Breaking Through

six

The early evening sun cast a golden hue over the University of Iowa campus as students ambled along the sidewalks, their laughter and chatter blending with the distant sounds of a pickup basketball game. Caitlin and Kate strolled toward their favorite coffee shop, their sneakers crunching on the gravel path.

Caitlin seemed lost in thought, her usual energetic demeanor subdued. Sensing this, Kate nudged her gently with her elbow. "You've been quiet today, Cait. Something you want to talk about?"

Caitlin hesitated, staring at the ground for a moment before lifting her eyes to meet Kate's. "It's about Sam," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "We talked last night, and... I think I'm gay."

Kate's eyes widened with surprise, but her expression quickly softened into a supportive smile. "Wow, Cait. That's a big realization. How do you feel about it?"

"Honestly? Scared but also kind of relieved," Caitlin admitted, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "It's like this huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders, but I'm terrified about what comes next."

Kate wrapped an arm around her friend's shoulders, giving her a reassuring squeeze. "I'm proud of you for figuring this out, Cait. It takes a lot of courage to admit something like that to yourself. So, what about Lily?"

Caitlin sighed, the thought of Lily adding a layer of complexity to her emotions. "Sam said she's going to end things with Lily. She doesn't want to lead her on while we figure out what's happening between us."

"That's really considerate of her," Kate said thoughtfully. "It sounds like you both have a lot to sort through, but you're on the right path. Just take it one step at a time."

As they entered the coffee shop, the familiar aroma of roasted beans enveloped them, and Caitlin felt a little lighter, grateful for Kate's unwavering support.

The semester break arrived swiftly, marking the end of volleyball season and giving Sam a chance to head home for some well-deserved rest. Caitlin, however, stayed on campus, her basketball season intensifying as she prepared for the upcoming games.

Despite the distance, Sam and Caitlin stayed connected through FaceTime, their conversations filled with laughter and an undercurrent of longing.

One evening, Caitlin lay sprawled on her bed, her phone propped up against a pillow as she and Sam talked. The screen glowed softly, illuminating Sam's familiar smile. "I miss you so much, Sam," Caitlin confessed, her voice tinged with longing.

Sam's smile widened, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "You have no idea, Cait. It's like there's this piece of me missing."

Caitlin bit her lip, feeling a flutter in her stomach. "So, what are you wearing right now?" she asked jokingly, her tone teasing.

Sam glanced down at her outfit and laughed. "Just a hoodie and some sweatpants. Very sexy, I know."

"Mm, you always look good in anything," Caitlin replied, her eyes twinkling. "Especially when you wear my favorite hoodie of yours."

Sam raised an eyebrow playfully. "Oh, you mean the one you stole last time we hung out?"

Caitlin blushed, giggling. "It's comfy! And it smells like you."

"I might need to come and get it back," Sam said, her voice dropping to a low, flirtatious tone. "But only if you promise to wear it for me first."

Caitlin hesitated for a moment, gathering her courage before speaking. "When you get back to campus, do you think we could go on a date? Like, a real date?"

Sam's surprise was evident, but it quickly melted into a warm, genuine smile. "I'd like that, Cait. I'd really like that."

"Good," Caitlin said softly. "Because I've been thinking about it a lot."