Chapter Text
Catarina was not the only child of the town's seamstress and tailor, but she was the youngest. To her parents, this may as well have been the same thing. From the moment she took her first breath her parents were determined to give her the world. They took time to create the best clothes for her and the softest blankets. Even after her birth, Catarina’s father continued working on added details to the painted walls. Her nursery walls were covered with the most colorful flowers and animals. They had already put together a chest of toys and books, most of which were hand-me-downs remade to look newer.
Her older brother had even contributed to the growing collection of trinkets with a book he had made. If one focused only on the sweet words and wonderfully drawn butterflies within the pages it would be impossible to know that it had been gifted along with a handful of comments from the seventeen-year-old boy. Mainly ones along the lines of "Babies are gross, annoying," and "why did they need another kid when they already had a perfect one?"
Despite Oscar's complaints and jokes made at the expense of his baby sister, he always held her with the utmost care and even seemed reluctant when it came time to hand her back to their parents. As months passed he eased up on his insults (with a promise to his mamá that it was a temporary break) and offered to take over watching her so their parents could start focusing on the shop again. Having Catarina with him as he went drew attention from both friends and the occasional stranger. It was an ego boost really. Even if the girls who hint at a romantic interest in him were annoying Oscar considered the new attention an overall positive.
After all, children were good at advertising.
He took advantage of it while he could to get a better start at what he hoped would become a painting career. And that is how the first years were spent, Catarina and Oscar side by side immersed in the different scenes the town had to offer as he slowly built up a future for himself.
By the time Catarina was five she was excited to spend the day exploring and would wake up at the first sign of sunlight to make Oscar take her out. She'd make sure he was awake not long after, either with excited pokes and shaking him or- if she was particularly impatient- water to his face. No matter how fast Oscar moved it was never fast enough for Catarina. Bursting at the seams with excitement she always was waiting by the door for him ready to do anything to make Oscar move faster. Most days she ended up helping do the dishes after dinner in his place. It was in the center of town that Catarina latched onto her first obsession; dancing.
Two days of begging was all it took for her parents to agree to get her lessons. Catarina spent the next week twirling and jumping around the house. Whenever she went out with Oscar she practiced dancing still use the sound of people and birds. It was easy to picture herself performing for the town, she'd be the best dancer anyone had ever seen! Excitement churned her stomach as butterflies kept him awake all night and even more energetic during the day. Dancing would be her future without any doubt, and in return, she would only have to work at the family shop.
At least, she worked at the shop as well as a five-year-old could.
Mostly she swept the floor and followed one of her parents around carrying whatever was needed. If there was a willing customer (often being a family friend) her mother helped teach Catarina to count the exchanged money.
Catarina took every opportunity she could to talk about her upcoming dance lessons, be it friend, family, or stranger she was ready to talk to anyone who would give her even a second's attention. While helping around the shop she pointed out her favorite colors to her parents, not so subtly hinting at what her dream dress would be. She would practice dancing by spinning around, accidentally knocking down merchandise in the process. Her mamá would send her off to assist her papa, and it wasn't uncommon for him to eventually send her off with the task to "help by dancing in her room."
Catarina was more than happy to listen.
Finally after days and days of talking and practicing the morning of her first class arrived. Catarina was already awaking sitting on her bed before the sun had even begun to appear. Leg bouncing she kept a close eye on the window waiting for the sky to change. When it finally did she burst out of her room to wake her brother. She already knew that today would be the greatest day of her life, and needed everyone to know about it.
Oscar disagreed, sleep was more important than her. Catarina was almost offended before Oscar kicked her out with a promise of a new gift waiting downstairs. That was all that was needed to get her jumping down the stairs nearly tripping multiple times.
Catarina found the gift neatly laid out by her seat at the table and shrieked upon seeing it. A pastel yellow dress with ribbons and flowers of blues, greens, and pink. Some small embroidered white butterflies scatted among the fabric. No matter how many times she shouted thank you and hugged her parents it didn't feel like enough.
