Flowers & Benches

Year Three (College) and Dandelions

Caitlyn leaves the house quietly and goes to sit on the front bench. Elisabeth was at class and Lianna decided to visit her parents while The Wild Things were visiting Caitlyn for the week.

'Speaking of the little buggers...' Caitlyn thinks ruefully as her step-siblings and brother come barrelling out of the house. "Cat!" Joey cheers at the sight of his older sister.

"Hey y'all! Good morning!" Caitlyn greets, the five crazies wave and greet their sister.

"What's for breakfast?" Ethan asks making them all laugh.

"You always think about food." Aurora points out sporting a smirk, Ethan sticks his tongue out at the little girl.

"We can go to Anna's if you'd like?" Caitlyn suggests, they all quickly agree, loving the small cafe. "Alright everyone, go get ready. Meet back here in twenty." Caitlyn instructs, they all agree running off to get it done.

Joey stays behind and sits beside his sister. He hands her a small dandelion, which makes her smile. "How long has this tradition been going on?" Joey asks softly but full of curiously, Caitlyn smiles sadly.

"About fifteen years now," Caitlyn replies softly, Joey just smiles listening to his sister's story. "He was so little back then. I gave him a bluebell because he was sad. He was worried that he wouldn't like kindergarten like his siblings had." Caitlyn continues quietly, not noticing her growing audience, her gaze focused on her small flower. "The next day he'd brought me a small blue flower, I don't remember the name, and it became our tradition. Every day, we'd meet at the bench, he'd have a flower and a hug. Eventually, it was a ritual, and even when I moved he'd gotten Li to do it. You too." Caitlyn continues even softer, "When he was sick, he would get his siblings to bring them to me, eventually Tommy and Li. If I was sick, he'd bring them to the house after school hours, getting a ride from his mom or siblings," Her voice began to shake as she keeps going, "He used to say that he loved e especially when I received a flower. That he'd do anything to keep that happiness present." Caitlyn finishes, it's silent. Dead silent.

Then a throat clears, Caitlyn looks up suddenly, surprised to find her boyfriend. "Uh.... this is kinda awkward..." Callum trails softly, Caitlyn stands to hug him. They grew closer after the diner scene the previous year.

"Oh! Hey, Cal! Wasn't expecting you this morning!" Caitlyn greets trying to dispel the obviously awkward tension. Callum knew of his girlfriend's past love and was trying to help her through the seemingly everlasting heartbreak. 

"Sorry, thought I'd surprise you," Callum says kissing her cheek, having to bend down to her level awkwardly. "Surprise..?" He halfheartedly cheers making it sound more like a question, Caitlyn laughs some.

"Aaww!!" Eden coos from the porch where Caitlyn's stepsiblings all stood, Caitlyn, flushes.

"Uh... I'll be right back... I can't really go out in PJs really...." Caitlyn excuses awkwardly, Callum laughs. 

"It'd make a great fashion statement for sure, Cait." He teases, Caitlyn giggles and childishly sticks her tongue out at her boyfriend.

She quickly races inside and changes. A pale blue tank top, white short, and white sandals later she's braiding her hair and placing the dandelion at the end of the braid. 

She grabs her purse, phone, and keys before exiting the house. Locking the door behind her, she scurries to the car where the six are waiting. She kisses her boyfriend's cheek, before getting into the car. Everyone piles in behind her. They drive to Anna's, the back seats chattering about who knows what. 

When they reach Anna's, Caitlyn parks and the kids exit the car excitedly. Caitlyn stays back, sensing that her boyfriend wants to chat quickly. "Cait..." He whispers gently, "I know we said we'd take it slow while we waited for you to get over Carter..." He starts, Caitlyn looks at him wide-eyed. "But I can't take much more of this. He's this perfect image in your mind, he'll never mess up in your eyes. I can't quite live up to that expectation, it's like you're constantly comparing me to him and it hurts. I know you loved him, Cait. I get that, I do. But I can't deny how jealous and hurt that makes me, especially when you're not quite willing to let him go yet." Callum continues still as gentle as ever. "I love you Cait," He whispers the three words, Caitlyn's heart pounds as she stares at her 8-month boyfriend.