Chapter One - Along the Banks of the Grand

There’s something peculiar about growing up in a west Michigan tourist town. The high and low seasons shape the inhabitants beliefs, values and culture in ways unknown to the non-local community. It can be a grand experience or a small-town burdened lifestyle depending on which side of the light you view it. Grand Haven, Michigan is no exception. The popular summertime destination town stretches the shores of Lake Michigan. The lighthouse itself serves as a beacon of hope and despair, land marked for over one hundred years, igniting the entrance at mouth of the mighty Grand River.

Caitlyn grew up in Grand Haven as the only daughter of the town’s local home improvement supply company. Her family has existed there for generations and remains close-knit to the community. Caitlyn's father is friends with every builder within a 500 mile radius; and her mother a staple writer of 20 years for the local newspaper. Spring was finally beginning to shine through the cold snowy layers of the winter season as Caitlyn sat quietly in her room staring out the window trying to forget the past few months. She dreamed now of summer's sun-kissed promises and relished in the hope that this summer season ahead will bloom with new fervor.

Caitlyn picked up her prom gown and glanced over its graceful beauty once more before placing it in the garment bag for storage. Tracing her fingers lightly over the beautiful yellow satin gown with her small hands, she adored the way the soft fabric felt on her fingertips. It was a fairytale gown. Unfortunately, the event itself had been far from the fairytale she wished and longed for over the past sixteen years.

Caitlyn attended her Junior Prom with three of her dearest friends. They went in style, renting a beautiful stretched limousine and indulging in an entertainingly exquisite dinner at the 1913 Room atop the Amway Grand Plaza above the banks of the Grand River. The moment was marked as a teenager’s tale; reflecting youth’s normality and bad judgments. Once entering the prom dance extravaganza, the boys immediately decided to run off and partake in extracurricular drinking activities in the men’s room.

Caitlyn walked around the outline of the dance floor smiling and passing the prom couples dancing to the beautiful love songs then slipped outside a back door leading to the river path and walkway bridges. It was a beautiful, glowing, and warm spring night. The bridges alongside the Grand River were just picture perfect with their sparkling lights twinkling brightly above as she made her way along the riverbank. Caitlyn drew in a deep breath as she stood still mid-bridge to take in the beautiful surroundings encircling her. The soft glowing light on the bridges walkways, the graceful flow and reflection of the water below, the dress, the couples walking hand-in-hand gleefully holding each other closely in the distance… she longed for such romance… she longed for that perfect prince with whom to share such a moment with. Her heart was so filled with love and passion; and a deep void that she longed to fill with that special someone. Prom was a special occasion; but not for her this go around. She wished to herself that this prom could have been more than "just another party," as she made her way back inside the dance room and entered the commotion of dizzied friends.