STARGAZING (ENG)

Chapter 5 - Stargazing

The rest of the week was the most fun both Katya and Trixie's ever had. The girls went swimming in the lake almost every day, had their little picnic by the shore and talked about the future. Katya found out that Trixie wanted to go to school for Veterinarian Medicine. It made sense, since Trixie grew up around animals, and has such love and compassion for them. She hadn't talked to her grandparents about it yet, because she wasn't sure she was ready to leave them. It was a hard choice for Trixie. Katya hadn't thought about college until her conversations with Trixie. The taller girl pointed out that Katya would make an amazing illustrator, since she found a bunch of drawing that Katya tried to hide from her. It wasn't a bad idea though, Katya thought. Maybe she would study visual arts, become a painter. She was excited about the future, in a way she has never been before.
Saturday came, and Trixie, Katya, Donna and George were decorating the house for Katya's birthday on Sunday. Katya has never had people care about her enough to throw her a party that was just family, just for the sake of celebrating her as a person. It was a lovely gesture, one Katya would certainly never forget. Her mother usually gave her money for her to do whatever she felt like on her birthdays. Here at the farm, she was getting the greatest gift of all, though.

''The sky is super clear today! We'll probably have a very starry night later.'' Trixie said, entering the house holding a basket of eggs.
''Oh, we can stargaze! I'll bake us some cookies, just like when you were a kid, Trix. Katya, you're gonna love it, the starry nights here in the country are so beautiful.'' Donna said.
''Wow, the way you guys talk about it, it must be really beautiful then.'' Said Katya.
''It is! Guys, I'm gonna take a quick shower, I'll be right back to help you all out.'' Trixie said, leaving the room.
Katya observed as the girl entered the bathroom, and the minute she shut the door, she turned to Donna.
''So, any updates with Paul and his jackass grandson?'' Katya asked in a low voice.
''He's being difficult. He's not accepting any agreements that may release Trixie from the ''obligation'' of publically apologizing. We're really trying Katya, but he's very influential politically, it's hard.''
''Is there a way I can help you out?''
''Well, there is. But I'm not sure you'll like it...''
''I can try...''
''Your father could be a great help, since he owns a good part of the business here. And he has some of the best lawyers in the country.''
''Donna, I don't really talk to my father. Everything he wants to say to me, he calls me mother for her to tell me. I think I haven't exchanged a word with him in like, 2 years. I don't...think he likes me at all.''

Donna seemed surprised with Katya's statement. The girl's father was really good at selling the image of a perfect and lovely family, even though it wasn't close to being one.

''I...thought you were pretty close, Kati. I'm really sorry to hear that. Listen, don't worry about it. George and I will talk to him. If all goes well, we'll talk to Trixie and maybe she'll consider pressing charges against Harry. I don't know if it will have any effects, but we can't let this go unnoticed.'' Donna was on the verge of tears.
''It's okay, Donna. I will do my best to help you all out. I promise. I have to say, all three of you have done more for me in a month than my parents have my whole life. I'm sorry I was a little difficult at first, I just...'' Katya started to cry. ''I am so confused. I don't know what to do most of the time, and...you are so good to me, and you don't even know me that well, I just...what did I do to my mom? Why doesn't she love me?''

Katya had just realized everything she said to Donna. She repressed those feelings for many years, tucking away the sadness of not being loved by her parents, being neglected in a way that built up an irrational anger inside her. Talking about those feelings with Donna lifted a weight out of her chest in a way she's never felt before.

''Katya, are you okay?'' Trixie said, leaving the bathroom with nothing but a towel wrapped around her chest and soaked hair.
''I'm okay, really. I just had a moment with Donna, she's been very good to me this past month, I was just thanking her.''