Chapter 21

Catherine's pov

Erika nodded, her expression a mix of apprehension and acceptance. She had agreed to embrace this time fully, letting me take care of her in a way that allowed her to feel safe and loved.

I guided her to the bedroom, where I had set out some comfortable clothing. A soft, pastel-colored dress with playful patterns lay on the bed, along with a diaper. I glanced at Erika, searching her eyes for any hesitation.

She simply nodded, a silent agreement to everything we had discussed. Her trust in me was palpable, and I felt a surge of responsibility to ensure she felt cherished and secure.

"Alright, love," I said softly, helping her into the outfit. The fabric was gentle against her skin, and I could see her relax as she settled into the new attire. I carefully fastened the diaper, making sure it was snug but comfortable.

"Is this okay?" I asked, wanting to make sure she was still comfortable with our arrangement.

"Yeah," Erika replied, her voice soft but assured. "I'm okay."

I smiled warmly at her, gently brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "You look adorable," I said, watching a small smile appear on her face.

I took out my phone from my pocket, "Smile wide." I demanded as I wanted to snap a quick picture.

Her face immediately dropped, and a blush was placed on her pale features, "No, Professor Dweck showed me those photos no way will there be another." She covered her face with her hand.

I took the picture anyway when she couldn't see, but I wouldn't post it, if she didn't want me to. Can't believe Carol sold me out to my own little one.

"Oh yeah she also wanted me to tell you she wanted to have dinner." Erika added, muffled by her hands still on her face.

I gently removed her fingers causing a sigh to exit her lips, "How lovely. We'll definitely set up a time perhaps tonight?" I asked.

"I have to be there?" Erika looked up at me shocked. She picked at her little nail peds, a nasty habit that her paci is sure to break.

I reached up to grab a rubbery pink pacifier to match her pretty dress, "Yes, of course, silly girl." I replied while placing the object near her lips.

Before she could protest dinner she protested the comfort item. "No. Please mommy." Erika pleaded with the biggest puppy dog eyes I've ever seen from her. I would have given her anything she wanted, the world, if it wasn't for the fact that her safety was altered.

"Aw look at that Mr. Paci's sad you don't want him." I said, wiggling the object in front of her.

Erika cringed at my silliness, I was expecting a giggle, but should have known since Erika wanted to act like such a big girl.

"Honey it's just so you don't get any more owies on your fingers." I replied, pushing the rubber through her slightly parted lips. She frowned around the paci, taking it out.

"I don't want it." She argued, her brows furrowing in an adorable angry expression. It was hard to take her seriously when she was wearing a diaper and a cute little dress with ribbons adorning her pigtailed hair.

"Well I'll just have to get you little mittens then." I started to turn until I felt a tug on my shirt.

"No it's okay I like Mr. Paci," She popped it in her mouth and bit down, "see." her voice was muffled around the item.

I smiled at her referral to her pacifier as "Mr. Paci", even if it was simply to avoid the latter option. She eagerly sucked on the item, it was very cute, too cute.

"Okay then not today, but if I see any more picked skin or bitten lips, they will both be enforced, understood little one?" I asked with the expectation of a response.

"Yes mommy." She looked down in disappointment. Whenever she called me mommy my heart melted. If only she knew she had me wrapped around her finger.

Once she was settled, I carried her to the living room, where we had set up a cozy corner for breastfeeding. I settled onto the couch and opened my arms, inviting her to join me.

Erika hesitated for just a moment before climbing onto my lap, resting her head against my chest. Her trust in me was unwavering, and I felt honored to be able to provide her with the comfort she needed.

As she nuzzled closer, I felt the heaviness in my breast, likely from my lack of breastfeeding in the past couple of days. I pumped, of course, enough milk to supply a village.

I knew what I had to suggest, "Hey monkey, let's breastfeed." I removed my shirt and unclipped my bra while Erika was still in my arms. Erika looked away and a tad bit of pink was plastered on her face.

I presented my nipple to Erika's cheek, "I only have to do this during the two hours right?" Erika asked, looking back my way.

I nodded in response and Erika welcomed my breast in her mouth. I started to hum gently to get her to settle down, maybe even take a nap. It was working as Erika went in and out of consciousness. She was fighting sleep, but eventually my hair stroking was no match for her attempts and sleep took over here.

