Chapter 15

Catherine's pov

I woke up to an empty bed, the early morning light streaming through the curtains. My first instinct was to check for Erika, and when I saw she wasn't there, a spike of worry shot through me. Then I noticed the note she left on the nightstand: "Gone to the library to study. Be back soon."

I sighed, a mix of relief and frustration settling over me. We had just talked about her needing to inform me of her whereabouts. I appreciated her dedication to her studies, but the lack of communication bothered me.

I texted her, and when her response came quickly, I felt a bit more at ease. Still, she needed to understand that rules were in place for a reason. After asking her to come back home, I prepared breakfast, my thoughts drifting to how I could reinforce our agreement.

When Erika walked through the door, her expression was a mix of guilt and apprehension. She stood before me, looking down at her feet.

"Erika, we talked about this," I said, my tone firm but gentle. "You need to tell me where you're going."

"I'm sorry, Cat," she said, her voice small. "I didn't mean to break the rules. I just wanted to get some studying done."

I sighed, feeling my irritation soften. "I know, but you have to understand that communication is important. After breakfast I want you to write 20x "I will not leave without telling mommy" okay?"

She nodded, looking annoyed, which was to be expected. "Fine."

"Good," I said, pulling her into a hug. "Now, let's get some breakfast and then you can continue studying here."

We ate breakfast together in relative silence. I could see the frustration in her eyes, but I knew this was necessary for her growth and our mutual understanding. After we finished, I handed her a pen and a notebook, watching as she reluctantly started writing.

While Erika wrote her lines, I received a call from the lab. I listened intently as one of my colleagues explained the situation. "I see. I'll be there as soon as I can," I said, hanging up the phone. Turning to Erika, I explained, "We need to go to the lab. One of the other doctors made a mistake with a piece of our research, and I need to fix it."

She sighed but nodded, quickly gathering her things. I made sure she finished writing her lines before we left, emphasizing the importance of following through on consequences.

Her handwriting was so cute, I could tell she was trying her best to make her handwriting as neat as possible.

"Good girl, your penmanship is lovely." I praised as I kissed her cheek. I could feel the heat radiating off my lips from her embarrassed little cheeks.

Her little awkward smile only enticed me to tease more, "What do we say baby?"

"Thank you." She squealed.

"Thank you who, monkey? I questioned causing her to redden even more if that was even possible.

She looked down at her feet, "Thank you mommy." My heart bursted everytime she said that word. I just knew she was meant to be my baby.

I insisted on dressing her since today was supposed to be our day off and she was supposed to make up for the time she missed last week from studying, which hopefully won't be happening any longer.

I picked out a light pink dress with frills and lace, white socks, and a pair of shiny black Mary Janes. As I held it up, Erika's face fell, a mix of embarrassment and frustration crossing her features.

"Do I really have to wear that?" she asked, her voice tinged with annoyance. "We're at work, Cat. I can't be seen in something like that."

"Remember it's mommy, monkey." I placed the dress on the bed and turned to her, placing a gentle hand on her cheek. "Honey, remember, today was supposed to be our day off. This was meant to be a day at home. No one will judge you and if they do, I'll just fire them."

She sighed, clearly still unhappy but not wanting to argue further. "Okay," she muttered, looking down at her feet.

"Thank you, sweetheart," I said softly, guiding her to step into the dress. "I know it's not ideal, but we'll make the best of it."

As I finished dressing her, I could see her discomfort and reluctance, but I hoped that once we were through this day, she would appreciate the care and attention.

Once she was dressed, I brushed her hair and styled it into two neat pigtails, fastening them with matching pink ribbons. "You look adorable," I said, smiling warmly.

Erika frowned, her cheeks tinged with a deep blush. "I feel ridiculous," she mumbled.

I ignored her commentary and packed a couple of essentials in case I had to be there long. Some snacks, prepared bottles, though I hoped Erika would just breastfeed from now on.

As we headed to the lab, I held her hand tightly, not wanting to let go. The thought of her being out of my sight for too long unsettled me.

At the lab, my colleagues greeted us, the main Dr's in the lab knew of me and Erika's relationship, and they treated Erika just as I would, which eased my discomfort. I quickly took charge, directing everyone on what needed to be done to salvage the research. There was no time for mistakes.

"Erika, sit here," I said, guiding her to a corner of the lab. I handed her a coloring book and some crayons from my office. "Keep busy, okay?"

She nodded, she rolled her eyes and looked a bit embarrassed but compliant. As I worked, I kept glancing over at her, making sure she was okay. The last thing I needed was for her to feel neglected or abandoned.

Hours passed as we worked to correct the mistake. At one point, I took a break to check on Erika, offering her a pacifier with a sippy cup and a snack. "You're doing great, sweetheart," I said, kissing the top of her head. "Just a little longer."

