Chapter 8

Caitlyn sat anxiously waiting on her front porch on a seemingly normal Monday morning. But this was no ordinary morning, it was the Monday morning after the best birthday weekend of her life she thought. She was 17, an adult in her, and her parent's eyes. Normally back in England she would be applying to university already, but here in America they required one more year of high school. Although Caitlyn had enough credits to graduate, her and her father decided on her completing her senior year of high school, to give her more time to decide on what she wanted to do.

Caitlyn always knew she would go to college, but at the moment she had no idea what she wanted to pursue. Most women didn't get significant degrees, but Caitlyn wasn't like most women. She wanted more for herself, wanted to be something. So why was she sitting on her front porch at 6:30am? Any other day it would have been obvious. It was to see her milkman, or more accurately milk women. But today was different. Today she had been sitting on the porch since 5am.

That Monday morning was slightly different for Caitlyn as the following night she had overheard her mother having a conversation with her father. The topic of Caitlyn returning to England to live with her grandparents and go to university had been brought up again. Her father, the kind loving man that was always on her side, listened kindly to her mother. Even agreed with some of her mother's points. In the end he talked her mother into allowing Caitlyn to experience the summer with them before making a final decision. Caitlyn felt betrayed. She thought her father had already agreed to her spending one more year in high school, so why would he even be entertaining the idea of her moving back to England alone.

Caitlyn sat thinking about what returning to England would mean. What living with her strict overprotective grandparents would be like. Although they currently lived in Scotland, they had a home in Oxford. A perfect opportunity for Caitlyn to attend Oxford University while her grandparents were able to keep an eye on her. At least that's the exact phrase Caitlyn's mother had used to her father the night before.

"Hey Cupcake".

Caitlyn was quickly brought out of her anxiety induced thoughts to look up and see two of the most beautiful eyes looking down at her. "Vi, I didn't even hear you pull up".

"Yeah, you look at bit distracted, everything okay?" Vi said as she took a seat next to Caitlyn, before setting the milk bottles down.

"Yeah, just thinking about school, and college, that sort of thing."

Vi looked at Caitlyn confused, until Caitlyn explained how in England, she was old enough to attend university, and how her mother wanted her to pursue that route.

"What do you want?" Vi asked, as she went to put her hand on Caitlyn's, but pulled back at the last second.

"I want to go to college, or at least I think I do. Truthfully when I was younger I dreamed of moving to Italy or France, and living on a vineyard, or farm."

"That sounds amazing." Vi said, as she leaned back. "I hope to one day be able to buy some property outside of town. Buy a couple farm animals, maybe chickens or something."

"I would love that."

"Then tell them" Vi said like it as just that easy.

"It's not that simple." Caitlyn said as, she pulled her arms around herself.

"I know you think your parents get to choose your future, but they don't." Vi said simply. "You have options, even if you haven't thought of them yet."

Caitlyn smiled as she turned to look at Vi. She knew it wasn't that simple, but coming from the girl sitting next to her, it sure felt like it could be.

"So, you ready for tomorrow?"

"Tomorrow?"

"Don't tell me you forgot already". Vi said as she stood up. "Pond swimming, and then the drive-in movies."

"Oh right". Caitlyn said with a smile. "By the way, thank Claggor for me. That was a brilliant idea to have him come in and ask. My father really seemed to take a liking to him."

"Yeah, Claggor has charm. I knew he would be able to talk your parents into another adventure" Vi said as she grabbed the empty bottles. "I gotta go but be ready at 2 tomorrow."

"Vi wait," Caitlyn said as she grabbed the small box that was hiding at her side. She nervously handed it to Vi. "For showing me the best birthday ever".

"What's this?" Vi said as she slowly opened the box, to reveal the leather cuff she tried on at the fair. "Cait, no, you didn't have to, this is to much."

"please" Caitlyn said quietly. "That day meant more to me than you could realize. I just wanted to thank you."

"It meant a lot to me to" Vi said as she snapped the cuff to her wrist. "Thank you, Caitlyn, I love it".

._.

