned her head to see one of her favorite people in the whole world walking towards her with a grin on her face.

She gasped and stood up from her spot on the couch, setting her cup of tea down on the glass coffee table before her and flung Evangeline onto her bed - who she would apologize to later - and ran into Leona's open arms.

She had been gone on a very important business trip over the weekend with her colleagues and left the young girl with the one person that she could trust to take care of her properly - her ex girlfriend and close friend - who also happened to be Ekaterina's other favorite person, Lucille.

"You're back!" She chirped in a melodious voice that always made her aunt smile when she heard it.

She hadn't expected her to come back this early. She giggled and let out a squeal as she was lifted off the ground and spun around. Leona set her back down on her feet and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead.

"I missed you so much mi princesa (my princess),"

Ekaterina couldn't help but blush at the nickname and pushed a strand of her curly hair behind her ear.

"I missed you too tía (aunt)! I was really, really sad when you left but then Lucy made beignets! And—"

Leona laughed quietly as she listened. Watching as the bright-eyed girl paced back and forth, babbling on and on about what she had done with Lucille while she was away from home. She really enjoyed coming home after long, tiring trips. Ekaterina could always make her days better.

"—we watched High School Musical! That was fun! And Lucy even made me cinnamon buns! They were so good and—"

Leona chuckled and she suddenly the reason why she came in the first place. She reached out and grabbed the girl by her shoulders making her cease her pacing.