She Outshines Them All (Athena and Matthew) novel Chapter 20

Chapter 20
Claire said, a smile in her voice, “Josie is super lively once she warms up to someone, but she’s shy around new people.
“But she really likes you-she’s been excited about meeting her seventh sister for the past two days. Just wait, it won’t be long before she’s glued to you.”
Athena nodded, then took a few steps forward and crouched down in front of Josic, smiling gently. “Josie, you know what? My little black cat whispered something special to me before I left the house today. It told me that the youngest person I met today would be my lucky charm.
“And guess what? You’re the youngest person I’ve met so far. That makes you my lucky star, Josie.”
Josie’s curiosity was piqued. She peeked out from behind Maria, her big eyes blinking in surprise. “Did your little black cat really say I’m your lucky star?”
“Absolutely. My cat never lies,” Athena said seriously. “Next time, Ill bring it with me to meet you. How does that sound?”
Noticing that Josie was holding a Hello Kitty toy, Athena guessed she liked cats. By flattering Josie, Athena hoped to make her feel more comfortable.
“Okay!” Josie exclaimed, fully stepping out from behind Maria, her eyes lighting up with excitement. “I want to tell my stories to the little cat! What’s its name?”
L
Athena pretended to think for a moment. “It’s still really young, so I haven’t named it yet. How about you give it a name when you meet?”
“Oh, great!” Josie beamed, her dimples deepening as she shook her Hello Kitty. “Athena, you have to bring the little cat next
time. I want to name it”
“Deal. Let’s pinky swear on it,” Athena said, extending her pinky finger toward Josie.
Josie let go of Maria’s leg and h**ed her pinky with Athena’s.
-“Alright, now no one can break it.” Athena chuckled. “Josie, I’m hungry. I really want to eat some of Mom’s cooking, but I
can’t remember which floor our apartment is on. Can you take me home for dinner?”
“Sure thing!” Josie said, hopping out from behind Maria and grabbing Athena’s hand. “Let’s go eat to
together, Sister!”
Athena smiled warmly as they started walking. “Josie, you know, we’re almost the same age. You can call me Athena, and we can be good friends.”
Josie didn’t even pause to consider the age difference. The idea of being friends with such a beautiful princess made her eyes. sparkle with joy. “Okay, from now on, we’re good friends, Athenal”
She added, “Maria told me we’re friends too, and good friends can call each other by their first names. Fora child like Josie, the concept of “friend” was much easier to understand than “sister.”
The others looked on, quietly impressed. In just a few minutes, Athena had managed to get the shy and timid Josie to hold her hand willingly. They all marveled at Athena’s remarkable emotional intelligence.
They exchanged glances and smiled appreciatively, following Athena and Josie at a leisurely pace. Josie walked slowly, her body swaying slightly as she struggled to keep her balance.
That’s when Athena noticed Josie’s right leg had a slight limp. It wasn’t severe, but it was definitely noticeable.
‘No wonder Josie, despite being so adorable, is so shy. Her leg must have affected her a lot, Athena thought. She made a mental note to find a time to get Josie’s leg checked out to see if it could be treated.
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20:57 Wed, Oct 9
Chapter 20
As they climbed the stairs, Athena continued chatting with Josie Josie, how old are you? Are yo
“I’m four and a half,” Josie replied. “I go to New Petal Kindergarten, in the middle class.”
“Do you like it there?” Athena asked.
in kindergarten?”
“Yeah, I like it. It’s fun.” Josie said, swinging her Hello Kitty toy. The teachers are really nice to all the kids, and my classmates like to play with me.
Athena then asked, “Is New Petal Kindergarten far from home?”
“It’s pretty far,” Josie said. “Maria takes me on her electric scooter
Athena nodded. “I love eating, sleeping, and reading books. What do you like to do, Josie?”
“I love singing and listening to stories the most,” Josie answered.
Athena smiled warmly, “Can you sing a song for me, Josie!”
Josie hesitated, then looked up shyly, hiding her face behind her Hello Kitty toy. “O-okay. I’m happy now, and when I’m. happy, I want to sing…”
Athena clapped her hands lightly. “What song will you sing for me?”
Still hiding behind her Hello Kitty. Josie sang softly, “Mary had a little lamb, little lamb, little lamb…”
Athena was amazed. Even though the song was simple, Joise’s valce was angelic. Her pitch was perfect, and her rhythm was spot on-way beyond what one would expect from a child her age. She thought Joise had real musical talent.
Before Josie could finish singing, they reached the top floor. Because of the building’s layout, their apartment door was right next to the stairwell.
Josie let go of Athena’s hand, sprinted to the door, and stood on her tiptoes to press her fingerprint against the electronic lock. “Athena, we’re home!”
She pushed the door open and practically bounced inside, “Mom’s cooking smells amazing. I’m the happiest when I get to
eat Mom’s food!”
Athena smiled as she stepped into the apartment. With six people eating together, it was going to be a bit of a squeeze, but the closeness only seemed to bring the family closer together.
As they all took their seats, everyone but Josie scrambled to serve Athena soup and dishes.
Athena glanced around the table. Lunch was mostly appetizers and veggie dishes: Cobb salad, bruschetta, baked potatoes, stuffed mushrooms, and cheesy meatballs.
The mains