-1Degrassi Fanfic Joey and Caitlin Reunion, set in the present day.
Disclaimer I do not own Degrassi or any of the characters. This is purely fan fiction for other fans of the show.
Forever and Always
Caitlin and Joey both return to Toronto to live.
--
Caitlin was still worrying about Ellie Nash. They had become such good friends over the years, until Caitlin had ruined it all, by making out with Ellie's boyfriend after a few drinks too many last year. Caitlin hadn't even known Jesse was Ellie's boyfriend until afterwards. Another friendship ruined, she seemed to be good at that, ruining friendships, breaking relationships.
And what had been the point of it all anyway? A drunken kiss with a college guy well over a decade younger than her. But maybe that was why she had done it, because she knew he wouldn't want to take it any further afterwards. After all, She, Caitlin Ryan had vowed never to get involved in a serious relationship ever again. She had been with plenty of the wrong guys and even the right guy, Joey Jeremiah on and off for years and even that hadn't worked out. When it didn't work out with the love of your life, what was the point in trying with anyone else?
Caitlin had apologised to Jesse, who barely seemed to remember the incident the next day, but Ellie she had apologised to time and time again. She and Ellie were friends again now, but their friendship would never be what it once was. These days Ellie rarely called Caitlin for advice.
Caitlin had just moved back to Toronto permanently. She had lived in LA the past few years after reviving her show Ryan's Planet, but the truth was really she could base herself anywhere in the world. Her show meant she spent most of her time travelling to some of the poorest countries in the world , as well as some of the richest, in showing how the planet was being destroyed. She had rarely been in LA so she had decided to go back home to Toronto. And it was perfect timing because she wouldn't be jetting off anywhere for the next few months. The current series filming had just finished and she was taking a break. Well if you could count giving a series of guest lectures at her old school Degrassi and continuing work on your autobiography a break.
The truth was she had never really taken a real break. Even when she took a few days away here or there she always ended up taking some work with her.
Caitlin's Mum was once again away, on yet another cruise with her new boyfriend. Now her Mum had retired she seemed to spend most of her time on holiday. Still at least it meant Caitlin had somewhere to stay until she got round to buying herself a new apartment here in Toronto. She didn't want to stay in a hotel, she lived out of hotels half the time anyway.
Caitlin had only been back in Toronto for two weeks and still hadn't had the chance to go house hunting. Work, work, work, that was the story of her life. But she also knew she would go mad without her work, she would be in despair if she had nothing to occupy her mind. She was after all the Degrassi schools star alumni, even though it was her old friend Archie 'Snake' Simpson who had spent the majority of his teenage and adult life there.
Caitlin's old bedroom was now used as an exercise room by her Mum, so Caitlin was sleeping in her Mum's bedroom, though often she went in to her old bedroom to workout using her mums treadmill and rowing machine and the memories came flooding back, the happy and the sad.
On the now disused dressing table was still an old framed photo. It had been there years. It was of her and Joey at the last high school dance they went to together before they had to close the old high school building. They had only just got back together and they looked so happy. Later on though, after the summer he cheated on her before she went to university, she had decided to keep it as a reminder of what a scumbag he was. After all, she had never known hurt like she had experienced that summer. Then after they had met again a year later at their old high school friends Simon and Alexa's wedding, they had made their peace and she had decided to keep the photo to remind her of all the good times she had had in school.
Now was the first time she had really looked at the picture in a long time. When she had been back together with Joey a few years ago, she hadn't even thought about this photo. She wasn't even sure why she was staring at it now and getting misty eyed.
--
'Angie, you are going to love Degrassi school.'
'Bye Dad, see you tonight.'
Joey watched his now teenaged daughter walk through the doors of the school building, then drove off to work. He was glad he had never sold the car dealership when he moved and had been able to take on a manager to run the place. Deep down he had always known he would come back home to Toronto sooner rather than later.
Joey and Diane had moved to Calgary and got married three years ago. The marriage hadn't lasted long and they had been divorced for over a year now. What a mistake the whole thing with Diane had been. He had loved her, or rather tried to love her, but he certainly had never been in love with her and that was the problem.
A few months back Joey had wondered what the hell he and Angie were still doing in Calgary and decided to move himself and Angie back home to Toronto almost in time for the new school year. She would only start Degrassi a week later than the rest of the grade sevens. He had always hoped she would go to Degrassi.
Sometimes Joey joked about his poor record love life, once widowed, once divorced and two failed engagements to the same woman, Caitlin Ryan. Caitlin had been the love of his life and even that hadn't worked out in their teens or as adults. Though he was the first to admit that when they were teenagers it was his fault for cheating on her. That had remained the biggest regret of his life, that and letting Caitlin go a second time. He should have fought for her to stay. After all when they had got back together, it had been great most of the time, but a few arguments, mostly involving his stepson Craig and his bi-polar illness and it had all gone wrong again.
He hadn't wanted Caitlin to go of course, he had been absolutely devastated at her leaving, but at the time he just hadn't been able to find the right words to tell her. Therefore he had just watched her go and picked up the pieces by going on the rebound with poor Diane. No wonder that marriage had ended in divorce.
For the first time in his life Joey had now vowed to stay away from women and relationships for a while and just concentrate on his work and bringing up Angie. One advantage was he was working so much the business was thriving. The car dealership was doing better than it ever had. Soon he would be able to buy a new house for him and Angie in Toronto and they could move out of the small two bed roomed apartment he was renting for them.
The past couple of nights Joey had spent showing Angie all his old Degrassi yearbooks. The only downfall was she didn't have a good word to say about Caitlin Ryan. She had never forgiven Caitlin for leaving them. Joey had tried to explain it all to Angie at the time, but how did you explain to a child, something you still didn't quite understand yourself.
But what Angie didn't know and neither did anyone else was that he still kept an old photo of him and Caitlin together from their Degrassi days. Taken at the last high school dance they went to together in the old building. The photo wasn't far off twenty years old, but it was a picture so full of hope, promise and happiness and it was a reminder of days gone by.
Joey now kept the photo under lock and key in his desk drawer and only took it out to look at when no one else was around.
--
Today was the first in the series of the guest lectures Caitlin had been invited to give at Degrassi. She was doing one a week and was starting today with a grade seven class. Today she was going to talk to them about being responsible for the environment in which you live and the consequences that happen when people don't treat it with the respect they should.
