As night once again fell over Napanee, the small town gradually quieted down from the day's bustle. Here, unlike in big cities, there was a peacefulness, yet Catherine lay wide awake, staring at the ceiling, unable to sleep.
She had spent the entire day running around town with Avril and her friends, nearly covering every inch of Napanee. Initially, she had planned to leave in the afternoon, but after realizing who Avril was, she felt somewhat guilty. How shameless it was to plagiarize someone's future work right in front of them!
Oh, why am I so foolish? Catherine sighed inwardly. She should have realized who Avril was when they introduced themselves at the waterfall. But why didn't she catch on? If she hadn't gotten suspicious after Halloween, she might never have come to this small town. Then again, it's not entirely my fault—this round-faced little girl hasn't even grown her hair out yet, and those signature dark circles are missing. How could I be expected to recognize her?
Trying to justify herself, Catherine wanted to turn over, but seeing Avril clinging to her like a koala, she decided against it for now.
If it weren't for Vivi's repeated pleas, she would already be on her way back to New York. But it's practically impossible for Catherine to refuse Avril, especially with a hint of guilt. Plus, her godfather Brian had hit it off so well with the Lavigne family, and now here she was.
What a terrible sleeping posture, Catherine thought as she lightly poked Avril, who had her head resting on Catherine's chest. Avril didn't stir at all. Catherine tried to move the arm draped over her shoulder, but as soon as she did, the little one mumbled something, not only putting her arm back but also hugging her even tighter. Avril's knee, which had been resting on Catherine's calf, slid up, pressing right between her legs.
Damn it! Catherine cursed softly, embarrassed and flustered. She tried to kick Avril off, but the movement was a bit too strong, causing Avril to suddenly sit up, startling her. But before Catherine could react, Avril, still half-asleep, mumbled something incoherent and then flopped back down, this time lying completely on top of her, pinning her down.
Alright, I admit I feel a bit guilty towards you, but do you really have to treat me like this? Catherine rolled her eyes, considering pushing Avril off again. But who knew what other tactics the little girl might use to "attack" her if disturbed again? After some thought, Catherine decided to just let it go. Fine, I'll stay like this until morning. If I get dark circles, I'll just catch up on sleep in the car.
As she calmed down, Catherine sighed and looked at Avril lying on top of her. The little girl's still-round face bore a faint smile, probably from some pleasant dream. They had discussed music quite a bit today, and even though Avril was only seven or eight years old, she already had some interesting ideas. Maybe not deep, but they gave a glimpse of what her future might hold.
A wave of frustration washed over Catherine again, and she sighed deeply. Jessica, Kate, Rowling, Avril—they all had their own goals. But what about her? What did she want? Sure, she seemed to be doing well now, even earning the title of a "genius girl," but it was all thanks to memories from her past life. Without those, she would just be an ordinary girl from a wealthy family—one who might have ended up drinking and partying in high school, possibly becoming a symbol of decadence, like a certain hotel heiress.
But now, she really didn't know what she truly wanted to do with her life. This question had plagued her in her previous life for over forty years, and she still hadn't found an answer. She realized she wasn't very good at figuring these things out.
At this point, Catherine didn't fully understand—or perhaps understood only a little—the real differences between men and women. Despite having lived as a man for thirty years and as a woman for eleven, she often mixed things up. But there was no need to worry; when the time came, even if she couldn't fully grasp it, she wouldn't avoid it like she was subconsciously doing now.
However, some things, even if subconsciously avoided, are still acted upon by the deeper, more dominant part of the subconscious. Like now, Catherine suddenly realized that one of her hands was resting on Avril's back, while the other... was on her little bottom.
Avril was wearing a round-neck shirt on top, but below she only had on a cute pair of Winnie the Pooh panties. With her hand there, Catherine could clearly feel the softness and elasticity of Avril's little bottom.
Panic surged through Catherine as she tried to move her hand away. But despite her thoughts, her hand didn't budge. This position was far too intimate; with the two of them lying so close together, she could almost feel Avril's warmth and the smoothness of her skin through the thin fabric of their pajamas. If I were still a man right now, wouldn't this be... No, no, no, this is too beastly, molesting a girl! I am ashamed to think of it.