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"Let's try something new today," I suggested, guiding her towards a playpen I had set up in the corner of the room. It was filled with blocks, Barbies, and other toys, a colorful assortment meant to encourage play and relaxation.

Erika glanced at the playpen, her expression unreadable. "You want me to play with these?" she asked, a hint of skepticism in her voice.

"Only if you want to," I assured her, knowing that this was about her comfort and choice. "I just thought it might be fun to try."

She hesitated for a moment before I picked her up and placed her into the playpen, sitting down among the toys. I watched her carefully, hoping she would find some enjoyment in the experience.

But as she picked up a Barbie doll, her movements were tentative, lacking the enthusiasm I had hoped for. She placed the doll back down, her interest clearly waning.

"I'm not really sure what to do," Erika admitted, looking up at me with uncertainty.

"That's okay," I said gently, kneeling beside the playpen. "We can do something else if you'd like. What matters is that you feel comfortable."

"But," I added, picking up a brightly colored block and placing it in her hand, "sometimes, letting go and having a little fun can be really freeing. Just try it for a bit, see how it feels."

Erika glanced at the block, turning it over in her hands. I could see the reluctance in her eyes, but there was also a hint of curiosity.

"Think of it as a way to relax," I encouraged, offering her a reassuring smile. "There's no pressure, and I'm right here with you."

She sighed softly, picking up another block and stacking it on top of the first one. Her movements were still tentative, but there was a slight shift in her demeanor—a willingness to give it a try.

"See?" I said, settling down beside her in the playpen. "You're doing great. Good girl." A scarlet blush graced her face. I just loved her shy little embarrassed expressions. It made her all that more adorable.

Erika managed a small smile as she continued to stack the blocks, creating a small tower. I watched her closely, ready to support her in whatever way she needed.

"Sometimes, being a little playful can be a nice break from everything else," I suggested, handing her a Barbie doll dressed in a sparkly outfit.

She took the doll, examining it with a mixture of amusement and uncertainty. "I guess it's kind of nice to not have to think too much," she admitted.

"Exactly," I said, giving her an encouraging nod. "It's about enjoying the moment and not worrying about anything else."

For a few moments, Erika played quietly, her movements becoming a little more fluid as she adjusted to the idea. I could see her starting to relax, the tension slowly leaving her shoulders.

"You're doing wonderfully," I praised, offering her another toy. "And I'm really proud of you for trying."

"Play with me?" Erika asked, her voice a soft, tentative invitation.

"Of course, sweetheart," I replied, my heart warming at her request. I reached for a small stuffed animal and settled down next to her in the playpen. "What do you want to play?"

Erika looked around at the assortment of toys and then back at me, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "Maybe we can build something together with the blocks?"

"Great idea!" I said enthusiastically, grabbing a few blocks and handing some to her. "Let's see how tall we can make it."

We began stacking the blocks together, Erika's initial hesitance slowly giving way to a more relaxed demeanor. With each added block, she seemed to let go a bit more, becoming absorbed in our little project.

"Look, it's almost as tall as you!" I teased gently as the tower grew.

She giggled softly, a sound I hadn't realized I'd missed so much. "We're doing a good job," she agreed, her eyes shining a little brighter now.

As we continued to build, I occasionally added a playful sound effect or made a funny face, trying to coax more laughter out of her. And it worked—soon, Erika was fully engaged, her earlier reluctance all but forgotten.

When the tower finally wobbled and fell over, scattering blocks across the playpen, Erika let out a surprised laugh, covering her mouth with her hand.

"Oh no, the great tower!" I exclaimed dramatically, pretending to be shocked.

"It's okay," she said, grinning at me. "We can build it again."

"That's the spirit," I said, giving her an affectionate squeeze. "And we can make it even better this time."

We started rebuilding, and I noticed Erika taking the lead, arranging the blocks with more confidence. It was a small thing, but seeing her so engaged and open was incredibly rewarding.

"Thank you for playing with me," Erika said after a while, her voice quiet but full of sincerity.

"Thank you for inviting me," I replied, picking her up from the play pen and resting her on my hip. "I love spending time with you."

She rested her head on my shoulder and I could feel the weight of her trust in that simple gesture.

She played with a lock of my hair as I brought us to the couch, "Do you like mommy's hair?" I asked with a grin from ear to ear.