Breakfast, getting dressed, and walking to lessons felt so rushed to her family, and a million years too slow for Catarina. But finally, she was there hand in hand with her mamá.
Catarina gripped her mamá tightly suddenly feeling unable to move. No amount of sweet coaxing could get her to let go. It was until another girl, no more than a year or two older than Catarina made eye contact and sprinted over that progress was made.
A girl with the prettiest beads in her braided hair and a purple dress that complimented her dark skin wonderfully smiled at her.
"HI! You here to dance?"
Catarina nodded.
"I'm Anita. Come with me, I can show you where we go!"
"Umm.." Catarina felt her mamá gently prodding her to let go and follow her. So with one big breath, she pulled out every ounce of courage she had and smiled. "Okay! I'm Catarina,"
That was the start of a long friendship.
The dance lessons lasted maybe two years before Catarina eventually backed out. She loved dancing even more now than when she was younger, but she was nowhere near as gifted with it as her peers. She didn't mind too much, she loved dancing for herself. When she spun and moved in time to the beat of the song skirt twirling around her she felt as though she could fly- no one could take that feeling from her. Maybe that was why some of the other kids tried to keep her out, after all, it was an amazing feeling and she couldn't be upset with them wanting it for themselves.
So she instead danced at every chance given. Being away from her class made her realize how much she enjoyed it, and likewise how dearly she missed it. Now that she was growing up Catarina began to gain new responsibilities. She was homeschooled, which made it easier for her to complete real chores around the house and the shop in her spare time. Her mamá also began teaching her to sow so that she could continue growing into a help around their home. The years went by like sand and before anyone knew it Catarina was ten and skilled enough to help with minor repairs on clothes.
Her interests had once again begun shifting over that time. Dancing was still enjoyable, though now Catarina found herself drawn more towards the music itself. Not being one to back down from what she wants she was quick to approach her parents with wanting to learn. It was a quick agreement with her mamá claiming it was "a ladylike skill." Catarina just wanted fun.
All Catarina was asked to do was continue earning her allowance by helping around the shop, and figuring out what instrument she wanted. It didn't take long for her heart to be set on a gorgeous tiple she spotted in town.
Despite it being outside of what her parents deemed affordable it appeared in her room one morning. A simple red ribbon and note in Oscar's handwriting came with it simply say
"You owe me."
That morning her parents woke up to her first attempt at playing.
Another change that came to Catarina's life was getting to join her mamá in the monthly deliveries, and collecting any new projects from long-time customers. She enjoyed it greatly, getting to meet new people was incredible fun. Even more fun was getting to say she could play an instrument now. Her second time joining her mamá would be one she'd never forget.
Eventually after seeing plenty of friendly faces, and even getting sweets from one nice Señora, they neared the end of the delivery route. The final home left to visit was the Madrigal household. Catarina couldn't wait to see it.
She knew of the Madrigals, everyone did, and had run into the daughters multiple times at parties or simply day-to-day work. Plus she knew her mamá was friends with the Madrigal matriarch. Despite that friendship, this would be her first time seeing the enchanted home up close though and the thought filled her with excitement that left her practically bouncing in place.
Catarina gazed up in wonder at the magical house as she and her mamá approached. The tiles above the door left at the chance to greet them. A musical sound came from how they tapped out a friendly hello. Their music somehow became even more elated at Catarina's giggle while watching.
"Hola Casita," Mamá smiled looking from Catarina to the house. "Is Alma around?"
The house chimed a yes and beckoned the guests in. Saying she was in awe was an understatement, every girl and laugh that Catarina gave seemed to encourage the home to show her a new trick. Catarina was so focused on the tiles changing colour and moving around under her that she didn't even notice the home's matriarch approaching.
"Sofia, it's been too long," the matriarch herself greeted approaching from a room on the side.
"Far too long," mamá agreed hugging Alma.
Alma was quick to direct her attention back down to the younger child. "And how are you dear?"
"Amazing! I can play the tiple!"