Caitlin was just about to begin her talk when the school secretary brought a new student to the class Angela Jeremiah. She didn't have time to think about why Angie who as far as she was aware should be attending school somewhere in Calgary was suddenly a pupil at Degrassi. And how she had grown since Caitlin had last seen her.
'Angie why don't you take a seat just here for now', Caitlin pointed to an empty desk at the front of the classroom, but Angie just stood there.
'Angie, please sit down with the rest of the class', Mr Simpson instructed her.
And then suddenly Angie did move, trying to attack Caitlin, only Caitlin was too quick for her.
'That's it, this class is over for today, please all head for the library , quietly and remain there until its time for your next class. I'll be checking no one skipped. Angela Jeremiah, your coming with me to the principals office.
Afterwards Caitlin stood alone in the corridor, still in shock, trying not to sob. Did Angie really hate her that much? Not that she would be surprised if even Angie's Father now hated her just as much, after the way she had left them a few years back. In the end Joey, Joey had given her his blessing, but in her haste she hadn't really stopped to think how much those she left behind were hurting or how much she could hurt herself if she actually took the time to think about it.
Later on she was staring out of the window looking at the kids in the yard on their lunch breaks, when Snake as all his old friends still called him, caught up with her.
'I guess the kid was shocked. I very much doubt she expected to see me.'
'Even so, that's no way to behave, especially in your first day at a new school. The principal has given her a weeks detention and a ban on taking part in any extra curricular activities such as shows and trips for the rest of the school year. She is lucky you were so quick, if she had actually struck you, she could have ended up being expelled on her first day.'
'Poor kid, its all my fault the way she feels about me. Maybe I should go and explain the situation to the principal.'
'Take my advice Caitlin, leave it. She has to learn you can't do things like that, whatever the circumstances. Anyway , I managed to get hold of Joey at work, he is on his way to pick her up now.'
'Then I guess I had better make myself scarce and go home and get on with some work. We can reschedule this classes lecture.'
'Sure , I'll talk to the principal, but wait, don't you want to see Joey?'
'No, I don't want him lashing out at me too, for the way his daughter attacked me. I was shocked to even find her at school here.'
'Joey and Angie just moved back here from Calgary. He and Diane, his rebound from you, got divorced a year ago. Today isn't ideal I know, but do you not want to see Joey sometime? You know catch up?'
'No.'
'No,. But why not?'
'It hurts too much Snake, it always has and always will.'
Caitlin left the school in tears and then spent the entire afternoon and evening continuing work on her autobiography. She completed whole chapters on her work in some third world countries in the earlier years of Ryan's Planet. She fell asleep on the sofa, laptop still on her lap. And when she woke in the morning, she decided to have a coffee and then get back to work straight away. She wasn't due to give another talk at Degrassi until the following week and that was with a tenth grade class. Hopefully there wouldn't be any more hiccups with her guest lecture series.
Her publishers wanted her autobiography out ready for the next series airing of Ryan's Planet and she was well ahead of schedule. In fact the first draft was almost ready to give to her editor. She could even take a few days off if she wanted, but she had never taken days off, why start now? At the moment more than ever she had to keep busy. She certainly wasn't going to give in to those feelings of depression that she had begun to feel back in LA. Sometimes she cried at night, but didn't know why. But at least it was behind closed doors. Being a public icon meant you could never let yourself go in public.
This day she worked through until five o'clock in the afternoon. It was strange not seeing anyone all day, but all her friends were at work like her. Even her mobile phone had been silent all day, something that was very rare.
She hadn't eaten all day and was just thinking about ordering in some take-away food when the doorbell rang, some friend of her Mother's no doubt. Except when she opened the door, Joey was standing there with Angie.
'Snake told me you were here. After what happened at the school yesterday, I thought we had better drop by.'
'Come on in, provided your not going to try and attack me again', Caitlin nodded at Angie who then followed her Father in to the house.
'Would anyone like coffee, herbal tea, juice?'
'Coffee, thanks Caitlin.'
'Angie?'
'No thanks.'
When Caitlin brought the coffee's back in to the lounge the silence was awkward.
'Look , I told Snake, I mean Mr Simpson, that I am willing to forget the whole incident, provided it doesn't happen again.'
'I'm sure it won't , but Angie and I have talked and she wants to apologise to you properly.'
'Is this true Angie?'
'Yes Caitlin, I am sorry. I know I shouldn't have done it, no matter how much I hate you.'
'Angie.'
'It's okay Joey, let her speak. Why do you hate me so much Angie?'
'Because you left us, you made my dad cry.'
'Angie , sometimes adults make each other cry. You don't stop feeling when you grow up.'
'But dad cried for weeks after you left. And that's why I hate you so much. I would never hurt someone like that, leave someone that loved me so much.'
'Angie, your barely thirteen, you can't begin to understand the complications of adult relationships.'
'Your Dad's right Angie. And believe it or not, even though it was me that left, I cried too , a lot. Sometimes , things just don't work out. Your going to find out all about that when you start dating guys.'
'She's far too young for that.'
'She's not that much younger than when you and I first went out.'
'I don't even want to think about it, knowing what I was like in school.'
'My Mum always liked you, but don't worry Angie, Dad's always hate their daughters boyfriends.'
For the first time , Angie even managed a smile.
'Angie , do you still hat Caitlin?'
'Yes, but not as much as I did. I just wish I understood it more.'
So do I, Caitlin and Joey both thought silently to themselves.
'Well if you can stand to eat with someone you hate, I was just thinking about ordering some Chinese food when you arrived.'
'I've got orchestra practice.'
'I'll drop Angie off and then come back here if you like.'
'Sure, I could do with some company for dinner.'
The take-away arrived just as Joey got back.
'Well, if that wasn't good timing. I can't believe how Angie has grown.'
'I know, she is a true teenager now. I could also say time flies when your having fun, but it wasn't all fun.'
'That's the difference when you grow up, you learn life can't always be fun.'
'It feels strange being back here with you, especially in you Mum's house.'
'She is never here anyway and I just not had time to look for anywhere new to buy yet.'
'Some things never change, you never have time to do anything.'
'No, but a lot does. Diane and I got divorced. Take my advice, never marry anyone on the rebound.'