1:55, and Caitlyn was a mess. She had tried on all three of her swimming suits, finally deciding on the tasteful dark blue two piece. She nicely folded her skirt and blouse into a bag, while packing under garments, shoes socks and towel. She had never done anything like this with people she barely knew, but after hanging out with Vi and her family at the fair, she knew she was up for anything.

She entered the living room, just as a strong knock on the door could be heard.

"Caitlyn, are you sure this boy is a nice boy?" Her mother said as she sat on the couch, nervously fidgeting with a book.

"Yes mother, he is a gentleman" Caitlyn said as she went and opened the door to see Claggor standing anxiously on the porch.

"Hey, Caitlyn, you ready?"

"Yes, let me just grab my bag," Caitlyn said as she ran over grabbed her bag, kissed her mother's cheek and practically ran out the door.

Claggor laughed as he watched Caitlyn run for the truck like she was out running some invisible tether trying to pull her back. Once at the truck Caitlyn threw her bag in the back, climbed into the truck, moving as close to Vi as possible. She sat awkwardly in her white swimming suit cover, trying to pull it further down to cover more of her legs as they touched Vi's, as Vi wore short shorts.

"You good Cupcake?" VI asked as Claggor squeezed into the truck next to Caitlyn.

"Let's just get out of her before my mother changes her mind."

"Got it."

Vi pulled away quickly, and drove up the road ahead few miles, before stopping to pick up Lisa. Claggor eagerly got out of the cab, before helping his girlfriend to hop in the back with him. Vi drove the four of them away, up the road, before turning off onto a dirt road.

"I thought we were going to Miller's Pond?" Caitlyn asked.

"We're going to a better spot, trust me. Miller's is filled with too many people these days. Vander has a small fishing cabin up at a hidden pond. Much more secluded. We even have a rope swing and small dock."

"What about Jinx and Mylo?"

"Vander already brought them up earlier. Me and Claggor had to wait until we got off work."

Caitlyn nodded as she watched Vi drive carefully down the dirt path, avoiding potholes and random tree branches. After turning off the dirt path onto what definitely didn't look like a road, Caitlyn could finally see what looked like water in the distance. As they got closer, they saw another truck pulled in front of a small old cabin. Mylo and Jinx were already swinging off the rope swing and daring each other to do crazy tricks upon entering the water. Vander sat in a lawn chair, cooler by his side, beer in hand, as he watched the two.

They all exited the truck, Vi grabbing extra towels and blankets out of the back, before walking up next to Vander.

"Glad you guys made it." He said as he took another swig of his beer.

"Wasn't going to miss it" Vi said as she laid down some blankets. She then removed her shirt, revealing a black bikini top, that matched perfectly with her black men's swim shorts.

Caitlyn only noticed she was staring when Claggor cleared his throat and placed his own blankets down next to Vi's.

"You ready?" Vi asked, as she grabbed some sunscreen and began applying it to her perfectly toned body.

"Uh, sure." Caitlyn said as she nervously removed her swimming suit cover. Caitlyn had always felt a bit self-conscious, but after seeing how comfortable Vi acted in her own skin, it only made her feel worse about her body. She was too tall for an average female. She always felt her body was too long and lanky to actually be considered sexually appealing. But as she removed her swimsuit cover, she saw Vi from the corner of her eyes, staring. She didn't know why, but this brought a small smile of satisfaction to her lips.

"Damn Caity, nice bod."

Caitlyn quickly turned to see Jinx, a much shorter, even skinnier girl, running over, soaked in her very revealing two piece.

"Um, thank you." Caitlyn said as she watched Jinxed grab a bag of chips, before heading to the cooler. She then grabbed a beer, which Vander immediately saw, and quickly swiped it from her hands, replacing it with a coke.

Jinx rolled her eyes as she went and sat down on one of the blankets, before Mylo came over and joined them.

"Hey me and Lisa are going to go take a walk." Claggor said, as he nervously played with the bottom of his shirt.

"You mean go fuuu". Jinx went to say, just as a large hand gripped her shoulder.

"Be safe." Vander said before releasing his grip on Jinx's arm.

Caitlyn couldn't help but chuckle as she watched Jinx crawl away from Vander and rub her shoulder.

