Chapter 7
Caitlyn sat in her seat on the bus. It was a perfect spring Friday just as half term was to begin. Her and her parents were set to visit her mother's parents up in Scotland, but they weren't set to leave until Monday, giving Caitlyn the weekend to relax and play with her best friend Maddie.
"You excited to go to Scotland?" Maddie asked as Caitlyn looked out the window, watching passing cars.
"Not really" Caitlyn sighed.
"Why not?"
"My grandparents are super strict. They don't believe a lady like myself should be outside playing and enjoying herself".
"Then what do you do up there?" Maddie asked as she shoved her notebooks into her school bag.
"Mostly just read, but sometimes me and my father will sneak away to the city. He takes me shopping and to get ice cream." Caitlyn said, just as the bus came to their stop.
Caitlyn and Maddie both exited the bus, along with Maddie's younger brother Thomas. "we're going to hang out before you leave right?" Maddie asked as they walked towards their homes. "Father says it's still to cold to swim in the pond, but we can feed the ducks and throw rocks in it."
"I'll come over tomorrow" Caitlyn said excitedly. "My mother said as long as I'm packed, I can do whatever I want all weekend".
As Caitlyn reached her house, she said goodbye to her friend and went inside. There she was greeted by her mother, who seemed to be extra stressed with their upcoming trip. Constantly going over her list, making sure she was packed, along with Caitlyn and her husband who was always too busy to pack for himself.
Caitlyn didn't hate her mother's parents, but she definitely preferred her father's, as they we much kinder and less strict. But the biggest disappointment was when she thought she was going to visit her aunt in Texas, just to be told her mother changed their plans to Scotland instead.
Caitlyn's mother didn't get along great with most of her father's family, but mostly her father sister. Cassandra always thought that her sister-in-law was reckless, and unbecoming of her family name. In part it had to do with her running away when she was younger with an older American, who married her and took her to the states to live on his family's ranch.
Tobias and his sister were always close. Even after she moved to the states, they wrote and phoned whenever possible. He constantly tried to make plans to visit, but Cassandra always blocked them. Tobias's sister, Katie, made it back to England yearly. She always stayed a few days with Caitlyn and her family, driving Cassandra nuts the entire time. But to Caitlyn they were the best family visits she had. Katie was always Caitlyn's favorite family member. She was smart, kind, and passionate. She taught Caitlyn how to embrace being different, how to love herself no matter what others thought.
When Caitlyn found out she wasn't going to the states this half term break she was devastated, but tried not to let her mother know. Instead she would put on a brave face like she was taught and power through.
That Friday evening Caitlyn made sure her bags for Monday were packed, so nothing would get in her way of the 2 days of freedom she had on her break.
/
Caitlyn woke up Saturday morning, early as usual. She dressed, and helped her mother prepare breakfast before heading out to spend the day with her best friend.
Maddie lived just a couple houses up from Caitlyn, on the corner lot. It wasn't the biggest house, but they had a large barn out back that sat in front of a large pond, where all the neighborhood kids would swim over the summer.
Just before lunch, Caitlyn and Maddie ran through the barn to large pond. They took in the beauty and quiet of an early March day. It was unusually warm for this time of year, so they removed their shoes and socks to dip their feet in the cool water as they say upon the small dock.
They talked about school, their friends, and their plans for the summer holiday, as they threw stale bread to the few ducks that sat on the water. After a few minutes Caitlyn noticed that Maddie was acting a bit strange. She wasn't her normal giddy, excited self. When Caitlyn confronted her, Maddie just said she was tired, so Caitlyn let it go. They continued to play around the pond, until well past lunch. It wasn't until Caitlyn's stomach growled, that they decided to head back to the house.
As they walked through the barn Maddie stopped.
Caitlyn turned around, and saw Maddie looking nervous. "What's wrong?" she asked as she walked closer to Maddie.
"It's just.. can I tell you something?" Maddie asked nervously as she played with a string from her dress.
"Of course Maddie, you know you can tell me anything" Caitlyn said as she put her hand on Maddie's arm.
Maddie looked up at Caitlyn, contemplating if she should really say what she was thinking. "I..I really." But the words wouldn't come out, instead she awkwardly pressed forward and kissed Caitlyn on the lips.
The kiss was awkward and forced, but Caitlyn didn't pull back. Instead she allowed Maddie's lips to capture hers.
After a few seconds, Maddie pulled away. Her cheeks bright pink, and her chest rising and falling with deep nervous breaths. "I'm sorry". She quickly said.