'Trust me, its never going to happen. How are things going at the car yard anyway?'
'Thriving, business is booming.'
'That's good, I'm pleased.'
'I know I don't need to ask how your show is doing, but what are you doing while your not filiming? I mean apart from getting attacked by the kids at Degrassi?'
'Writing my autobiography, the first draft is almost finished. I worked on it all night last night, fell asleep on the sofa. I been working on it most of today too.'
'I hope the old Degrassi gang get a mention.'
'Of course, though I have decided to keep my private life private.'
'How come?'
'Because its about how I started out to the present. I don't want to bare my soul to the world like that.'
'I don't blame you. You could probably write half the book on you and I alone.'
'Precisely. So was it true what Angie said about you being really upset after I left?'
'Of course Caitlin. I was devastated. I didn't want you to go. But after all we said, how could I have asked you to stay?'
'That was my fault. I was never very good at sticking around and facing the music. How is Craig anyway?'
'He was fine when I last spoke to him, enjoying living the rock and roll lifestyle.'
'I'm sorry I argued with you all the time about him. I mean, what do I know about bringing up kids? Absolutely nothing.'
'To be honest, I didn't really know anything about bringing up an almost grown teenager at the time and him having bi-polar just made it even harder. I'm glad I saw it through though. I could never have deserted him and left him to fend for himself.'
'I know that Joey.'
'Times getting on. I had better go and pick Angie up. It's been good to talk, clear the air.'
'It has, maybe I'll see you around soon.'
'I'm sure you will. Thanks' for dinner. Bye.'
'Bye.'
That had been the strangest goodbye ever. Caitlin hadn't known what to do and neither had Joey, Kissing was out of the question, not even a peck on the cheek. She didn't even dare attempt to hug him and shaking hands would have been far too formal. So in the end she had just shut the door behind him as they said their goodbye's.
The trouble was, now Joey had gone the house felt so quiet. She could talk to Joey all night, as they so often had. But now there was no one to talk to and she felt lonely like she never had before. It was nights like this she felt mild depression kicking in and she really had to fight it.
--
'Dad, I wish you hated Caitlin too.'
'You should never hate anyone Angie. And I could never hate Caitlin. I love Caitlin, but I think you already know that. I've loved her for more than twenty years. I miss her so much.'
'I just don't understand grown-ups.'
'Neither do grown-ups sometimes, didn't Caitlin and I say exactly the same thing to you before?'
'Yes. Anyway Dad, Kerry from the orchestra wants me to go to her sleepover on Friday night. Her Mum is going to call you with the arrangements. Please can I go.'
'Sure you can. Your not grounded anymore. You've done the decent thing and apologised to Caitlin.'
'Thanks Dad.'
Once Angie had gone to bed, Joey switched on a late night TV show, but he couldn't concentrate, not after seeing Caitlin again. I t had hurt so much being sat there with her, but not actually being with her, knowing he was coming home here without her.
Joey fell asleep eventually when he went to bed as the next thing he knew the alarm was going off. It was time for the usual routine of waking Angie up. His daughter was a deep sleeper and hated getting out of bed in the mornings, though she was always fine once she was out of bed.
'Now you make sure you behave yourself today. I don't want anymore phone calls from the school like the one I received from Mr Simpson ever again okay.'
'Okay.'
After Joey dropped Angie off at school and got to the car yard, he found his Mum there waiting for him.
'Need a new car Mum?'
'No, the last one you got me works just fine. I came to ask if it was true about Angie getting in to trouble at school?'
'Yes it is, but its been sorted. And how did you find out anyway?'
'From my friend Carol. Her granddaughter is in the seventh grade and in Angie's class at Degrassi.'
'So you know who it was she tried to attack and why?'
'No, I only saw Carol briefly , she was in a hurry. '
'It wasn't another girl, it was Caitlin. It's a long story and I don't want to go over it all again.'
'Caitlin? Is she back home here in Toronto as well then?'
'Yes, she is making her base back here now.'
'Oh Joey. When are the two of you finally going to come to your senses and finally marry each other?'
'Don't Mum. We tried to be together remember, it just didn't work out.'
'Only because you let her run off. I don't like seeing you lonely Joey.'
'Mum, I'm fine. Just leave it okay.'
'Suit yourself. I guess I had better go anyway and get on with making the arrangements for your Father's retirement party. It's only a couple of months away now you know. You will come won't you.'
'Try keeping me away.'
'And bring Caitlin, I know he would like to see her again.'
'But Mum, Caitlin and I……….', it was too late, she was already halfway down the road.
--
Caitlin hadn't slept most of the night. It was impossible to keep Joey from her thoughts. And now, she knew she wouldn't be getting much work done today. She didn't even feel like getting out of bed, let alone doing any work. She would force herself though, she would get up , get dressed and go and buy herself a double expresso from the coffee shop on the corner to wake her up.
After she got her coffee, she decided to take a walk. She still needed to buy herself a new apartment of course, maybe she would see something she liked along the way, though she found herself going in completely the opposite direction from the beach, where she had always wanted to live.
Caitlin was getting plenty of fresh air, but her mind certainly wasn't clearing. She was a hypocrite. She had told Ellie, nothing mattered but your career. But this was the twenty-first century, you were supposed to be able to have a career and personal happiness. Thank god she had decided to keep her personal life out of her autobiography.'
'Caitlin?', she was walking through Riverdale park when she came face to face with Joey's mum.
'Hello. How are you?'
'I'm good. I heard you were back in town. Joey's Father is having a big retirement party soon and I would really like you to come. Jim is a big fan of yours.'
'Thanks. I'll see what I can do. So did you see the last series of my show?'
'Caitlin, Jim and I have never ever missed an episode of your show. Anyway, I must go, look forward to seeing you at the party.'
Somehow her walk took her back past Joey's car yard. Joey was outside putting some sales stickers on cars that had just been delivered today.
'Something tells me its not a car you want.'
'I was just passing by. I saw your Mum in the park earlier. She invited me to your Dad's retirement party.'
'The way she is planning it, its going to be the party to end all parties. She has already been planning it for months. Would you like a coffee?'
'I'd love one.'
Sitting down at Joey's desk, Caitlin spotted their old high school photograph under some papers.
'I don't believe it. I've still got a copy of that photo too, along with many others of Degrassi of course.'
