Chapter Three: The Decision

Cait woke Saturday morning to her neighbor starting up his lawn mower. She wasn't one to sleep in but she did think that cutting your grass at 7:00 am on a Saturday morning was inconsiderate. After her shower she dressed and made her way to the kitchen for coffee. She poured a cup and sat out on her front porch. Dom was coming over for dinner tonight. She needed to go to the store. She was thinking of making him baked steak. The last time she fixed it for him was the week String started seeing Caroline. String was supposed to come to dinner that night but went out with Caroline instead. After that night they would see less and less of him. Cait thought he would have missed flying the Lady but he had another lady to take her place. Michael had pleaded with him to fly missions for the firm but he refused never giving anyone a reason. Dom didn't think Strings heart was in it anymore. Finding Sinj was what kept him going. Cait remembered the day he announced his decision to move to Australia.

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A year earlier

Cait arrived at work to find Dom and String in the office with the door closed. It looked as if Dom was upset. String was looking at the floor listening to what Dom had to say. "This can't be good." She thought. Dom saw her and motioned for her to come in. When she opened the door Dom pointed for her to sit down but she remained standing. "String has some news for us." As soon as String started to speak Dom spoke for him.

" He's planning on flying to Australia with Caroline." Cait wasn't happy about the trip but didn't know why Dom was so upset. She had seen him with many women. He never stayed with them for very long. It hurt her that he didn't feel the same about her as she did for him, but at least he was still around and that was better than not having him at all. " Dom he's gone away before. Why are you so upset?"

Dom waved his arms above his head. " Because this time Cait he ain't coming back." As much as she tried to hide it the blow to her heart showed on her face. He was leaving them. She never saw this coming. She felt sick to her stomach and her legs went weak. She decided maybe she should sit down.

String looked at Cait. He knew he just hurt her. He never wanted to but he could not give her what she needed or deserved. She deserved a man that was capable of giving his whole heart, a man that was open with his feelings and shared his thoughts. He was not that man. His heart would remain closed from now on. Never again would he open himself up to hurt.

"Cait, Caroline lives in Australia near her father's ranch. She asked me to return with her. There's a job for me flying for her father. I always wanted to experience Australia and what better way to do it than from the air."

Cait looked up searching his face hoping to see even a little regret for leaving them. He seemed to be at peace with his decision. She stood up and standing on tiptoe kissed him on the cheek then moved her lips to his ear she spoke softly. "Have a good life String. I hope you find what you're looking for." She turned and left. That was the last time she saw him.

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

Cait's neighbor headed towards her with his lawn mower. She was so deep in thought that she forgot he was cutting his grass. She took a sip of her coffee and found it cold. She had been day dreaming longer then she thought. She decided to get her day started.

Several hours later Dom knocked on her door. "It's open Dom, Come on in." Dom walked into the kitchen where Cait was pulling everything from the oven. "I'm starved Cait, I fixed myself a frozen dinner last night. I might as well have eaten the box it came in. Without your cooking I would never get a decent meal." Cait laughed and motioned him to the table.

Dom sat down and the realization of the last time he had this dinner showed on his face.

"Sorry Dom, I wasn't sure you would remember the last time we had this for dinner."

Dom picked up his fork. " It's OK kid. Life goes on." Cait poured gravy over his mashed potatoes.

"You miss him bad don't you Dom." Dom laid his fork down wiping his eyes with his napkin. "More than you know Cait, more than you know." Cait got up and went to his side kneeling down she took his hand in hers.

"If it will make you feel any better you're not alone Dom. I miss him to. Some days worse than others."

Dom felt bad for ruining their dinner. He forgot sometimes that she loved him and not just as a friend. She never did admit to it but he knew the truth. "Come on Cait, let's eat. No use in us both crying over String. What's done is done.

Cait returned to her seat and passed him the biscuits. "I made your favorite desert."

Dom seemed to perk up. "Don't tell me you made German chocolate cake." Cait shook her head yes. "And Dom I won't even nag you if you have two pieces.