She nodded, "You have pretty hair." Erika dropped the piece that grasped her hands, "Can I braid it? Please."

"Oh how could I say no when you asked so politely," I replied as I entered the bathroom to retrieve my brush and rubber bands, "Where do you want to do it?"

"The couch is fine." Erika stated as I sat her down in my lap. I wrapped my arms around her waist and rested my chin on her head. I closed my eyes taking in the calm of the moment. This allowed a small grunt to be released from Erika.

A small pout appeared on her lips and her brows slightly furrowed. She was trying so hard to hide her displeasure, "I can't braid it on your lap."

"Oh don't get fussy angel, I was going to let you go in just a second." I released her from my grip and she eagerly jumped off my lap.

Erika sat cross-legged on the couch behind me, fingers fumbling through my hair as she attempted to braid it. I could feel her concentration, the way she carefully divided the strands, but the braid quickly unraveled.

She sighed in frustration, and I turned slightly to look at her. "Need some help, sweetie?" I asked gently.

Erika hesitated, biting her lip. "I... I never really learned how to braid," she admitted quietly. "My mom never taught me. I used to watch YouTube tutorials, but they never worked."

Her admission hung in the air, and my heart ached for her. "It's okay, love. We can learn together," I said, offering her a reassuring smile. "Here, let me show you."

I shifted so that we were sitting side by side, my hair draped over one shoulder. I took three sections of hair and started to demonstrate slowly, explaining each step as I went along. Erika watched intently, her eyes focused on my hands.

"See? It's just one section over the other, like this," I said, repeating the motion. "You try now."

Erika took the sections I handed her, her fingers trembling slightly as she mimicked my movements. It wasn't perfect, but she was getting the hang of it.

"Good job, sweetheart!" I praised, noticing the small smile that tugged at her lips.

"It's not good, it sucks. I'm not good at this." Erika said a frown appeared on her lips.

"You just learned today, and it's beautiful." I assured her with a rub on her arm.

Erika's expression softened, but I could see the flicker of sadness in her eyes. "I wish my mom wanted to do things like this with me," she said, her voice barely a whisper.

Erika's pov

Cat reached over and squeezed my hand gently. "Well mommy's here now, and I'd love to do these things with you," she said softly, her words wrapping around me like a warm hug.

Tears brimmed in my eyes as I nodded. "Thank you," I whispered, my voice thick with emotion. "I just... I never knew how much I wanted this until now."

She wrapped an arm around me, pulling me close. "We'll make up for lost time," she promised, pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead.

I leaned into her, feeling the warmth of her embrace seep into me. I trembled slightly as I fought to keep my emotions in check. "I never thought I'd have someone who cared like this," I admitted, my voice cracking with vulnerability. I was being so outwards with my emotions.

"You deserve all the love and care in the world," Cat told me, her own voice heavy with emotion. "And I'm so glad you're letting me be the one to give it to you."

I sniffled, wiping my eyes with the back of my hand. Despite everything, a flicker of determination sparked within me. "Can we try the braid again?" I asked, wanting to shift my attention elsewhere.

"Of course," she replied, handing me the sections of hair once more.

I tried again, focusing on each movement, my fingers moving more confidently through her hair. The braid still wasn't perfect, but it was better I guess, and it felt like an accomplishment.

Cat suddenly pulled me back into her lap while I was trying to braid my hair. This slightly annoyed me, but when didn't she annoy me.

The expression was apparently more than noticeable as Cat teased me.

"Oh put the pout away," She booped my nose. I giggled in response. It was a childish one, but hey that was my role for two hours. "So I scheduled dinner with Carol or Dr. Dweck and today is the only day she's free so she's coming over tonight." I internally groaned with despair.

"I don't want my professor here Mommy. Can't I just go to the library or something?" I pleaded, even added a 'mommy' in there to seal the deal.

"Well I guess I can't force you, but Dr. Deck is looking for an TA, which will give you a major edge," Cat sighed, "but if you don't want t-"

I quickly cut her off, maybe this meant I could stop working for Cat finally. Sure the job title was amazing, but my lack of importance there bothered me. Also the fact that Cat held my hand every step of the way.

"Okay I'll come." I eagerly responded.