'I was having a bit of a sort out', he wasn't going to admit he took it out everyday while no one else was around.
'Here's your coffee. Umm, Caitlin forgive me for asking, but I know what a busy woman you are. What are you doing wandering the streets at this time of day as if you have nothing to do?'
'I didn't feel like working today. And besides I'm almost done with the first draft of my book.'
'Didn't feel like working. That doesn't sound like the Caitlin Ryan I know. Caitlin Ryan does nothing but work.'
'Not anymore Joey. I can't do it anymore. I still believe in the causes, but I've had enough of all this jet setting around the world. It's become boring, boring and lonely. And I don't want to do it anymore', tears were spilling down her face now, she couldn't help it. This was what she knew deep down had been troubling her, ever since she left LA and now she had finally said it.
'Caitlin you don't have to do anything you don't want to. All because you do one thing for a while, it doesn't mean you've got to do it forever. And in your field , there must be so many other things you can do.'
'Like something where I even have time to go and buy myself an apartment instead of hanging out at my Mum's place you mean.'
'Your life has always been so rushed. I know. But Caitlin, I really do think you need to take time out. I don't like seeing you like this.'
'Because I'm Caitlin Ryan and I mustn't be seen losing it in public right?'
'Caitlin you don't have to pretend with me, you know that. And forget the general public, there is only you and me here. My assistant is out in the yard.'
'I don't know what to do anymore Joey. Sometimes I just feel numb', tears spilled down her cheeks again as she carried on letting out all the feelings that had built up over the past few months. And when Joey hugged her in to his arms, as he had countless times over the years, she just cried even more. She had forgotten what it was like to be close to someone that actually cared.
'Your allowed to have feelings of your own Caitlin. All your emotion doesn't have to be saved for the terrible things you see in the world, but you've forgotten that haven't you?'
All she could do in response was cling to him even more tightly.
'Caitlin you will get through this. You will be fine. You just need to learn to take time out for yourself and before you say it, make time. Promise me you will do that.'
'Okay, although I'm not sure I'll know how.'
'This is how your going to start. Your coming home with me today, away from all of your work. Angie's is at a sleepover at her friends from the junior orchestra, we could even go to the movies and watch something funny.'
'I've think I've had enough of films for a while, especially after all the work I did on Into Controversy.'
'Okay, we can just relax and chill out.'
'How come you moved to Calgary anyway?'
'Diane had a new job offer and it seemed to be as good place as any to make a fresh start. The trouble was it wasn't home.'
'I know the feeling.'
'When I think of the past few years and how Angie's gone from being a little girl to a teenager its scary.'
'You never forget the people you leave behind. But you sometimes forget how people change, kids grow, or don't, or never even come in to being, as the case may be.'
'Are you talking about your work in third world countries again?'
'No. You see Joey, not long after I left for LA, something happened to me. We were doing a shoot on the beach one day about changing coastlines and suddenly I was in pain like I had never known. I just felt fainter and fainter and fainter and then I collapsed. The next thing I knew I woke up in hospital. That's when they told me I had had a bad miscarriage and lost a lot of blood. I didn't even know I had been pregnant Joey. All the stress before I left, I didn't give a single thought to the fact that I had missed a couple of periods. My body is so used to being out of sorts anyway, being in different time zones all the time.'
'Your telling me you went through all this alone?'
'Yes. There was no one else around I could talk to.'
'You should have called me. I'd have come straight out, you know that.'
'I did think about it, but I didn't think it would do either of us any good. I left the hospital after they gave me a clean bill of health and threw myself in to my work as usual. Looking back , it was probably a blessing in disguise. I had already proved I wasn't that much good at the parenting thing after all.'
'Don't be silly. Now I actually think you were good for Craig. You encouraged him to pursue his musical career . You didn't want to wrap him in cotton wool all the time like I did. But going through all that alone, it must have been hard, like getting two shocks in one go.'
'It was. Sometimes I wonder what it would have been like, if it would have looked more like you or me.'
'Caitlin, don't torture yourself like this, come on lets go.'
When they left the car lot, he didn't think twice about putting his arm round her. He loved her, he was worried about her. He could deal with what she had just told him himself, later.
'Make yourself at home, I'm only renting it until like you I have time to look for somewhere new to buy. Now what take-away shall I order in for us tonight?'
'I'm not even hungry.'
'Tough Caitlin. You have to eat and look after yourself.'
'Well, I never thought I would hear you lecturing me', but she smiled at him.
'I'm looking out for you , not lecturing you', because I love you, he said silently to himself as he joined her on the sofa and cuddled her to him.
'Joey, the last person that hugged me like they cared was you, just before I left for LA.'
'No wonder you feel like you do. Have you spoken to your Mum recently?'
'No, she is way too busy enjoying her retirement.'
'I'm sure she wouldn't like seeing you like this either.'
As he hugged her closer she let the tears fall again. All he could do was hold her until she had cried herself to sleep. He knew all about that, he had done plenty of that in his time. He forgot all about ordering dinner as the evening wore on and eventually fell asleep himself still cuddling Caitlin as they were sprawled out on the sofa.
When they woke in the morning, they both joked about being too old to sleep an entire night on the sofa.
'I had better go and pick Angie up from her friends. Do you want to come along?'
'I don't think that's a good idea Joey.'
'Okay , but I don't want you going home to your work. I'm taking this', he picked up her mobile phone and switched it off 'And you can have it back Monday morning. You need a relaxing weekend and I want you here. I'll talk to Angie. See you in a bit.'
Last night Caitlin had told Joey things she hadn't been able to tell anyone, but he was the only person she had ever been able to talk to comfortably about anything and everything. With Joey, she could just be herself, she didn't have to keep up her public image act with him.
--
Joey knew the conversation he was about to have with his daughter was going to be slightly awkward.
'Angie, this weekend, Caitlin is going to be staying with us.'
'Are you getting back together then?'
If only, Joey thought to himself.
'No nothing like that Angie. Caitlin hasn't been feeling well recently. She has a very stressful working life and needs to be with friends, away from the stresses of work. Is that okay with you?'
'Sure.'
'And promise me, you won't be rude or nasty to Caitlin. She has been through so much on her own Angie, some of which she didn't even tell me about until last night. Please don't make it worse for her.'
