Catharina

Chapter 4

I wandered away from where my mother could see me, following Asher to a butler. He grabbed two glasses of sparkling champagne. He handed me one and started chugging his own. "Thirsty much?" I asked. Asher shrugged and grabbed another glass. "Or I'm just trying to erase this night from my memory," Asher muttered.

"I thought it was a privilege to be with me," I reminded. Asher smirked at me behind his glass. "It is also a wonder why you are still around me? Don't you want to dance with some guys who are practically kissing the floor you walk on?" Asher asked.

"I do not think that they would kiss the floor I walk on, especially after our performance to returning to the party," I looked down at the ground, "Besides, no one thinks I could have authority." Asher laughed. "You have got to be kidding me," he said. I shook my head before looking up and over to many couples dancing. Asher cleared his throat. "Who told you that?" Asher asked.

"Some girl in the powder room. I guess her opinion on me is that I'll never be a Queen or at least a good one," I said quietly.

"Catharina!" someone cheered. I looked over to see Annalise. She grabbed my hands, completely ignoring Asher who stood beside me. "This debutante is absolutely stunning! In fact, Phillip and I-"

"Who's Phillip?" I asked. Annalise immediately blushed. "Just some gentleman. He's nothing really, just strong, handsome, a good listener even for such a gossip like me," Annalise answered.

I smiled. "It sounds like love." Asher scoffed beside me. My sister and I looked over at him. "And who is this?" Annalise asked, curiosity coating her voice. Asher swung his head back, draining his cup of champagne. "No one," he grumbled. He walked away from us, leaving me of his somewhat compatible company.

I looked back at Annalise and smiled. "Why don't you go find Phillip? I'm sure he misses you," I suggested. Annalise shook her head. "I highly doubt it. I feel like I've just taken the night away from him and he's only stayed by my side to be polite. Maybe I should just leave him be."

"Now, now, would if this is the only night you'll see him? After all, this is my debutante and I say you go find him, invite him for a dance, or go show him your paintings." Annalise smiled. "Really? Okay, okay I will." She kissed my cheek before disappearing.

**********

I gave one more brush through my hair before setting down the brush and looking at my reflection. "Tonight was amazing, Catharina!" Annalise exclaimed running into my powder room. I smiled and took her hand, leading her to my bed where we leaped onto it, bouncing on it for a second.

"How so, my Anna?" I asked. She tucked back some hair. "You remember Phillip, don't you?" Annalise asked. I nodded. "Your man." Annalise looked towards the hallway before leaning up close to me. "Well I did what you told me to do, I showed him some of my paintings and he and I- we kissed!"

I giggled with her. "Annalise! If Mother knew she would go ballistic. I cannot believe my youngest sister got a kiss!" Annalise nodded. "I didn't tell, Clarissa. You know how she is."

"I do," I agreed. Clarissa was more of the reserved between us three. Yes, she would talk to Annalise and I, but when it came to people she didn't know or didn't trust she wouldn't talk to them. Even with us, she would hide her true feelings every now and then, especially over something she felt strongly about.

"Wow, but you are only fifteen, Annalise. Don't you think you're a bit young for your first kiss?" I asked.

"Please, Catharina, people have been kissing much younger than me far before our time," Annalise answered. I looked down at the bed. "Wait," Annalise said, "Have you not had your first kiss yet?" I looked up at her.