"Catarina..."
"Sorry, mamá," the child replied with little thought. "I am well señora, I can play the tiple. How are you?"
"Very good, I'd be better if you play for me soon,"
Catarina barely held in her excited squeal. Bursting with pride she shot a beaming glance up at her mamá. Wanting to soak up all the approval she could the brunette nodded at the Madrigal matriarch. "Yes, please! I will whenever you want."
With a quiet chuckle, her mother stopped her daughter from continuing. "Mija remember why we came."
"You can take the clothes right up, Casita will show you the way," the floor tiles jumped in agreement with Alma.
Catarina needed no further encouragement than that to take up laughing as the house seemed to dance around guiding her up to Pepa's room.
"She can't actually play," her mother quietly corrected once Catarina was distracted. "But she is learning,"
"We all start somewhere." An amused smile was shared before Catarina's mother pressed on
"How are you really?"
As the two mothers moved away from prying eyes Alma's smile faltered.
****
Catarina chased the color-changing tiles up the stairs to where the glowing doors resided. She barely acknowledged the house as it stopped her in front of the left-most door. Liquid gold seemed to glimmer and seep through the carved veins. Loops and swirls connect and break to create a wonderful work of art. The picture of a girl- of Pepa, glowed as bright as her smile. Sunshine bounced off of her showcasing her power gift.
Sparks of jealousy flickered in and out amidst her amazement. Gently tracing the lines, careful not to directly touch the gold out of fear of it disappearing, Catarina committed the image to memory. The floor prodded her towards the door breaking the trance she was in.
"Yeah... you're right..." She mumbled. Taking a deep breath she straightened her posture, shifting the folded dresses in her arms, and knocked on the door. It took only a few moments for the door to swing open, the same girl depicted on the door stood there. Auburn curls framed her face as she looked down on Catarina.
“Yes?”
“I, uh, I have your mended dress señorita,” Catarina offered up the sunset-colored dress. Realization crossed Pepa’s face as she took it with a quick “Gracias!” and a bright rainbow materializing over her head.
Catarina couldn’t prevent the gasp that left her. She had heard of Pepa's magical gift, but to see it in person was incredible.
“You make rainbows!” She cried excitement in her widened eyes. The colorful spectacle had her full attention- would it disappear if she touched it? What would a rainbow even feel like?
Catarina forced that thought bubble down knowing Pepa probably wouldn’t want it touched by a stranger of all people. Pepa’s rainbow only grew more vibrant under the child's praise, Catarina was sure Pepa looked proud enough that the rainbow couldn’t possibly fade. If Catarina had a gift like Pepa she was sure she wouldn’t even feel sad.
How could someone feel any stress with a gift so wonderfully beautiful?
Catarina knew without any doubt that the Madrigal children were the luckiest children in the entire village. She’d give anything to be one of them for a day. Her daydreams of what her gift would be twisted and grew like a jungle vine as she assured that Pepa was satisfied with her dresses before the door closed on her. Those golden lines burning into her mind, Catarina let her fingers brush along the door and wall as she moved from Pepa’s door to the next. She was careful not to put too much force into her touch, she wouldn’t dare risk the magic being rubbed off of the house. The house reacted to her every movement as if trying to show that I was better than Pepa’s rainbows. Catarina giggled at the thought. As if she could ever place one magic above another.
She paused tilting her head curiously as she studied the only son’s door. Bruno was his name if her memory served her right. Unlike his sisters' doors, Bruno was shown with his eyes wide open. It felt like the magic itself was staring directly into her soul. Admiring the details of the hourglass and swirling lines Catarina could hep a frown. The thought had suddenly hit her that she didn’t know what Bruno’s gift was. The urge to open the door and find out for herself was stronger than the river current. It took every bit of self-control she had to step back.
And directly into someone.
“Oh!”
Apologies immediately flooded her words as she turned around to see an older boy. Her words were nearly drowned out by his own apologies. Catarina cautiously let her apologies fade to silence upon realizing that the boy wasn’t angry with her. It took a moment before he realized she had gone silent and he followed her example with one last embarrassed “sorry.”