"Come on Cait, lets go dip our toes in." Vi said to Caitlyn as she motioned her to go sit on the dock with her. Once they were both sitting with their feet in the water, the sun beaming down upon them Caitlyn turned to Vi. "Why doesn't your family like Lisa?"

Vi sighed as she looked out into the water, before looking back at Caitlyn. "Well, its kind of a long story, but Lisa and Claggor dated sophomore year of high school. Things were getting pretty serious between the two, when Claggor found out she was cheating on him. They broke up, but Claggor was still madly in love with her, so when she asked him out again last year, he said yes. We all saw how she ripped out his heart, so it's been hard to see past that."

"But you don't say negative things."

"Yeah, well that's not because I'm not thinking them, but Claggor is a good guy, who can make his own choices. Plus, he has had my back more times than I can count. The least I can do is to try and forgive his cheating girlfriend."

Caitlyn looked back at the water, the idea of someone always having your back was not lost on her, although she hadn't felt that lately. Sure, her father was always there for her but lately work consumed him. She wondered if she would ever truly have that kind of relationship with anyone.

Just as she was getting lost in thought, she heard footsteps running towards her and Vi. Before she even had time to register what was happening, her and Vi were being pushed off the dock, and thrown into the water below. Caitlyn emerged to see Jinx and Mylo laughing from above, as Vi began to yell angry insults, and threats in their direction. Caitlyn began to laugh as she swam around in the cool water. "You think that's funny Cupcake?"

"Well, we did come here to swim." Caitlyn said casually.

"See, Caity gets it. You're just a grumpy old lady."

"Yeah, well this old lady will still beat your scrawny ass." Vi said, just as Jinx chose this time to canon ball right next to her.

The next hour was filled with splashing, and pushing each other under water, with the occasional dare of what kind of ridiculous trick could be done jumping off the dock into the water. Vi surprised Caitlyn when she was able to stand on the edge of the dock and get enough clearance to back flip off of it before hitting the water. Caitlyn watched in awe, as Vis muscles flexed in her legs and abs, before launching herself off.

"I dare you to do a back flip off the rope swing." Mylo said, as Vi's head broke the surface.

"You're on."

The four ran over to the large tree, that had an old large rope tied to it. Vi took the knotted rope and looked at Caitlyn with a smile and wink before swinging out high above the pond, just to throw her legs back over her head, and do a perfect back flip before entering the water.

"Show off." Jinx said under her breath as she grabbed the rope and handed it to Caitlyn. "Your turn."

"Oh, no, I've never done this before".

"Its easy." Vi said as she pulled herself out of the water and walked over to the rope. "Just hold on above the knot, and when you swing all the way out just let go."

"But I…" Just as Caitlyn was about to protest, Vi was putting one hand on her waist, using the other to guide Caitlyn's hand to grab onto to rope. "You got this."

And in that moment Caitlyn felt as though she did, but as soon as that feeling entered, it left just as quickly, filled with a new kind of terror. One that left her more confused than she had been before. Sure, she knew it was weird to find Vi attractive, but she chalked it up to just being curious. The way her heart fluttered when Vis fingers touched hers as they watched fireworks was something she tried to mask as being grateful for a friend. But this, this was different. Vi was standing so close, she could feel the water drop from Vi onto her own skin. The way Vi held her waist, she knew she couldn't pretend it was something it wasn't. She wanted Vi to touch her more. To run her large hands across her stomach. To pull her closer.

"Hey Caity." Jinx yelled, pulling Caitlyn from her intrusive thoughts. "You going to keep staring at Vi like that or are you going to actually swing out.

Caitlyn didn't look back. Embarrassed by being caught, she quickly swung out on the rope swing. She let go a bit early, causing her to awkwardly hit the water, but she didn't care. She didn't want to go back on the shore and face them, not yet.

"She's a bit weird, right?" Jinx said, as she looks at Vi, who hasn't taken her eyes off Caitlyn. "Earth to Vi…"

"Huh".

"You're both weird." Jinx said as she grabs the rope and swings out into the water, next to where Caitlyn is swimming to embarrassed to look at anyone.

Caitlyn sat there watching as Jinx and Mylo took turns jumping off the rope swing. She knew Vi was standing next to the tree watching her, but she couldn't bring herself to look at her. Just as Caitlyn was about to get out and hide, a new distraction presented itself.