'Okay Dad, I promise.'
'Come on then, lets go and pick up some Croissants to take Caitlin for breakfast and ourselves of course.'
'I have a lot of homework to do this weekend anyway, from the day of school I missed.'
'If you get it all done today, maybe tonight we could all go bowling.'
'Okay. I had such a good time at the sleepover. Can I have one soon?'
'Maybe after we have moved. This place is too small.'
Back at Joey's place Caitlin was making herself a coffee, having just watched an hour of Saturday morning kids television. It was nothing like she remembered kids television in the 80's, in fact it was all pure unadulterated rubbish.
'Hey there, your just on time, I just made the coffee.'
'Can I have one?, Angie asked her dad.
'Just the one okay and with lots of milk and sugar.'
'Coming right up',
They all went and sat in the lounge with their coffee and croissants.
'Dad said you weren't feeling too good. I know I don't like you, but I hope you feel better soon.'
'Thanks Angie.'
And at least don't like is an improvement on hate, Caitlin thought to herself.
'So Caitlin are you up for going bowling tonight?'
'Why not? I don't think I've been bowling since high school and I never was any good at it then.'
'It's not competitive', Joey joked, 'We are just going to have some fun, you remember what fun is don't you?'
'I'm not so sure.'
'Well tonight you will be reminded.'
'Okay, I get the message.'
'Yes and your to do nothing but watch mind numbing TV or read trashy books for the rest of the day.'
'And I've got to spend the day doing my homework, so it looks like Dad has to do all the housework.'
'Oh yes, all the joys of adult life, washing, ironing , cleaning and no Caitlin Ryan, you are not helping me one little bit.'
Later thought how great trashy TV was for clearing your mind, because your thoughts soon drifted from whatever was on the screen. Joey brought her another coffee and one for himself.
'Well that's the last of the washing and ironing done, hooray for that.'
'Hooray, that's what I was thinking when that stupid talk show ended. Joey, I'm sorry for last night, letting everything out on you.'
'Caitlin, you don't have to apologise.'
'I know, but you have always ended up taking the brunt of it for years. You are such a good listener. You always were.'
'Thanks, I think. You know I'm always here for you don't you?'
Caitlin nodded . ' I know I can always count on you. I always feel so guilty though Joey. You let me down once, when we were barely more than kids and I've let you down ever since.'
'No you haven't Caitlin, don't be daft. You have to stop beating yourself up like this.'
'I guess its what happens when you don't have time to think that often. Joey, after I went to LA, I never started up any new relationships, it just didn't feel right. I admit, I did go on one date with a certain film director, but that was when I found out. I knew it could never work, dating anyone else.'
'At least you realised that before hurting anyone else, like I did.'
That night at the bowling alley, Caitlin had more fun in those two hours than she had known for years. She was even getting along with Angie, who won all the games and was better than Joey and Caitlin put together.
'Angie, you know the winner has to buy the cokes and burgers', Joey teased his daughter.
'Don't worry Angie, they are on me tonight, to thank you guys for such a great night. It was so nice to have some fun again.'
'Even if you and Dad are rubbish at bowling.'
They all laughed at the truth in that. It was after eleven when they got home and Angie went straight to be exhausted.
'Well Joey, it's been a lovely day, but I think I should go home now.'
'Tough. Your not going home until Monday morning. And tomorrow is going to be one of those lazy Sunday's you always heard about, but never had the chance to take.'
'I guess I can't argue with that. I'm tired, so I guess I better go and get settled on that sofa again.'
'I don't think so. I'm not letting you sleep alone tonight. After all we managed to sleep together last night without actually sleeping together. And trust me, my king size bed is far more comfortable than that sofa.'
'I guess I can't argue with that.'
'Come on then, lets go and get some sleep. Though if you want to talk , don't hesitate to wake me.'
When Caitlin woke in the middle of the night, it was with a jolt as she remembered where she was. Joey was asleep next to her. She leaned in to him, she needed to feel close to him right now. She still loved him so much. She had never fallen out of love with him. If only she could find the words to tell him.
'You okay?', he woke.
'I'm always okay when I'm with you Joey'.
'Good, sleep well.'
In the morning he let her sleep, she obviously needed it and then took her a late breakfast in bed after he and Angie had had theirs.
'Angie, don't get the wrong idea. You know I asked Caitlin to stay because she hadn't been feeling good and she needs company.'
'So do you Dad. And you know I have been thinking, it would be nice if you and Caitlin got back together. But only if she promised never ever to leave us ever again. I know being with her makes you happy Dad.'
'Thanks Angie. It's a nice idea, but I don't think its ever going to happen. Anyway, what would you like to do today?'
'Go up the CN tower.'
'What the hell for?'
'I'm doing my project for school on the worlds tallest free standing structures and I have always wanted to go.'
'Okay, lets ask Caitlin to join us when she comes down. But do bare in mind she may not want to go somewhere she is likely to be recognised, that's the trouble with being famous.'
But it turned out Caitlin was more than up for the trip to the tower.
'I don't think I've been up there since high school.'
'That makes two of us then. It looks like we are all well overdue a visit.'
When they reached the top of the tower they went and had their photo taken on the glass floor level and then they went up to the sky pod the highest point in the building. Afterwards Angie wanted to go back to the glass floor level, she was fascinated by it.
'I never realised just how much fun it could be doing the tourist thing in your own city', Caitlin looked at the view down below.
After finally managing to tear Angie away from the glass floor for the last time, they headed back down in the lifts to the souvenir shop.
'Come on, we have to finish our touristy day off like real tourists', Caitlin picked up a basket and threw in mugs, t-shirts and key rings for all of them. While she was paying for them Joey went to the photo kiosk and paid for the photo they had taken together.
'It's almost felt like a holiday. I guess it is back to the real world in the morning. I've got to get that first draft off to my editor and then its back to Degrassi on Wednesday. I'm feeling revived and its all thanks to you two', they were back home playing an interactive quiz game on the computer. Later , after Angie had gone to bed, Joey got the retro games console out and he and Caitlin revisited the games of their childhood such as Space Invaders and Pac-Man.
'Actually I made a decision today. After our talk the other night, I've decided , I'm quitting Ryan's Planet. If they want to carry on with it, they can find someone else to take my place. It's exhausted me enough Joey, its time to hand over the reins.'