“You must be Bruno! My mamá mentioned you,” Catainra smiled at him.
To her surprise, she noticed a subtle flinch that came with his returned smile. The air surrounding her seemed to shift as she suddenly felt like she had messed up. Maybe she offended him? Said the wrong thing?
‘Think Catarina think, what would mamá say?’
Compliment the customer make them feel nice! She was determined to fix whatever she had done. Catarina quickly looked over the older teen as subtly as she could for something to compliment. Bruno did have nice hair, she loved the soft curls in it and how different it was from his sisters. Complement his door? It did look amazing, Catarina wondered briefly if her brother could capture a similar glowing look in his art. His gift! That would be good, all of the Madrigal’s had amazing gifts, even if she didn’t know exactly what his was, it was still amazing!
But in the end, she blurted out the first words to come to mind. “You have nice hair.”
Bruno’s expression changed, that was for sure. But not how Catarina was hoping for it too. Instead of looking happy like her mamás customers, he looked only surprised. She scolded herself for that and racked her brain for every memory she had of her papa and mama working around the shop. Saying the first compliment that came to mind wasn’t right, mama always complimented clothes.
“Your ruana is also such a pretty green,” she corrected herself. “It looks a little messy though,”
“Thanks… I think.” Bruno forced a shaky laugh.
His ruana was pretty she realized after looking at it more. While the thread was certainly faded in some parts, and the parts of the hem that weren’t ripped off were frayed it was still a nice, rich, green. Catarina was sure it was made out of very good material, but she’d have to inspect it more to make sure.
“I can fix it for you if you want,” The young girl offered.
The ghost of a smile appeared along with a shift in his posture. “Really? You can fix this?”
In that moment, as the two locked eyes, a single feeling seeped into Catarina’s mind. It twisted and curled into every corner of her mind leaving her unsure how to respond. This new feeling morphed and conformed until it was a smooth ball settling in the pit of her stomach. She was being made fun of.
What was a cheerful smile quickly turned into a scowl as arms crossed. The picture-perfect portrait of annoyance.
Catarina snapped at the teen. “Yes. I can to fix it.”
Under her glare (well, more above her glare) fear, or maybe desperation, flashed across his face. “Hey, I’m sorry, I’m sorry.” his rushed words paired with his now soft expression made Catarina consider lessening her scowl.
“I was teasing, that’s all.” He promised.
Catarina softened the slightest bit as he continued.
“Now why are you?”
“I was giving Señorita Pepa her new dresses, and I guess I got a little distracted.” Some nearby floor tiles tapped out a melody as though saying ‘that’s my bad.’ Catarina smiled at the house. “You have an amazing home!”
“Amazing is one way to describe Castia-” whatever Bruno was going to say afterward was cut off by Catarina’s mama calling for her.
Catarina called back unable to hide the disappointment at leaving the enchanting home. “Coming!”
“It was a pleasure meeting you,” Catarina stalled having to leave wanting to enjoy this as long as she could. She hadn’t even gotten to ask about Bruno’s gift yet, how unfair could her mamá be asking for her now?
Bruno had a quiet moment of hesitance before he replied. “Would your parents even be alright with you taking this?”
There it was again, the expression that Catarina didn’t know what to call.
She spent little time trying to decipher instead, too eager to try and make a little more money. “Yes! Of course, we work on Pepa’s dresses all the time. Some green would balance it out nicely.” Casita pushed her up and down like a child pulling at a new playmate.
Bruno slipped off the ruana handing it to her. “I expect some excellent work from you,” she grinned at his smile barely registering her mamá calling again.
“Really?” He nodded. “I won’t let you down, it will be the best I promise!”
This time when her mamá called Casita refused to let Catarina ignore her. Bruno laughed as Casita moved the child around and towards the stairs. This time as Castia sang goodbye to Catarina the child held a worn green ruana close to her excited to begin her work.