"Gross". Jinx said as she swam next to Caitlyn.

"What?"

"Them." Jinx said as she pointed to Claggor and Lisa who were now standing next to the tree. Claggor's hair was a mess, and Lisa looked to have twigs and dirt in hers. "God, I hate that bitch."

Caitlyn nodded as she watched them talk to Vi for a minute, hopefully making everyone forget her own awkwardness from earlier.

It seemed to do the trick, as they all took turns jumping off the rope swing, Caitlyn included for the next couple of hours. It was until Vander called them over, that they all pulled themselves out of the water. "You guys should head back and get cleaned up, if you still want to make it to the movie."

They all quickly dried off before packing their stuff back into the trucks. "You want me to take you home to clean up?"

"No." Caitlyn said quickly. "If I go home, I'm afraid my mother won't let me leave again."

"Okay, you can come back to our place."

The ride back was filled with awkward silence, as Caitlyn looked out the window, and wondered if she had just ruined her only friendship. She thought back to what happened, the way Vi touched her. The way she pushed her body closer to Vis. The intrusive thoughts that went along with it. But what she knew pushed the whole situation into an awkward encounter was when she leaned back into Vi and took her free hand and reached behind them both, resting it on Vis upper thigh, pulling her closer. She was sure Jinx and Mylo didn't see, but she couldn't deny that Vi knew what she was doing. Maybe she should just have Vi bring her home. Maybe she should just give up now. There was no way of getting out of this one, and she knew it. She looked at Vi, who was biting her fingernails on her right hand, as she steered with her left, not taking her eyes off the road. Caitlyn considered bringing up what she did, say she was just scared, or something just as stupid. But every scenario in her head ended with Vi telling her she was to much, and that what she did was inappropriate between two female friends.

Caitlyn sighed internally as they pulled onto the main road, and got closer to Vi's. She decided not to say anything, in hope that Vi would just never bring it up.

Caitlyn looked up as they entered Vi's driveway. They were in the far part of town, where the homes were older, and smaller. She watched as Vi parked and got out. She quickly exited herself, going to the back to retrieve her bag. Jinx and Mylo, both jumping out of the back. "Let Caitlyn have the bathroom first" Vi shouted, as the two slowed down and sighed.

Caitlyn looked at Vi, who looked as though she was doing her best not to make eye contact. "If you want to shower, you might want to make it quick. That way everyone has a chance to clean up."

Caitlyn nodded, as she followed Vi up to the small home. They walked up the porch, that had an old swing, and a couple of chairs out front. As she entered, they walked into the family area, where an old chair, and couch sat across from a small tv. Across from there was a small kitchen. To the side was a small hallway, with doors that lined the walls. Vi led her to the first door, where she opened it. Two small single beds sat, unmade, with laundry that lined the floor. A poster of Elvis sat in the middle of the two beds. "Mine and Jinxes room." Vi said as she threw some of her stuff on the far bed, as Caitlyn sat her bag down.

Vi then walked to the other side of the hallway and opened the door to the bathroom. "Shower leaks but works just fine. Blow dryer is under the sink if you want to use it." Vi said before she left Caitlyn in the bathroom alone.

Caitlyn quickly undressed, throwing her dirty swimsuit down on to the cracked tile floor before entering the shower. She looked around at the multiple bottles of body wash, shampoo, and conditioner. After doing a quick sniff test, she found what she was sure were Vis and began washing up. Just as she applied conditioner to her hair, she heard the bathroom door open. She immediately froze, unsure of what to do. She listened as she heard what she was sure was Jinx's humming. She peaked out of the shower curtain to see Jinx applying makeup in the mirror.

"Um, excuse me, Jinx".

"Yeah, Caity girl."

"What are you doing?"

"Just getting ready."

"You, uh, couldn't wait?"

"Not how we do it around here." Jinx said, just as Mylo pushed his way into the bathroom.

"Move over, I need my deodorant."

"Like that's going to help you stink less." Jinx said as she pushed him aside.

Caitlyn froze in the shower. Having Jinx in there was uncomfortable enough, but Mylo, a boy. She was just about to ask them to leave when she heard a third person enter.