"I'm okay." Erika pushed away the items, "I'm still full from breakfast."

"Honey it's almost lunch time," I replied while holding the sippy cup to her mouth, to which she sealed shut, "oh well I guess mommy's little baby is too small for sippy cups." I picked her up and brought her to rest on my hip, much to her displeasure.

"Cat we-" I placed the pacifier in her mouth. "Shh, mommy's going to make sure her baby is well fed." I said as I walked over to my office.

Erika attempted to take the pacifier out, but I simply pushed her hands away each time, eventually I had to threaten a time out which made her immediately stop. She wasn't sucking on it, but she wasn't spitting it out.

When we arrived at my office I closed the door behind us. Everyone knew not to disturb me when the door was closed.

I sat on the couch in the middle of my office and cradled Erika in my arms. She had muffled whines of disapproval, but she knew not to remove her pacifier unless I told her to do so.

I removed my top and unclipped my bra leaving Erika's face by my exposed chest. She looked away before closing her eyes tightly with discomfort. She was adorably shy.

I removed the pacifier and tried to coax her into breastfeeding, "Open your mouth monkey."

She shook her head and turned once again, "Not now, not here, I'll take the crackers."

"Baby, no one will see you. My office is private, plus you're far too small for big girl food." I held my breast with my hand, hoping Erika would latch on soon. This is the one thing I couldn't force her to do, it could only be done if she was willing to.

"Honey this is just one part of the agreement, so we could bond." I responded to her angered scoffs.

She turned when I brought up the lease agreement and opened her mouth. As she latched on, I felt her body melt into mine, the tension slowly dissipating. I stroked her hair and hummed softly, creating a soothing atmosphere.

Yesterday I was elated when she decided to breastfeed. Of course the circumstances were undesirable, but the outcome was Erika and me being bonded in the ultimate way. The feeling was euphoric each time, my little girl, my baby.

She was nursing softly, but she suddenly stopped, "What's wrong baby?" I asked, confused. I was scratching the length of her back.

"Am I hurting you?" Her sweet little voice was barely above a whisper.

"Oh no honey, not at all." I gently responded, rocking her back and forth. She brought her lips back to my breast and started nurding once more, still suckling as soft as ever. Her eyelids shut closed and a small smile rested on her lips.

I continued to scratch her, I knew she really enjoyed the touch. Everytime she was upset and I would rub or scratch her, the tension in her body released.

I noticed that she fell asleep, but was still nursing even in her sleep. I tenderly pulled her off my chest and placed a pacifier in her mouth, causing a little whine to escape her lips just before she started to suck on the pacifier.

My heart fumed with happiness over her subconscious want to be close to me. I laid her on the couch to finish her nap, while I tried to finish solving the issue at hand.

Eventually, we managed to fix the problem, and I felt a wave of relief wash over me. I walked over to Erika, who looked up at me with tired eyes after her nap.

"Thank you for being so patient, Erika," I said, my voice softening. "Let's go home and have a nice dinner, okay?"

She nodded, looking as relieved as I felt. As we walked out of the lab, I held her hand tightly, my protective instincts in full force.

"How about we go out for dinner tonight?" I suggested, a smile forming on my lips. "We can go to your favorite restaurant. I think we both deserve a treat after today."

Erika hesitated for a moment but then nodded. "Okay," she agreed, though there was a hint of apprehension in her voice.

When we arrived at the restaurant, I could see Erika's tension rising. I guided her to a cozy corner booth, sitting down and pulling her onto my lap before she could protest. "Remember, today is mommy and me day" I said softly, trying to ease her discomfort.

Erika eagerly picked up the menu, scanning it for her usual favorites. "I think I'll have the pasta," she said, looking up at me with a hopeful smile.

I nodded, making a mental note. "That sounds good, lovebug. But I was thinking we should also order some new vegetables for you to try tonight."

Her face fell, and she looked at me with a mix of frustration and reluctance.

"I know, sweetheart," I replied gently, but firmly. "It's important to keep trying new things and to have a balanced diet. Trust me, you might find something you like."

Erika crossed her arms, pouting slightly. "Mommy, I really don't want to." Despite her adorable pout, I had to put my foot down.

I reached across the table, taking her hand in mine. "I understand, but this is something we need to work on together. I'll order them, and you just need to try a little bit. Okay?"

She sighed but nodded reluctantly. "Fine." Her favorite response.

When the waiter came to take our order Erika opened her mouth to speak, "I'd like the carbo—"

But I gently cut her off. "We'll have the carbonara for my little one here," I said, giving Erika a knowing smile. "And we'll also have the seasonal vegetable medley."

Erika looked at me with a mix of surprise and annoyance. "I was going to—"

"I know, sweetheart," I said softly, "but that's mommy's job." I looked back to the waiter, "I'll have the same."