"It's okay" Caitlyn said, before taking a step closer and leaning into kiss Maddie again, just as a young boy could be heard yelling.
Caitlyn quickly stepped back and turned around to see Maddie's 12-year-old brother Thomas, standing in front of the barn doors watching them.
"Maddie" he yelled, as Maddie and Caitlyn ran towards him. "It's not what it looks like Maddie said quickly.
"I just saw Caitlyn kiss you" Thomas said.
Caitlyn looked at Maddie, her heart beating in her chest, only for things to get much worse when Maddie's mother came walking across the yard.
"Thomas, I told you to bring your sister in for lunch." She said as she got closer to the three of them.
"Mother, Caitlyn kissed Maddie." Thomas blurted out.
"What?" Mrs. Nolan asked as she got closer.
"I went to get Maddie, and I saw them in the barn. And Caitlyn kissed Maddie."
"Go inside Thomas" Mrs. Nolan quickly said, not taking her eyes off of Caitlyn or Maddie. "Is this true?"
Caitlyn and Maddie both looked at each other, unsure of what to say. But out of all the things that could have been said, Caitlyn didn't expect what was about to come out of Maddie's mouth.
"Caitlyn kissed me, I pushed her back right away, but Thomas must have seen what she did." Maddie said, unable to look at Caitlyn.
"That's not true" Caitlyn tried to protest, just for Mrs. Nolan to raise her hand in front of Caitlyn.
"My son knows what he saw, and Maddie wouldn't lie. I think it's time you go home Caitlyn. You are no longer welcome here. I will be contacting your mother". Mrs. Nolan said, before grabbing Maddie and walking them both back up to the house.
Caitlyn stood devastated. How could her best friend just betray her like that. And worse, what was her mother going to say. Caitlyn turned to walk home, fear and anger flooding her mind with every step.
/
After what felt like hours of yelling and crying, Caitlyn stood in her father's study. Her father at his desk, Caitlyn standing in front of it.
"Would you like to tell me what happened?" Tobias asked calmly.
"It was a misunderstanding" Caitlyn said, as tears fell down her cheeks.
"Okay" Tobias said, as he stood and walked up to his daughter. "We will get through this," he said as she brought Caitlyn in for a tight hug.
/
The car ride up to Scotland was either filled with awkward silence, or random sobs from Cassandra in the passenger seat. Caitlyn sat in the back, her head up against the window, as she tried not to think about what this was going to do to her and her family.
/
Caitlyn sat listening, outside her grandparents' study as Cassandra recounted the events from Saturday. From the horrific phone call from Mrs. Nolan to Caitlyn coming in unable to properly defend herself.
"I just don't know what we are going to do Mother." Cassandra could be heard saying, as Caitlyn pushed her head closer to the door.
"I think you should send her to come live with us." A shrill voice said.
Caitlyn's heart sank at the idea. Living with her Grandparents would be a nightmare.
"Tobias would never go for that Mother."
"But you will be the talk of the town. Caitlyn won't be able to find a proper suitor, she will end up living with you, tarnishing your name, while bringing shame to our family. Send her here, and we will straighten her out."
"I will talk to Tobias." Cassandra said before the conversation ended.
Caitlyn sighed as she pulled her head away from the door. Fear, sadness and anger flooded her thoughts. How could her mother just want to be rid of her. Was she really just a burden now? Caitlyn's thoughts were quickly interrupted by a hand on her shoulder. She turned around to see Tobias standing behind her.
"Do not worry dear, I will now allow your mother to send you away."
"But Father." Caitlyn choked out.
"No Caitlyn, you are my daughter. There is nothing wrong with you, and I will not allow what little time left I have with you, to be thrown out by sending you to be miserable with your Grandparents." Tobias said as he brought Caitlyn in for a tight embrace.
"What little time you have left with me?" Caitlyn said into her father's shoulder.
"You're 15 Caitlyn. Soon you will be old enough to go to university, or choose another path that suits you, But I do know you're not destined to live with me and your mother forever. I want to make sure our time counts while I have you. I know I'm super busy with work, and I haven't made as much time for you as I would like, but I'm not going to let you be pushed out of my house, do you understand?"
"Yes father." Caitlyn said, as tears fell down her cheeks.