'And what do you think you might want to do instead?'
'Write more books, about environmental issues and go freelance. I've got more than enough money to tide me over when the work is quiet. I may even look in to teaching journalism. Who knows, the choices are endless. There is that advantage to being a famous journalist I suppose.'
'I'm sure you will be much happier.'
'I know I will. I certainly can't feel much worse than I have been. I'll even be able to see more of my friends. I won't say family , because I haven't seen Mum in months, my brother and his wife live in Alaska and my Dad is staying down under in Sydney with his girlfriend.'
'Mum was devastated when I moved to Calgary and needless to say over the moon when I moved back.'
Monday morning arrived and Caitlin was not looking forward to returning to her Mum's house at all.
'Thanks for a lovely weekend', this time Caitlin didn't hesitate to hug Joey close to her, 'It meant the world to me.'
'Me too'
'Oh well, off I go for another day of being the Caitlin Ryan.'
'Caitlin, don't stay at your Mum's anymore. Come and stay with us. It isn't good for you being alone when you've been feeling like you have. Besides, I'll miss you. I've spent too much time missing you instead of being with you over the years.'
He hadn't meant to say it out loud, but maybe it was better out in the open.
'I know how you feel. I've never stopped loving you Joey.'
'Caitlin, I could never love anyone like I love you. I loved Julia of course, but that was way back now and if you had been around, she probably wouldn't even have got a look in. Caitlin Ryan was always in my heart and still is.'
'How did we ever get it so wrong Joey?'
'I don't know. But maybe we can still make it right, if you want to that is.'
'I don't think I ever wanted anything so much.'
The she reached up and met his lips as they shared their first kiss for over four years.
'I love you Joey and I promise I am never, ever going to leave you, ever again.'
'I love you Caitlin, you know that. Which is why I want you to marry me.'
'It's a bit sudden isn't it?'
'Way too sudden', Joey laughed, ' I mean, its only taken us twenty years and two broken engagements. This time, lets make it third time lucky. So will you marry me?'
'Of course I will.'
'As soon as possible, next week if we can get it all sorted on time.'
'The sooner the better, though I don't want a big fuss.'
'Me neither, this is about you and me, finally doing something we should have done a long time ago. We can have a big party to celebrate with everyone later on. Just you ,me, Angie and Spike and Snake as witnesses.'
'It sounds perfect.'
'And I'll organise and arrange it all. All you have to do is show up. And here is the spare key to the apartment. Move your stuff in whenever you like.'
'And when we have got the wedding over with, we can look for a place together. Now I guess we just got Angie to deal with.'
'She will be fine, she even said she would like us to get back together again, because I'm happy when I'm with you.'
'She is a smart kid.'
'Takes after her Mother.'
'And her Father', Caitlin kissed him again 'I guess I had better go or I won't get any thing done today at all.'
'I had better go to, Angie's already waiting in the car. See you back here around five.'
'See you then.'
'I'll cook dinner. I'm popping to the supermarket after work anyway.'
Back at her Mum's house Caitlin finished the first draft of her autobiography and emailed it to her editor. Then she packed her two suitcases and took a taxi to Joey's.
Just a few days ago she had been secretly in the depths of despair, now she didn't know if she had ever been so happy. And she knew this time it was going to be alright, there was no doubt that this was what was right for her now.
Angie arrived home before Joey.
'I take it your Dad told you the news.'
'Yes, he came to see me at school in my lunch break. It's okay. I don't hate you anymore Caitlin. But if you ever leave us, or hurt my Dad again, I will never, ever forgive you and I will hate you forever.'
'Trust me Angie, that's not going to happen. I've quit my show. I'm going to write more books and do more freelance journalism. I don't want to be away all the time anymore.'
'I'm glad about that. Dad used to hate it so much when you went away. Anyway, I have homework to do.'
'Your like I was at school, always working so hard. You Dad said you always get straight A's.'
'I like school and I'm looking forward to your talk now its been rescheduled for my class. I'm sorry I messed it up the first time.'
'It's forgotten now.'
When Joey did arrive home, Caitlin was actually helping Angie with her English essay.
'You managed to get all moved in then?'
'And just in time too. There was a postcard from Mum this morning, she is due home next week.'
'It's been so many years since I've seen your Mum. I was thinking we should take our parents out to dinner after the wedding. By the way , I managed to arrange it for next Tuesday morning. We could arrange to meet them at a restaurant afterwards and tell them the good news.'
'That is a good idea. Mum is due back early Monday morning.'
'So where are we getting married?'
'I'll tell you on the day. Lets ditch the old fashioned rubbish and travel there together.'
'Okay, but now I'm curious.'
'Your just have to stay curious. And don't even think of asking Spike or Snake, or Angie. They have all been sworn to secrecy.'
'Oh my god, I forgot to call Spike.'
'It's okay, I saw her today. She said she will see you Tuesday and if either of us don't show up, she will never speak to either of us ever again.'
'Ha, as if there is any chance of that happening.'
'And never mind the way the pair of them showed up at the last minute on their own wedding day, getting us all in a panic.'
'So I got my first draft off to my editor and I told her I want to write another environmental book and she was more than enthusiastic. I told her I want it to be all about how city life effects the natural environment. We were talking about it for ages and then I said, please can I just finished my autobiography first. I'm going to be a busy woman, as per usual.'
'But at least you are going to be a busy woman at home here in Toronto now.'
'Exactly, its time for someone else to take the reins and jet around the world for the stories.'
'They will never be as good as you though.'
'I think your bias', Caitlin smiled and kissed him on the cheek 'and Ellie Nash has the makings of a brilliant journalist one day.'
'And Angie how would you like to spend next weekend at your Grandma's? You see I want to take Caitlin away for a honeymoon.'
'Of course, I haven't seen Grandma and Grandad for ages and I have my homework to take. Have a nice time.'
'I'm sure we will', Joey winked at Caitlin.
The wedding was only going to be a small private ceremony, but Caitlin still needed to find the right dress to wear.
'I know I don't want a traditional meringue style wedding dress', she told the assistant in the small boutique shop.
'Don't worry, Ms Ryan, I stopped stocking meringue style wedding dresses years ago. Now how about this sophisticated cocktail style range of wedding dresses.'
