Breaking Through

twelve

Caitlin and Sam sat across from each other at a small, cozy restaurant just off campus, the soft murmur of other diners providing a comfortable background noise. Caitlin had grown more confident since the season ended, enjoying her rising popularity, but that also meant she was more cautious about keeping her relationship with Sam under wraps. They were careful not to draw attention, maintaining a delicate balance between public and private lives.

The drive back to Sam's apartment was quiet, the streetlights casting long shadows over the dashboard. Caitlin's mind was racing as they neared Sam's place. Finally, she spoke, her voice tentative but determined.

"I've been thinking a lot," Caitlin began, glancing over at Sam. "I want to ask you to be my girlfriend."

Sam's eyes widened in surprise, a smile tugging at her lips. "Cait, if this is your way of—"

"No, no, I'm not asking you right now," Caitlin interrupted, shaking her head. "I know you want a nice gesture when I do it, and I promise I will, but I just want to be clear about some things first."

Sam's smile faded into a more serious expression as she turned in her seat to face Caitlin fully. "Okay, now you're starting to make me nervous," Sam said, her voice light but with a hint of concern.

Caitlin sighed, running a hand through her hair. "It's not like that. I'm just... I'm not sure I want to be public about my sexuality, at least not yet. I don't know if I'm ready for that kind of attention."

There was a moment of silence as Sam absorbed Caitlin's words. She reached out, placing a hand on Caitlin's. "I understand," Sam said softly. "This isn't something you should rush into. I just want to be with you, Cait, whether it's a secret, in private, or public. We can take our time, figure it out together."

Caitlin nodded, her heart swelling with affection for Sam. She knew Sam was right—they didn't need to rush. Still, the fear of judgment lingered, and she couldn't shake the worry that being open about their relationship would change things. But in this moment, holding Sam's hand, Caitlin felt a little braver, ready to take things one step at a time.

Sam gave Caitlin a quick kiss before opening her door. "Don't worry about walking me to my apartment cause you and I both know you won't leave and I think Kate misses you. Goodnight, pretty." She said with a smirk.

"Goodnight, babe." Caitlin says while laughing.

The next day, Caitlin was feeling the pressure of planning the perfect way to ask Sam to be her girlfriend. Sitting on the couch with Kate, they tossed around ideas, none of which seemed right.

"What if I just, like, hold up a sign that says, 'Be my girlfriend' outside her apartment window?" Caitlin suggested, half-serious.

Kate burst out laughing. "That's a terrible idea, Cait. You want to make her swoon, not embarrass her! And that's a very public way to ask."

Caitlin groaned, burying her face in her hands. "Ugh, I'm so bad at this!"

After a pause, Kate offered, "We should ask Claire for help. She is her best friend, after all."

Caitlin smirked, narrowing her eyes playfully. "You just want to see her."

Kate tried to play it off. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Please," Caitlin teased, "I know you, and I know how you get when you like a girl."

Kate rolled her eyes. "I don't like her. I barely know her."

"Sure you don't," Caitlin said with a grin. "'Cause everyone stays up all night on FaceTime with a girl they barely know."

"You know what? Plan this yourself," Kate said, throwing her hands up in mock surrender, though her tone was light.