"Get out. I told you to wait until she was done, you animals." Vi said as she grabbed Jinx and Mylo and pushed them out the door.

"Sorry Cait, things get pretty hectic around here."

Caitlyn sat there, as the water fell down her body. "Thanks for kicking them out."

"Anytime." Vi said as she went to put her hand on the doorknob to leave.

"Vi."

Vi froze as she waited for Caitlyn to say what she needed to say.

"I'm sorry for earlier. For being weird and making things awkward."

"Don't know what you're talking about Cupcake. All is good, but I can't keep these heathens at bay forever, so might want to finish up." Vi said, before leaving the bathroom.

Caitlyn hoped that Vi meant what she said. That it wasn't anything she was going to hold against her, that they could still be friends. But she questioned if she just made it worse. She quickly finished rinsing off before jumping out of the shower, and grabbed a towel, realizing her bag was in Vis room. She tightened the towel around herself, as she quickly ran out into the hallway, and practically threw herself into Vis room.

"Fuck." Vi shouted as she quickly grabbed for her shirt, covering her bare chest.

"Oh God Vi, I'm so sorry." Caitlyn said as she squeezed her eyes shut, Vis breasts now permanently embedded in her memory. "I forgot my bag in here, and I didn't want anyone to see me. I didn't know you were changing."

"You mean you didn't know I would be naked in my own room?" Vi said sarcastically.

Just as tears were about to run down Caitlyn's face, Vi laughed. "Its fine Cait, really. You can even open your eyes now, I'm all dressed."

Caitlyn opened her eyes to see Vi buttoning up a pair of jeans. "Seriously Vi, I'm so sorry."

"Cait, I told you things are hectic in this house. Nothing to lose sleep over. But I promise to stand guard outside the door, so you don't get anyone barging in on you."

"Thank you." Caitlyn said, as she could feel the heat from her face begin to dissipate.

._.

The drive to the movie was a littles less awkward, but Caitlyn couldn't help to think this would be the last time Vi would ask her to hang out. She looked over at Vi, who's eyes were on the road, when she noticed her wearing the Viking cuff that she bought for her. She immediately relaxed, hoping that was a good sign for things to come.

Once Vi parked, they both got out, Jinx and Mylo jumping out of the back. Vi jumped in the bed of the truck, where she arranged some pillows and blankets, before setting the speaker up on the side of the truck. "You want any popcorn or snacks?" Vi asked.

"Sure." Caitlyn said as she got down from the truck.

They both walked over to the stand, Mylo and Jinx close behind, where Caitlyn bought drinks and snacks for everyone, thanking them for letting her tag along. Vi tried to offer her money, in which she refused, while Mylo and Jinx thanked her and took off with their hands full of junk.

"You really didn't need to do that."

"I know, but you paid for us to get it, it's the least I could do."

"Yeah, but now those two are going to expect you to buy them stuff all the time."

Caitlyn chuckled, as she grabbed her own coke, popcorn, and milk dudes before heading back to the truck.

"So how's this going to work?" Jinx asked, as she looked at the truck bed. "There isn't enough room for all of us to sit comfortably."

"Well since Caitlyn bought you both snacks, you two can either go find Claggor and Lisa, or sit in the lawn chairs."

"Are you serious?"

"Sure am." Vi said, as she tossed them two worn lawn chairs.

Caitlyn felt bad as she watched them set them up at the end of the truck. Vi noticed, and knew Caitlyn was way to nice for her own good, stopping her before she could offer up her seat in the bed of the truck. "They will be just fine. Don't let them make you feel bad; they get way more shit than they deserve."

Caitlyn chuckled awkwardly, as she sat on some pillows, her back up against the cab. "This is actually pretty comfortable."

"Yeah, we have been coming here for years, definitely know how to do it right. Brought plenty of blankets if you get cold."

"Thank you." Caitlyn said, just as the lights went out, and the massive screen in front of them began to display picture, the sound from the speaker coming through as static, right before music played through it.

"This is amazing." Caitlyn said, as her eyes lit up, unable to pull them away from the massive display in front of her.

Vi watched, as Caitlyn's face lit up. She wondered how someone who seemed to have everything lacked so much in her life. As the movie started playing, Vi got herself more comfortable under the stacks of blankets. She noticed Caitlyn shiver, and motioned for her to get under the blankets as well.