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Time seemed to fly by, and soon Cat was getting ready for dinner. I watched her move around the room, selecting an elegant dress and matching accessories. She looked stunning, the kind of effortless beauty that I admired but rarely felt myself. As she dressed, I realized how fancy the place we were going to must be.

Panic set in. I glanced down at my own outfit—jeans and a simple blouse—and felt a flush of embarrassment. I hadn't realized the dress code was so formal. I tried to brush it off, but it gnawed at me.

"I'm underdressed." I stated hesitantly.

Cat turned to me, assessing my outfit with a kind smile. "A bit," she admitted, "but don't worry, we can fix that."

I felt my face heat up. "I can dress myself, you know," I argued, though my voice lacked conviction.

"I know you can, sweetheart, but let me help you this time," Cat replied gently.

I was even more embarrassed when I remembered I didn't have any nice clothes suitable for a fancy dinner. Cat seemed to sense my discomfort.

"Don't fret, love," she said reassuringly. "We'll make a quick stop at Lain's. She'll have something perfect for you."

"Who's Lain?" I questioned with genuine curiosity.

"She's one of my best friends, she designs clothes. Met her in high school." Cat responded, as to prevent me from asking her any further questions.

We headed to Cat's favorite store. The shop was charming, filled with unique and beautiful pieces. As we entered, Lain greeted us with a warm smile.

"Cat, darling! And this must be Erika," Lain said, her eyes sparkling with familiarity. She called Catherine, Cat, like me. This made me a tad bit jealous as I was the only one who called her that, she's my Cat.

I blushed as she focused on me, feeling self-conscious about all the attention. Lain treated me with the same affectionate manner Cat did, cooing over me as if I were a child.

"I've been meaning to meet you little one, but it's been so hectic between me and Cat's schedule." Lain said as she went in for a hug. I was used to Cat's affection and touch, but not a stranger's. Was it rude to decline?

I deemed, yes, and accepted her hug, making sure it was brief and no skin lingered on me,

"We need something special for tonight," Cat explained. "Can you help us out?"

"Of course!" Lain replied enthusiastically. She began sizing me up, bringing various dresses for me to try on. I hated being fussed over, but Lain's genuine kindness made it bearable.

Most of the dresses were a bit big for me, which added to my discomfort, but Lain assured me she'd make the necessary adjustments.

"I know the blue one didn't fit perfectly, but it definitely is your color." Lain said as she safety-pinned the waist. God I looked so ugly, but of course if I said that out loud Cat would simply dismiss me saying I was 'perfect'.

"It's the same color as Cat's." I murmured, mostly to myself, but Lain heard.

"Isn't it mommy to you little miss?" Lain lightly scolded while she brushed a piece of my hair out of my face.

I blushed intensely, so Lain thinks I'm always Cat's baby. Before she could even demand a response, Cat walked in. Saved.

"Oh you look absolutely adorable, stunning my monkey." Cat completed, making the heat rise on my cheeks even more, if that was even possible.

"She does." Lain agreed, a proud smile crossing her face, "I'll make lots more clothes for you, all tailored to fit perfectly this time." she promised.

As we settled on that beautiful beautiful dress that fit me well after some quick adjustments, Cat revealed something that surprised me.

"All of your nursery clothes were made by Lain," she said, smiling. "She custom-made more after you'd been living with me for a few weeks."

I was flattered, touched by the thoughtfulness behind Cat's actions. She had gone to such lengths to make me feel at home and cared for. "Thank you," I said softly, overwhelmed by the kindness from both Cat and Lain.

Lain beamed. "It's my pleasure, Erika."

Feeling more at ease, Cat helped me with the final touches—a pair of elegant shoes, not heels though because apparently I'm too clumsy and those are for 'big girls'. She finally added a delicate necklace, it looked expensive.

"I don't need that Cat." I said, turning before she could properly put it on.

"Don't be silly, I want you to wear it." She responded whist motioning to Lain to come over, "Can you hold up her hair?" Lain didn't respond, instead lifting my hair causing a chill to go down my spine.

Once more these two were flaunting over me, increasing my embarrassment. I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror and barely recognized the girl staring back. She looked confident, poised, and ready for whatever the night might bring.

"See? You look absolutely lovely," Cat said, her eyes shining with pride.

"Thanks to both of you," I replied, a genuine smile spreading across my face.

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me when im abt to start college but I still play with slime like this is unreal 😞😞