Chapter 1

Change Of Plans

Katherine Graham sat in her room, her thoughts were deeply engrossed in her own small little diary at the moment. She had a habit of writing and pouring her feelings on the paper and right now, she was very excited. How could she not mention journey to America in her journal? That was the most wonderful thing that's ever happened to her, she was always shielded by her protective father. Her papa was a talented linguist, who was required to travel the world and translate the 'lies of politicians' to others, at least that's how he described his job to his daughter. Since her father had such an eventful lifestyle, Katherine grew up exploring the most of Europe and following her papa around the continent. Katherine herself, thanks to her father was not only fluent in English, but Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, and Japanese. Her dear papa, taught her himself those six languages and in edition he also possessed the Dutch language, Russian, and little bit of Hindi. Despite her father's persistence, Katherine had no desire of following his footsteps of becoming an international translator. It just wasn't something that interested her at all. Listening to backstabbing politicians and leaders around the world and then, translating those lies to another was not an appealing job for Katherine.

Out of all those 10 languages and cultures, her father for some reason was always much more fascinated and intrigued with Japan and their way of life. He often spoke to her about the samurai warriors that protected the Emperor with their honorable code. Hence why he insisted and made sure that his daughter learned the Japanese language although, Katherine herself was much more interested in America and its infamous Wild West. Now that was absolutely fascinating and intriguing to her!

So you can imagine how utterly excited and anxious the young woman was. After years of dreaming and hoping, she would finally have a chance to visit the United States of America. Her father was assigned with a new job in the country, and Katherine was overjoyed to find out that they'd be traveling to America in few days. She was eager to see the cowboys of the West, the brave cavalry, and maybe a little glimpse of the hostile Indians. Her mother, who was part Spanish, died brining her in the world, so her only guardian and a parent was her very busy father, who never ever left his daughter alone and always had her attached to hip wherever he'd go. However, there was a time though, when Mr. Graham was sent to Japan with the British trade and later to India, and that's when he didn't take his daughter with him and let her stay in London. Katherine was only 10 years of age at that time, and terribly missed her father...so much that after he returned she begged him to take her wherever he'd go.

Now the young girl was no 'girl' anymore. She was turning 22 the upcoming month, and the high society of England demanded her to find a suitable husband. Apparently, that was the most important thing for a woman. Katherine rolled her eyes. Just thinking about it, made her stomach twitch with anger. She wasn't planning to marry a complete stranger or an 'admirable' man she had no feelings for. Thankfully, her father didn't pressure her about that...but the people around her did. She was the daughter of one of the most accomplished man in London, of course she had tons suitors and admirers. So in some way, voyage to the States was like an escape to her. She knew that sooner or later, she'd have to settle down with someone, but it had to be with love...and not by force.

Her deep thoughts were interrupted when Simon Graham her father, entered the room rather excited himself. "Kitty darling, I've got a jolly good news!"

Katherine quickly closed her journal, stood up and greeted her papa. "Yes, Pa. I'm listening."

"There's been a slight change of plans, my dear."

She didn't say anything, but waited for him to continue. "Well, you see..." Mr. Graham started, "I'm no longer needed in the United States. Instead I've been sent to Japan as a translator for a certain officer." He finished his sentence with an excitement. It was obvious that her father loved Japan very much and couldn't wait to finally return there. But what about Katherine?! Her dreams of America were shattered again! "So we're not going to the States?" Katherine asked surprised and disappointed.

"No way! We're heading to one of the most interesting and adventurous places: Japan!" Her father couldn't contain the happiness and cheerfully clapped his hands together. "Now get your begs ready, we leave tomorrow."

"How's this a slight change of plans, papa?" Katherine frowned and knitted her brows.

"Oh Kitty, don't worry! We'll visit America too. But right now this is where I've got to be." Mr. Graham said, as he hustled around looking for his books of ancient Japanese culture.

Katherine couldn't help but smile at her excited father. He looked like a small child on Christmas morning! How could she ruin that?!

"Alright, papa." She went up and kissed him on a cheek. "I'll start pecking right away."

"Jolly good!" Her father replied happily and exited the room.

Well, maybe this wasn't what she hoped for...but at least her father was overjoyed. Besides, she'd visit America sooner or later. Maybe this change of plans wasn't such a bad thing. Who knows what sort of adventure awaited her in that strange country.

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