As the plane took off, Catarina settled into her seat, her eyes gazing out the window at the dwindling landscape below. She felt a sense of detachment, as if she was leaving her old life behind and embarking on a new journey. The thought of her biological family, and the eldest brother who would be picking her up, lingered in her mind, but she pushed it aside, focusing instead on the present moment. She closed her eyes, feeling the hum of the engines and the gentle turbulence of the plane, and let herself drift into a state of calm. The flight attendants came by to offer her a drink, and Catarina smiled, accepting a glass of water. As she sipped it, she felt a sense of clarity wash over her, as if she was ready to face whatever lay ahead. The plane hit turbulence, and Catarina's eyes snapped open, but she didn't flinch, her gaze steady as she rode out the bumps. She was a woman on a mission, and nothing was going to get in her way.
Catarina's eyes remained fixed on the seat in front of her, her mind wandering back to her biological family and the eldest brother. She wondered what he looked like, what kind of person he was, and what kind of life they lived. The thought of poverty and hardship didn't concern her, but she was curious about the unknown. As the plane continued to fly, Catarina's thoughts turned to her triplets, and she smiled, thinking about the surprise she had in store for them. She couldn't wait to see them and give them a big hug. The flight attendants came by again, this time to offer snacks, and Catarina's eyes lit up at the sight of the strawberry shortcake.
Catarina's eyes sparkled with delight as she accepted the strawberry shortcake, and she took a bite, closing her eyes in pure bliss. The sweet and tangy flavors danced on her tongue, and for a moment, she forgot about the uncertainty of her situation. She savored the taste, feeling a sense of comfort and familiarity wash over her. As she finished the shortcake, Catarina opened her eyes, and her gaze drifted back to the window, watching the clouds drift lazily by. She felt a sense of peace settle over her, and her thoughts turned to her triplets once again. She couldn't wait to see them and give them a big hug. The plane hit some turbulence, but Catarina didn't flinch, her eyes fixed on the horizon, her mind focused on the future.
Catarina's eyes remained closed, and her breathing slowed as she drifted off into a deep sleep. The hum of the plane's engines and the gentle rocking motion of the aircraft lulled her into a peaceful slumber. She slept for a long time, unaware of the passing hours, until the flight attendants' gentle voice came over the intercom, announcing the plane's descent into the destination airport. Catarina's eyes slowly opened, and she stretched, feeling a bit stiff from the long sleep. She rubbed her eyes, and her gaze drifted to the window, where she saw the landscape below, a unfamiliar sight. She felt a sense of disorientation, but as she looked around, she remembered where she was and why she was there. Her thoughts turned to her biological family, and her seven brothers, and she wondered what they would be like.
Catarina's eyes narrowed slightly as she thought about her new family, and the unfamiliar surroundings. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for the unknown, and began to gather her belongings. The plane touched down, and Catarina felt a sense of excitement mixed with nervousness as she prepared to meet her biological family for the first time. She stood up, smoothing out her clothes, and followed the other passengers off the plane. As she walked through the airport, Catarina's eyes scanned the crowd, searching for a familiar face, but she saw none. She stopped at the baggage claim, waiting for her luggage, and wondered who would be picking her up.
Catarina's eyes sparkled with delight as she picked up the two large suitcases, and she expertly balanced them on her shoulders, her athletic physique evident even in her casual attire. She smiled to herself, thinking about her favorite sports, swimming and soccer, and how they had always brought her a sense of freedom and joy. As she rummaged through her clear backpack, her eyes lit up at the sight of Princess, her adorable chubby cat, who was currently fast asleep. Catarina's face softened, and she cooed over Princess, gently stroking her fur. She waited patiently for the last suitcase, her eyes scanning the baggage claim area, her music still playing softly in her ears. Suddenly, she heard her name being called, and she turned to see a sign with her name on it, held by a tall, handsome young man with a bright smile. Catarina's eyes narrowed slightly, wondering who this person was, and how he knew her name.
Catarina walked over and the handsome man did not wear any poor clothing, he looked like he was twenty-four to twenty-five years old.
"You must be Catarina Evans?"
"Yes." "Hello I am Lucas your brother Lucas Garcia, your eldest brother," Lucas said. Catarina nodded her head but ignored the hand shake she hated being touched. They walked outside and Catarina heard the sound of New York City. They walked to a luxury car Catarina was even more confused isn't her brothers suppose to be dead beat idiots? Lucas helped Catarina put her suitcase in the back.
Catarina's eyes widened in surprise as she took in the luxury car, her mind racing with questions. She couldn't understand why her eldest brother, Lucas, was dressed in high-end clothing and driving a luxury car. She had expected someone who was struggling to make ends meet, not someone who seemed to be living a life of luxury. She felt a sense of unease as Lucas helped her with her suitcase, his touch making her skin prickle with discomfort. She quickly stepped back, trying to create some distance between them.
"Thanks," she said curtly, trying to hide her confusion. As they got into the car, Catarina couldn't help but ask.
"So, Lucas, what do you do for a living?" She was trying to understand how her brother could afford this lifestyle, and what had happened to the poverty-stricken family she had expected.
Catarina's eyes locked onto the handsome man in the backseat, her mind racing with questions.
"Who is this?" she asked Lucas, her voice firm but laced with curiosity. The man's piercing gaze met hers, and Catarina felt a shiver run down her spine. Princess, sensing her tension, let out a soft meow and nuzzled her chest. Catarina's grip on the cat tightened, her eyes never leaving the mysterious stranger's face.
"Ahh this is my best friend Ryder Lee, you can call him Brother Ryder," Lucas said. Catarina didn't like to call people brother unless she felt like it she opened closed her mouth.
"Brother Ryder," Catarina said her voice was so sweet like honey it would make one addicted to her voice. Ryder seemed surprised to hear how meekly she greeted him. He looked at the girl sitting by his side. Her skin was so, so fair.
When she looked up again and peered out the car window, he could see her beautiful lashes curled upwards. She was such a sweet little girl!
Ryder's eyes lingered on Catarina's face, taking in her delicate features and porcelain-like skin. He couldn't help but notice the way her eyelashes curled upwards, giving her an endearing and innocent look. He felt a pang of surprise at her meek greeting, expecting someone with a more assertive personality. As he gazed at her, he noticed the way Princess was snuggled up against her chest, and a small smile played on his lips.
"It's nice to meet you, Catarina," he said, his deep voice low and smooth, trying to sound friendly and non-threatening.