As the food arrived, I began feeding her, much to her displeasure. She squirmed a bit, clearly embarrassed by the attention, but I kept my tone soothing and reassuring.

"Open wide, sweetheart," I cooed, holding up a forkful of pasta. "Such a good girl, eating so well for Mommy."

Erika reluctantly opened her mouth, and I gently fed her, wiping away any stray sauce with a napkin. "You're doing great," I encouraged, keeping my voice low and comforting.

"Now, let's try some of these delicious vegetables," I said, spearing a roasted carrot. Erika made a face, turning her head away slightly. "Come on, lovebug, just one bite for Mommy."

"I don't want it," she murmured, her voice barely audible.

"Erika you need veggies," I said softly, holding the fork closer to her mouth. "Just one bite. You can do it."

She sighed, her reluctance clear, but eventually opened her mouth. I gently fed her the carrot, watching as she chewed and swallowed. "See? That wasn't so bad," I said, smiling at her. "Now, let's try the brussels sprout."

Erika frowned, clearly not happy about it, but she didn't argue. She took a small bite, her expression neutral as she chewed. "Not as bad as I thought," she admitted.

"Good girl," I praised, kissing her forehead. "Just one more, the green bean."

She hesitated again but took a bite of the green bean. Her eyes widened slightly in surprise. "I actually kind of like this one."

"I knew you would," I said, beaming at her. "You're being so brave. Mommy's so proud of you."

I could see the blush spreading across her cheeks, and her eyes darted around the restaurant, but I held her securely, making sure she felt safe despite the embarrassment. "You're such a good girl," I whispered, feeding her another bite. "Mommy's so proud of you."

After we finished eating, I wiped her face with a gentle hand, making sure she was clean and comfortable. "There we go, all done," I said, smiling warmly. "You did so well, my little one."

Erika's face was still flushed, but she managed a small smile in return. "Thanks," she said quietly, leaning into me.

"You're welcome, sweetheart," I replied, hugging her close. "Now, let's get you home and ready for bed."

As we left the restaurant, I kept a protective arm around Erika, feeling content and determined to make sure she felt loved and cared for. We headed home, and once inside, I led her straight to the bathroom to get ready for a bath. She stood quietly as I filled the tub with warm water.

"Alright, monkey, let's get you out of these clothes and into the tub," I said, helping her undress. Erika stepped into the warm water, sighing in relief as it enveloped her. I joined her, sliding in behind her to offer comfort and support.

"Mommy's here," I murmured, holding her close as we settled into the bath. "Let's just relax and enjoy this time together."

Erika leaned back against me, her body tense. I could tell she was still uncomfortable with the intimacy, but I was determined to help her feel safe and loved. Gently, I began to wash her, running a soapy washcloth over her skin, making sure to be thorough yet gentle.

"You're doing great," I praised, kissing the top of her head. "Just let mommy worry about everything, sweetheart."

As we bathed, I softly introduced the topic of breastfeeding again. "I know it's still new for you, but it's a special way for us to bond," I said gently, guiding her to my breast. Erika hesitated, her discomfort clear, but she complied, beginning to nurse.

"That's it, lovebug," I soothed, stroking her hair. "Mommy's here, you're safe."

I could feel her initial resistance, but as the minutes passed, she began to relax slightly. The rhythm of nursing seemed to calm her, and I continued to whisper soothing words, reassuring her of my love and care.

Once we finished the bath, I helped Erika out of the tub and wrapped her in a fluffy towel, drying her off with gentle pats. I dried myself off as well and quickly changed, causing erika to blush brightly and try to avoid staring at my bare body.

When I brought out Erika's clothes, she looked at me with a mixture of frustration and resignation as I pulled out a pull-up.

"I don't need it," she protested weakly. "I've been fine."

"Honey, you've had a few accidents lately, and I just want to be sure you're comfortable and dry," I said firmly. "This is for your own good, sweetheart."

Erika sighed but didn't argue further. I helped her into the pull-up, making sure it was snug but not too tight. I then dressed her in a pair of soft, cozy pajamas, ensuring she was comfortable for the night ahead.

I picked her up and led her to my room, "Since you've had some trouble sleeping, you can sleep with mommy for now, okay?"

A simple nod was all I got in response, which was expected from my tired girl. I laid her down next to where I usually slept.

"There we go, all snug and cozy," I said, smiling as I tucked her into bed. "Mommy loves you so much," I whispered, kissing her forehead. "Sweet dreams, my little one."

Erika's eyes fluttered closed, but I could see the turmoil still lingering in her expression. I stroked her hair and hummed softly until her breathing evened out and she fell asleep.

Her once distressed expression faded into one of serenity. It made me relaxed knowing she was at ease in her sleep. I stayed rubbing her back for a while after she fell asleep, simply enjoying our closeness. I just loved her so much.

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sorry shorter filler ch! big plots to come in a few ch ;)