It had been a few days since Barry had given Caitlin the note. True to his word, he had stayed away from her. She would still see him around college, but he kept away from her. Caitlin was happy with this. She could now focus on everything, without Barry bothering her. Now if only Ronnie would do the same. He seemed to think that just because her father liked him, they were a thing. Caitlin had told him many times, that that wouldn't happen, but he was in denial. She dreaded to think where it was heading
"Ronnie, I've told you before, stop this. Nothing will ever happen between us. Just get that through your head"
"Why? What's wrong with me? Your dad loves me. We've known each other since childhood"
"But your not my choice"
"I can be. Just give it time"
"Ronnie, stop it. Stop embarrassing yourself"
Caitlin turned to go, but Ronnie grabbed her hand. Caitlin turned around and slapped Ronnie
"Don't you dare touch me"
"You slapped me? How dare you"
Ronnie raised his hand, and Caitlin covered her face, preparing herself for the incoming slap, but nothing happened. She opened her eyes and saw that Barry had grabbed Ronnies hand
"Who are you to come between us?"
"No one. But you never raise your hand on a woman"
"Your saving her? After everything?"
"She's still a woman. And my dad for all his faults, taught me this rule. So even if she was my enemy, I wouldn't let you slap her"
Caitlin stood watching Barry. He was defending her after everything. She was horrible to him, yet he didn't say anything to her
"Caitlin, come on" he said, taking her hand and leading her away
Caitlin was quiet, and just let Barry lead her away
"Thank you Barry"
"I didn't do it for you. I wasn't raised like that"
"Why are you being like this?"
"Like how? Your the one who told me to stay away"
Caitlin got up
"You know for a minute there, I thought that I might have been wrong about you. But nope. I was right"
Caitlin stormed off and Barry smiled
"What are you smiling about? She just insulted you again"
"You won't understand"
A few days later, Caitlin was in class when the teacher spoke
"I'm going to pair you lot up, and your going to work together on a project. The winning pair get a scholarship to a top university. So if you want this scholarship, remember to work hard"
Caitlin was delighted. This was perfect for her. She would work really hard, and win this. When she heard her partners name, she thought she was mistaken
"Excuse me sir", said Caitlin catching up to her teacher
"How can I help?"
"Can I change my partner?"
"Why?"
"I don't get on with him. Please give me someone else"
"Sorry, I can't. Everything has been decided"