/
The rest of the week in Scotland only got worse. Caitlyn's Grandparents avoided her, something she truly didn't mind. But she noticed how much colder than normal they were towards her father. She also noticed her mother and father spent less time together, while Tobias seemed to find more moments to leave the house, taking Caitlyn with him when he could. They spent time shopping and enjoying each other's company while never bringing up what happened. Caitlyn was grateful for the distraction, but knew it was far from being over.
/
School for Caitlyn turned into a nightmare. Kids made fun of her, while others made up even worse rumors, all while her ex best friend watched from afar. Caitlyn did her best to isolate herself, but kids would seek her out to call her crude and vulgar names. All she wanted to do was go home and seek comfort from those around her. But her mother began to pull away. Found reasons to avoid family dinners, and more often than not hide out in her room. Caitlyn's father did his best but became increasingly busy with the hospital.
One evening when Tobias came home, he found Caitlyn sitting alone at the kitchen table eating soup. "Where's your mother?"
"Her room I think."
Tobias set his briefcase down, before leaving the room. Caitlyn continued to eat, before she heard arguing coming from down the hall. Things like, I can't show my face in public anymore, were heard by her mother, followed by her father telling her she was overreacting. After what seemed like hours, she finally heard her father say, "I'm taking charge now. I've already worked it out with the hospital and the embassy. We will be moving once Caitlyn finishes this year out." Before Tobias stormed out of his bedroom and met Caitlyn in the kitchen to enjoy a dinner with his daughter.
/
"Vi, can I tell you something?"
"Sure Cupcake," Vi said as she adjusted herself under the safety bar, as their cart began to rise.
"You know how I said that we moved here because of me, because of a rumor?"
Vi nodded, not fully aware of where this was heading.
"Well, it wasn't exactly a rumor. See I was with my friend, and we were hanging out, and she kissed me." Caitlyn said as she looked up, and watched Vi's face turn from amusement to shock. Caitlyn knew she should tell Vi everything, how she kissed Maddie back, but she couldn't bring herself to say the words. She had never actually told anyone that she kissed Maddie back. Only her and Maddie knew what happened in that barn, and up until now she planned on keeping it that way. "Her brother saw us and told her mother. Her mother told my mother, and everything fell apart after that."
They sat in silence as Vi stared forward, not sure of what to say. Panic began to fill Caitlyn's chest. She was regretting her decision to tell Vi anything, as she watched the only person she had been able to call a friend since Maddie, stare off into the distance.
Finally, Vi turned and looked at Caitlyn. "Why are you telling me this?" She asked.
"I don't know." Caitlyn said as she fidgeted with her dress. "I guess because I want you to know that not only do I trust you, that I believe you. I believe you when you say I shouldn't trust Jayce. That he spreads lies."
Vi nodded, still unsure of what to say. "I'm guessing you want me to tell you what Jayce was talking about earlier then?"
"No," Caitlyn said quickly. "I didn't tell you my story so you would tell me yours. I just, I wanted you to know it. You make me feel safe, like I actually have a friend."
Vi looked at Caitlyn, saw how nervous the poor young woman looked. "I'm sorry about your friend and having to give up your home because people are assholes."
"Thanks." Caitlyn said as the ride stopped at the bottom.
They both exited the ride, and stood waiting for the rest of Vi's family to get off. Once everyone was standing there, Jinx spoke. "Bumper Cars?"
"Hell yeah." Mylo said, as he playfully pushed Jinx.
"What do you say Cait, bumper cars?"
Caitlyn looked up at Vi, seeing the kindness and friendly smile that looked back at her. "Only if you don't hit me too hard." She said playfully.
"Sorry Caity, but that's just asking to be smashed." Jinx said with a mischievous smile.
"Caitlyn." Caitlyn said looking at Jinx.
"That's what I said, Caity."
Caitlyn rolled her eyes, but in that moment, she realized the thought of being called Caity, like her Aunt was something she found more comforting than she realized.
After an hour of rides they all met up ready for the final show.
"What now?" Caitlyn asked as the sun began to set.
"Fireworks" Vi said as they all walked out to a field, filled with family's that were setting up blankets and chairs.
Jinx and Mylo led the way to a spot in the middle where Vander had himself a chair set up next to a cooler and blankets. Vi grabbed a blanket and sat it on the ground, motioning for Caitlyn to take a seat next to her. "Fireworks should start in about 20 minutes." Vi said as she leaned back on her elbows.
The two began chatting about the days events, Caitlyn continuing to thank Vi for letting her tag along. Just then Claggor came over with his girlfriend and grabbed a blanket.