Caitlyn couldn't take her eyes off the screen, until she felt Vis body once again close to hers. She quickly looked over at Vi, who looked comfortable, eating her popcorn, and watching the movie. Caitlyn didn't want to ruin this, not again. She looked back up at the screen, trying not to think about the body next to hers. She tucked herself under the blankets, as the movie played on.

Halfway through the movie, she felt Vi's hand find hers under the blankets. At first, she quickly pulled away, then slowly moved her hand back to where it was sitting. She wasn't going to overstep, but she wasn't going to run away either. As minutes ticked by, she felt Vi's hand find hers again. At first it was just a finger that brushed against hers, causing her breath to hitch. As time passed, Vi's hand moved closer, until it was resting next to hers, like she was testing the waters.

Caitlyn so desperately wanted to turn and look at Vi. To try and read her face, her emotions, but she didn't dare move a muscle, not wanting to break this intimate moment. Just when Caitlyn thought that this was it, Vi's hand reached under hers. With their palms touching, Vi laced her fingers through Caitlyn's.

Caitlyn couldn't help the smile that followed. She may not be brave enough to look at Vi, but she couldn't contain the joy that such a simple gesture brought her. She had no idea what it meant, or what was to come, but for now she was content not thinking any further on it. She watched as the movie played out, her hand in Vis the whole time, only separating when the first film was over, and everyone left to use the toilets.

When they all returned, Jinx and Mylo complained of being uncomfortable, only for Vi to laugh, and throw popcorn at them.

Caitlyn quickly made her way under the blankets again, unsure if Vi would go back to holding her hand. As the second movie began to play out, Caitlyn found herself feeling empty, as her hand laid under the blankets alone. Just as she was about to pull it in, she felt the familiar touch of Vis large fingers run along her hand. Her chest tightened; her breath caught in her throat. This felt more intimate, as Vi continued to run her fingers along Caitlyn's hand and forearm.

Caitlyn could feel Vis eyes on her. Knew she was staring, waiting for Caitlyn to react, giving her permission to keep going. Without thinking Caitlyn turned to look at Vi, who was staring right at her. Caitlyn smiled, hoping that was enough to let Vi know she was okay with what was happening. Almost on queue, Vi moved a little closer. Their legs touching, as Vi brought Caitlyn's hand back into hers.

Caitlyn felt the rush of something new, something she had never felt before. She wasn't sure if she should be feeling this way, but she wasn't going to let that stop her, not right now. She squeezed Vi's hand, as she slowly leaned into the beautiful woman next to her. She knew she couldn't stay like this, but she wanted to savor this closeness, even if only for a second. She leaned her head on Vi's shoulder, felt the other woman lean her head against hers. She counted to ten. The best ten seconds of her life, before she slowly pulled her head away, sitting up a little straighter. She held onto Vi's hand tightly under the blankets, like it was a lifeline to something she always knew she wanted, but never thought she could have.

As the movie played out, Caitlyn's heart filled with joy, only to be replaced by an emptiness, as Vi pulled her hand away when the end credits played. She tried not to show it, but her heart felt like it could shatter at that very moment.

._.

The drive home was less awkward, as the two talked about the movies, and how incredible they were to watch on a screen like that. Vi still couldn't believe Caitlyn had never gone to a drive in before.

Once they pulled up to Caitlyn house, she quickly gathered her things. "Thank you for today. For everything."

"It won't be the last Cupcake."

"Please." Caitlyn said, her voice cracking. "Please don't let it be."

"I promise, we will have many more adventures." Vi said, just as Jinx jumped into the cab.

"I'm freezing, let's go."

Vi slowly pulled away, making sure Caitlyn got inside before entering the road.

Vi drove home, feeling happier than she had in a long time. She couldn't believe that she found someone like Caitlyn. Someone who might actually understand her. She felt as though she were floating on cloud 9, nothing could break this high.

She pulled into her driveway and helped Jinx and Mylo unload the blankets before, she walked up to the porch where Vander was sitting in his chair, worry etched onto his face.

"Vi, we need to talk. It's about Brian."