Secrets and Struggles

8

Caitlyn's weekend went by in a blur. She finished her last two shifts in the book shop and Mr and Mrs Anderson even took her for dinner as a goodbye. She honestly was going to miss them so much but she promised to send them updates from her travels and they were going to keep her job open for her coming back. She spent Monday morning with Michelle, they had both agreed not to mention she was leaving as every time they had spoken over the last week, it had ended in both of them ugly crying. Caitlyn hadn't heard from Bob since Thursday but he did say he was going to be busy with work. As she packed her last few things into her bag and locked the house up, Caitlyn let out a silent sob. Her mum had been away with her newest man for the weekend and hadn't made the effort to come back to see her off. 

As she sat in the taxi on the way to the airport she decided to send Bob a message;

Caitlyn- Hey! hope you weren't too busy over the weekend. I am just heading to the airport so just wanted to send a message. Hopefully I'll speak to you soon 

As she pulled up to the terminal she paid the driver and pulled her bag onto her back. She was only taking one large backpack with her so it would be easier to move from place to place. She checked in for her flight and began to walk towards departures. There was a lot of people in the airport and she was aware of a commotion with paparazzi off to her right but she put her head down and walked on. She grabbed something to eat, found a place to sit near her gate and pulled her phone out of her bag.

Caitlyn- Also just a heads up, don't leave the terminal via exit/entrance A. There are loads of people hanging about with cameras. Obviously waiting for some big celebrity or something. Safe travels home 

Bob- Hey! weekend was okay thanks 😊I've just landed so thanks for the heads up, we will go another way out. Have a safe flight and let me know when you get to your hotel

Caitlyn- I hope this doesn't wake you up, I know its late. Just checked in to my hotel. Its not the nicest so might have to be moving on quicker than planned. Speak to you soon x

Bob- You didn't wake me up, don't worry. Oh no! that's rubbish. Maybe it wont be that bad, wait and see how you feel after a good night sleep. Night Caitlyn x

Caitlyn was tired for sure and maybe Bob was right, it might be all fine tomorrow. She climbed into bed and was soon asleep. As she woke in the morning, she was full of anxiety. The reality of what she was doing kicked in. Who was she kidding? She couldn't go out into a foreign country on her own. She hadn't even left Surrey until yesterday. As she got up to splash her face with some water, she got a glimpse of the outside world. Her hotel was looking onto derelict land there was some dodgy looking guys hanging about below. This is bad, this is really bad and Caitlyn was panicking. She picked up her phone and called Michelle but she wasn't answering so without thinking she dialled Bob's number. 

L- Caitlyn? Are you okay?

C- sorry for phoning, I know I haven't actually spoken to you yet but I am panicking and my friend isn't picking up her phone

L- Its fine, don't worry. Its actually nice to hear a voice after all the messages. Are you okay though? what's happened?

C- Its just this place is awful. the hotel is in a random place looking onto waste land and there is weird guys hanging about outside. I don't know how to get out of here

L- first of all, take a deep breath. Now, once you come off the phone with me, go on a book somewhere else. check the map to see where it is, make sure its more central. then google a local taxi to get you away from there

C- OMG I am so stupid, that's all so obvious.

L- stop stressing, its fine. let me know when you are somewhere you're more comfortable

C- I will, thank you

Bob- Seriously, don't panic. And you can phone me whenever you like, it was nice to speak to you❤️ 

Caitlyn managed to find another hotel that was available and got an Uber on its way. The hotel was more than she planned to spend for her first few days travelling but she would rather feel safe. Not long after Bob had messaged, her Uber arrived and she left the horrible hotel behind. When she got to the new hotel, she settled into her room and pulled out her phone. She couldn't face phoning Bob again, she was embarrassed she had even phoned him in the first place. She was sure he thought she was crazy.

Caitlyn- I'm all safe in a new hotel. Its pretty expensive but I don't care, it feels better being here. Once again, I am sorry for phoning earlier, I couldn't think straight but it was nice to hear a voice❤️