"Hey Cait, I'll be right back." Vi said as she quickly stood up and ran over to Claggor. Caitlyn watched as Vi pulled him aside and whispered to him. Claggor at first was shaking his head, but then Vi pulled some money from her pocket and handed it to him. He reluctantly took it and nodded.
Vi came strolling back next to Caitlyn acting like nothing happened.
"Everything okay?" Caitlyn asked.
"Yeah, just needed a favor from the big man." Vi said as she watched the crew across the filled finishing set up of the fireworks.
After a few minutes, they put out their torches signaling that the show was about to begin. Vi and Caitlyn both leaned back on their hands as the first firework shot off, and lit up the sky.
Caitlyn watched the amazing colors fill the sky, but what really had her heart racing was how close Vi was sitting next to her. Caitlyn could almost feel the heat radiating off of the young woman. Their hands practically touching. After the third boom lit up the sky Caitlyn felt Vi's left pinky and ring finger gently slide on top of hers. Caitlyn felt her breath hitch at the gesture. She wanted to look at Vi, but her eyes were glued to the sky, her body to afraid to move and ruin the moment. After a few minutes she grew the courage to turn at look at Vi, who's face was illuminated by the reds and blues that burst above her.
Vi turned and looked at Caitlyn, who wore a shy smile when Vi smiled and winked at her.
The night was perfect, Caitlyn thought, as she looked back up to watch the sky fill with multiple colors, as the grand finale played out.
After the fireworks, the group gathered their things. "I'll take Caitlyn, Claggor, and Lisa" Vi said as they made their way to the vehicles. "I'll drop Lisa off first, then you, cupcake."
"I don't want to put you out." Caitlyn said nervously.
"Your not putting me out." Vi said as she dumped some things in the back.
Claggor and Lisa climbed in the back as Caitlyn road passenger.
As Vi pulled up to Lisa's house, her and Caitlyn awkwardly waited as Claggor very passionately said his goodbye to Lisa, before coming back to the truck and climbing in the cab, pushing Caitlyn very close to Vi.
"Not a lot of room up front is there" Caitlyn said awkwardly as she had to quickly decide to either be pressed up against Claggor or Vi. The choice wasn't hard, as she quickly found herself very away of how good Vi smelled, but the situation still uncomfortable.
"Yeah, sorry, won't be long though" Vi said as she put the truck in drive, and drove towards Caitlyn's home.
Once there, Claggor jumped out allowing Caitlyn to get out. "Thank you again Vi, this was probably my best birthday yet".
"Nothing you didn't deserve" Vi said before giving Claggor a knowing look and awkward nod.
Claggor read the signal and began walking Caitlyn to her front door. "You don't have to walk me to the door" Caitlyn said awkwardly.
"All part of the plan" Claggor said with a smile, just as the porch light turned on, and a very worried Mrs Kiramman opened the door in a robe.
"Caitlyn, do you realize how late it is?"
"Sorry mother, I decided to stay for fireworks."
"And who is this, it certainty isn't the Tallis boy that was supposed to meet up with you?"
"Names Claggor ma'am, I'm a friend of your daughters from school." Claggor said as he held his hand out to shake hers.
"Well Caitlyn has never mentioned you before" Cassandra said as she reluctantly held out her hand to shake Claggors.
Just then Tobias came to the door, introducing himself before inviting Claggor inside. Vi watched from the truck, hoping her plan would work. After 10 minutes Claggor finally emerged.
"How was it?" Vi asked as he got into the truck.
"I think you owe me more money" Claggor said as he hit the dashboard signaling to get out of there.
"Well did it work?"
"Yes, we will pick her up at 2 on Tuesday. I told her parents I wanted to take her to the pond, then to the drive in movie. Her mother was very against it all, but her father was more than happy to allow it. Her mother tried to say she could be out till 8, but then her father stepped in and said just come home after the movie. Her mother is kind of..scary".
Vi laughed, but thanked Claggor for the help. "I really do owe you one, and more than just the money."
"You think this is a good idea?" Claggor asked hesitantly.
"She's just a friend Claggor, she doesn't exactly have any, and she said her mother is super controlling."
"Yeah, but her mother thought I was supposed to be Jayce Tallis. You know how much he hates us. I just don't want to stir any pots."
"Her mother just asked Jayce to look out for her at the fair, that's all. Trust me, it's not like they are dating."
"Alright Vi, I trust you." Claggor said as he looked out the window.