Catherine kept trying to push these indecent thoughts out of her mind, but she didn't notice how her head was getting closer and closer to Avril's. By the time she realized it, she was face-to-face with her sleeping beauty. In the dim light, Avril's slightly curved lips seemed infinitely tempting. Something surged within Catherine, and all thoughts were thrown out the window. She leaned in and kissed Avril's little mouth.
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"Are you really okay, Cathy?" Avril asked hesitantly. Catherine's obvious dark circles made her very uneasy. This morning, when Avril woke up, she found herself clinging to Catherine like an octopus, while Catherine, with her eyes half-open, looked exhausted, clearly worn out from being tormented all night. No wonder Avril had been tossing and turning in her sleep, hugging her teddy bear—although she remembered playing "kissy" with the teddy bear in her dream, she hoped she hadn't drooled on Catherine.
"It's alright, dear Vivi. Don't worry about me. I'm very happy I got to see you." Catherine smiled wearily as she opened the car door and tossed her backpack inside.
"Well, okay then… Safe travels," Avril said, biting her lip.
"Thank you," Catherine smiled. Just as she was about to get into the car, she turned back as if remembering something. "Remember our promise."
"Of course!" Avril immediately cheered up, but quickly shut her mouth, glancing at her parents to make sure they hadn't noticed. Thankfully, they hadn't, and both girls giggled quietly.
"Goodbye, I'll come visit you again." Catherine gave Avril a hug and got into the car. Brian, who had been chatting with the Lavigne family, also got in and took the driver's seat.
After saying their goodbyes, the car pulled onto the street, retracing the route back. Even after they were quite a distance away, Catherine could still make out Avril waving her hand.
"You two seem really close. It's hard to believe this is only the second time you've met," Brian remarked, glancing in the rearview mirror.
"You always said I could make friends wherever I go." Catherine shrugged, then let out a big yawn.
"Looks like you two stayed up late talking last night," Brian shook his head, then pointed to the backseat. "Grab a blanket and get some sleep. We'll be back in New York by the time you wake up."
"Okay, I will." Catherine pulled out the thin blanket from the back window, took off her jacket, and covered herself, closing her eyes.
Finally, some peace and quiet. Can I actually get some sleep now? she wondered. What was that feeling that made her whole body tremble? She had felt it with Jessica at school, with Lindsay on Halloween, and with Kate in Edinburgh. Last night, it was even stronger. Was it because the previous three times she was passive, but this time she was active? Just thinking about Avril's soft little lips made her breath quicken. Was she some kind of pervert?
Catherine's mind was in turmoil. She couldn't find the reason. Or rather, whenever she thought she was close to understanding, her thoughts would inexplicably shift elsewhere. This frustrated the little girl to no end, and combined with her exhaustion, she soon fell into a deep sleep.
When she woke up again, it was already past noon. The car was still moving, but more slowly. Brian seemed to be on the phone. Catherine groggily sat up and opened her eyes just in time to hear Brian say, "Don't worry, we'll be in New York soon. I'll drop her off at old Mr. Kleist's place, and they'll get her on the plane. You can rest easy now. Hey, the little one's awake. Do you want to tell her yourself?"
Before Catherine could fully grasp what was happening, Brian handed her the cordless phone. "Sweetheart, your mom's on the line. Apparently, there's a director in Paris looking for you."
Paris?! Catherine jolted awake, finally shaking off the drowsiness. Damn, could it be... She carefully took the phone:
"Hi, Mom… Yes, I know… I'll be back soon… Paris… Yes, is it Luc Besson? … Yes, that's my work, but it's not finished yet… Okay, I understand. I love you, Mom."
After hanging up, Catherine sighed and scratched her head. Damn those talent scouts, and damn that trip to Paris. Why did I have to open my big mouth?
"Another screenplay?" Brian said, clicking his tongue as he drove. "And this one's for Luc Besson, and he's interested. Cathy, what on earth is in that head of yours?"
A thirty-year-old Chinese man's soul, Catherine thought, but she eventually just sighed and said, "Dear godfather, let's just get back to New York as soon as possible. I have to… head home right away."
What should she do? Would Natalie disappear because of this?