New beginnings

23

Barry pulled over at a nearby park. Him and Caitlin got off and went to sit on a bench.

"So......"

"So what?"

"Talk to me latte"

"Ok, so here's the thing. Even after everything you did,and no matter how hurt or angry I feel, my heart still wants you"

"That's good. Because I want you"

"Before you get too happy, we need to discuss everything. What you did, how upset I feel? I mean, how am I ever supposed to trust you again?"

"Look I know you're hurt and upset, but you have to put it to one side"

"Easier said then done"

"Look, if we're going to move forward, you are going to have to forgive me and let it go"

"I'm scared"

"I know you are, but please trust me. We will work through this together"

"I hope so"

"Good, now that's sorted can you tell me before all of this, why you were pushing me away and being cold to me?"

"I wasn't"

"Yes you were. Caitlin what did Ronnie do? Why are you so uncomfortable around men because of him? Why won't you let me in because of him?"

"Ronnie was my first love. I thought we'd be together forever. Everything was perfect until one day I came home early from work and found him in bed with my best friend"

"Wow"

"And the funny thing was he blamed me for his cheating. He said I was working all hours and wasn't giving him any time, and that I was pulling away from him"

"I'm speechless"

"Do you see it Barry? How he tried to manipulate me into thinking him cheating was my fault. That I was working too much and wasn't giving him any time"

Barry gripped Caitlins hand as she started to tremble. It was clear reliving these memories was painful for her. He cursed himself for bringing it up.

"Hey, it's ok. Look at me, breathe. I'm here and I'm not going anywhere"

"You say that now but how do I know?"

"Is that what's been bothering you? Incase you haven't realised I'm crazy about you. Hurting you is the last thing I want to do. Your my latte. I love you"

Caitlin smiled at Barry

"Look, I'm sorry what you went through. I can't take away the pain of yesterday, but I can spend the rest of my life making sure all your tomorrow's are beautiful"

"I'm scared"

"I know you are, but please trust me. I'd never do anything to hurt you. If I could I'd transfer my life and all the time I have left in your name"

"Don't say that. You don't know if you want to spend the rest of your life with me"

"Yes I do. Your it for me. I don't want anyone else. Only you, if you'll have me"

"I don't know how to love you"

"Yes you do. All you have to do is take the first step. I'm right here latte. I'm going nowhere."

Barry watched as Caitlin had an inner argument with herself. He wanted to reach out and grab her, but he knew it was up to her. She had to be ready and take the next step towards him. If she didn't, he'd walk away. Caitlin stood up and slowly walked towards him. Barry's breath stopped- was she coming to him? Caitlin took the last step towards him, slowly and shakily. She sank into his chest and wept. Barry wiped away her tears and slowly kissed her. Caitlin slowly responded and both sank into the kiss. Barry intertwined their fingers and smiled

"Ok, this is what we'll do. I'm going to take you on dates. And I promise I won't try anything until you're totally comfortable with me. Is that ok?"

Caitlin nodded and smiled. Barry smiled back. He felt like they were making progress.

Duff duff duff. How was it? Feedback appreciated