The assistant pulled three dresses off the rack.
'Now, that's more like it. Though I need something you have in stock in my size. I need to take it away today. I'm getting married next Tuesday.'
'You've left it late to get your dress.'
'I didn't know I was getting married until a few days ago.'
'A whirlwind romance was it?'
'Not exactly.'
'How long have you known the guy?'
'For well over twenty years actually, since we were in junior high together. It's a long story, but to cut it short, we have been engaged twice before, but this time, its finally going to happen. I like this dress.'
'It's a perfect fit too. It's definitely the one for you.'
'I'll take it.'
'That's one of the quickest sales I ever made. Congratulations again.'
Caitlin took the dress home wrapped up in its box. Angie was already home from school.
'Hey, Angie, do you want to see the dress before you dad gets home?'
'Sure, can you come shopping with me Saturday and help me pick a dress for me?'
'Course I can, we can go to the Eaton Centre. I was going to treat you to your dress anyway.'
Caitlin enjoyed her second weekend in a row relaxing, shopping with Angie on Saturday and this Sunday they did all go to the cinema. They watched a funny film, where the environment wasn't mentioned once. It was a spoof, the type of movie Caitlin would never usually have even thought about going to see, but she actually enjoyed it. And then Monday morning, she went to the airport to meet her Mum from her flight.
'Caitlin. It's so good to see you. I didn't expect you to be here.'
'I have news. I have moved out of your house. I'm living with Joey now, we are back together. And we would like you to come to lunch with us tomorrow afternoon.'
'At long last.'
'What?'
'I was getting fed up of waiting for you two to come to your senses. Are you taking me home then?'
'Well I'm paying for the limo back to your house. Mum, I'm a world famous environmentalist, I can't be seen driving a car somewhere where public transport is so good.'
'Okay Caitlin, I get the picture. I guess you wondering where Frank is.'
'I didn't even know that was your new boyfriends name.'
'It isn't. We decided to go our separate ways on the cruise. Not to worry though, I want to enjoy some time on my own for a while anyway.'
'Talking of which, I have quit the show. I've had enough of going round the world for work.'
'And I think I am all travelled out for a while.'
'Mum, its so good to see you .'
'It's wonderful to see you too Caitlin and to see you happy.'
'I can't believe how happy I feel mum'.
After leaving her Mum's house later in the afternoon, Caitlin got home to find Joey just getting off the phone.
'Our ride is all organised for tomorrow. It's an eight o'clock pick up as we do have a way to go. And before you ask, all I'm going to reveal is the fact that we aren't getting married here in the city.'
'Spoilsport.'
'And I finally managed to get hold of Craig and tell him the news. He is currently in Paris, so he can't join us for the wedding. However, he was thrilled and said he will definitely try and get over and see us soon.'
'I'm so glad he is doing well now.'
'He missed you a lot too after you left you know.'
'Please, lets not go there again for the minute. I don't think I am ever going to stop feeling so terrible about that.'
'Lets just not think about it, we've moved on to happier times and we are together. That's what's important now. Come on, lets go and get all our stuff sorted for tomorrow.'
When the morning arrived Caitlin was surprised she felt no nerves at all, only excitement.
'I can't wait to marry you', she kissed Joey.
When the car arrived to take the three of them to the wedding venue, it was a blacked out limo.
'I got it firstly because of the surprise of the wedding venue, and secondly because we didn't want any of your fans or nosey people taking pictures or going to the press do we. And I know the driver will be the sole of discretion.'
'Congratulations guys', it turned out the driver was Yick Yu an old friend of theirs from Degrassi who ran his own limo service company.
Yick put the screen up to give them some privacy and began to drive.
'I haven't seen Yick since the reunion.'
'I have, he has bought a car off me a couple of times and we met up for a drink once when he was in Calgary. I had his business card, which is how come I manage to arrange this for today at such short notice.'
While Caitlin and Joey sipped the complimentary champagne and talked, Angie listened to music on her ipod as she didn't like the classical stuff that was playing through the limo.
It took just over an hour to get to their destination, the wedding chapel at Niagra falls.
'Joey, wow', Caitlin was trying not to cry, as she reached to kiss him.
'Hey, guys , your not supposed to kiss until afterwards', Angie joked as she waved at Mr and Mrs Simpson.
'It's only right that an environmentalist should marry at one of the seven wonders of the world.'
It was Spike that pulled them apart.
'Come on guys, later, we got a wedding to get through.'
Caitlin didn't want to be one of those brides that blubbered all the way through the whole thing. And she managed to hold back the tears until they had said their vows and were exchanging rings and then she let go, but at least this time they were tears of happiness.
The time the registrar said the traditional words 'You may kiss the bride', they were already doing so.
They had the photo's taken with the view of the falls in the background and then they headed back to Toronto, ready to tell their parents the news and have lunch with them.
When the three of them arrived at the restaurant, Joey's parents and Caitlin's Mum were already at the booked table waiting for them. Joey and Caitlin had requested the bottles of champagne on ice were brought out as soon as they were all seated.
First they saw initial shock on their parents faces, but then there were smiles all round.
'That's right , its not just lunch, this is our wedding breakfast. We got married at Niagra Falls this morning.'
And then their parents and Angie were applauding them loudly and more pictures were taken.
'I am so hungry, I was way too excited to eat this morning', Caitlin ordered two starters she was that hungry.'
Even though Caitlin and Joey weren't going away until Friday, they took the Thursday off work to spend some time alone together.
'I still can't believe we've finally got married.'
'Me neither and I guess we should really go house hunting when we get back.'
'Yes. And how do you feel about an apartment by the beach?'
'Great, if we can find something we all like.'
They were looking at apartments by the beach on the internet when Caitlin's mobile rang. It was her old boss from CQGH, Tomas.
'Caitlin Ryan, I heard on the grapevine you were back in the city for good.'
'That is correct, I am.'
'Is there any chance you would like your old job back at the station?'
'Sorry, Tomas, not a hope in hell', then Caitlin switched her phone back off.
'Tomas, isn't that your old boss?'
'It is, he wanted to know if I wanted my old job back. I meant it when I said I am going to concentrate on writing books and going freelance. Anyway, so where are we going for our honeymoon weekend?'
'Chicago.'
'I love that city.'
'I know, that's why I picked it. I remembered something you told me back at Snake and Spike's wedding, that when you wanted to get out of LA for a while, you always headed to Chicago.'
Their weekend in Chicago seemed to fly by. They ate dinner on Navy Pier and went for cocktails on the 96th floor signature lounge. It was only when they got back to Toronto they found the news of their marriage had broke.
'I guess it was bound to happen, maybe sooner rather than later is better.'
In the local papers there was pictures of them in the restaurant with the headline World Famous Environmentalist Marries Car Salesman.
'I just hate the media sometimes. Obviously they couldn't find anything even remotely worthy of reporting this week.'
'Caitlin, we've had a lovely time, lets not let this rubbish spoil it, after all its not saying anything bad and we can deal with it tomorrow.'
And deal with it the next day she did. She announced her marriage to Joey on the news section of her website and uploaded some of the photo's Angie had taken with her digital camera. Within the hour fans from around the world were posting messages of congratulations and then she called Tomas.
'Okay, so I don't want my old job back. But how would you like the exclusive interview on a certain persons wedding?'
Even Joey agreed that they should get the interview over and done with so the world could get back to far more interesting news.
'You would think there were far more important issues in the world to discuss, but unfortunately people love gossip,' people's obsession with celebrity had always really bugged Caitlin, but she also knew it was here to stay.
'Like those teen magazines Angie reads, nothing but gossip, but she seems to love them.'
'Believe it or not, so did I when I was her age, even though I can't stand them now. Are we going to go house hunting then?'
The first apartment they saw was in a brand new complex, a large three en-suite bed roomed apartment, with a huge lounge and kitchen. But the best part of it was the view from the balcony, right out on to Lake Ontario, it was spectacular. Caitlin and Joey fell in love with it and bought it straight away.
'Lets just hope Angie likes it.'
'I'm sure she will love it. And I thought maybe I could use the spare bedroom as a study now I'm an author and freelance.'
'That's a good idea.'
Caitlin took Angie to see the new apartment after she finished school the next day and she was even more excited about moving in than Caitlin and Joey put together.
'I don't like where we are living now', she told Caitlin 'But Dad needed to rent somewhere quick when we moved back here and this was the first place we found.'
'It's not ideal here, its small I agree Angie, but believe me, there are far, far worse places to live in the world, even right here in Toronto.'
'I remember some of the places you went to in your show. Dad and I used to watch it every week, Craig to when he was still here.'
'Who knew I had such a cult following?', Caitlin joked.
Back home, Joey had even more good news for them.
'The estate agent called, we can pick up the keys and move in whenever we like, seeing as the paperwork is already all signed, sealed and delivered. I'll be glad to get out of this tiny place.'
'Angie said the same earlier. That is the best news ever. I can finally stop living out of two suitcases and get some of my stuff out of storage.'
'I guess we got a lot of new stuff to buy too.'
'Thank God I am freelance now. Not that I have done much of that yet. Now the final draft of my autobiography is finally going in to publication, I got to get a lot more work done on my new environmental book. I just got the advance for that this week. I have some serious work to do.'
'Me too. My assistants been nagging me about expanding the range. Business is very much booming, but like him it can do better.'
It was nearly a year before Caitlin and Joey got round to having a house warming party which was also doubled as their first wedding anniversary party. They had invited as many of their family and friends as possible, including their old high school friends they hadn't seen since the school reunion. And even some they had managed to track down that hadn't been able to make their ten year school reunion.
Wheels even managed to make it down from Ottawa where he was now living with his wife of two years.
'It's so good to see you . This is almost like another school reunion, but without the drama. I don't suppose there is a chance of a one off performance from The Zit Remedy, just for old times sake', Caitlin joked.
Only Snake and Joey hear her, then they looked at Snake, who all looked at each other as if to say Why not? And a short while later the three of them were at the front of the lounge, guitars in hand and breaking in to their old song Everybody Wants Something and all the old high school gang were singing along. Once it was over, Joey beckoned Caitlin up to join him.
'I'm sure I don't need to tell you all about Caitlin and I 's long relationship. We are just so glad you all made it here to celebrate our first wedding anniversary with us this evening'.
'Life wouldn't be the same without you all, you're the best', Caitlin raised her glass to everyone.
'And Craig, why don't you come up here and prove why you made it big and the Zits didn't?'
Craig had written a ballad especially for Joey and Caitlin and insisted they have the first dance. Afterwards, they finally got to speak to their old friend Lucy.
'Can you believe Caitlin and I have been married a whole year now?'
'At least you guys finally managed to get hitched. I always knew it would happen one day and I am so happy for you guys.'
'So how is life in New Mexico greeting you?'
'Good. Hey , look, late arrivals.'
'Sorry guys, our babysitters car wouldn't' start and we had to go and pick her up.'
'The main thing is you are here now. How are the twins?'
'Driving us mad, but we are loving it.'
'Go and get yourselves some champagne, there is even a non-alcoholic version for those that have to drive home.'
Later on as everyone was dancing to an 80's ballad, Caitlin realised something.
'Joey, thank you. This has been the best year of my life ever to date.'
'Mine too and we are going to have many more like it.'
And Caitlin knew they would, they were in this together for good now, they were going to grow old together.
'It is so nice to be home in Toronto all the time and spend time with you and Angie instead of jet setting around the world all the time. I don't miss it at all. I love what I'm doing now.'
Caitlin was in demand as a freelance journalist and writer. Her second environmental book had just been released and had gone straight to the top of the bestseller list just like her previous one and her autobiography had. And on top of that it seemed every newspaper and magazine in the country wanted her to write a piece for them. And she also now had her own regular column in the Toronto Star.
It was such a party that the last person didn't leave until five in the morning and that was Lucy, who had spent a lot of time talking to Wheels. Lucy and Wheels had become friends again just before the reunion, when she thought the time had finally come to forgive and forget. Wheels had done his time and been punished enough and they both had to live with the consequences of what he had done all them years ago, everyday of their lives. They found it easier to talk about to each other than to other people that weren't there at the time.
'Well I'm not looking forward to cleaning this place up later on, Joey looked round at the mess that was their kitchen and lounge.
'Oh just forget it now Joey, come on lets go to bed', Caitlin took his hand and led him towards their bedroom.'
'Now that's an offer I could never refuse.'
