While deeply involved scouring the racks in the dress store, Caitlyn piped up, “Sami, I cannot believe it is almost October already! The time has just been flying by. I am so excited for Homecoming weekend. This year will be such a blast! I’ve got to find the most beautiful dress! I feel like I’ve stepped into a fairytale with Steven. I want the weekend to be perfect for us.” Caitlyn gushed.
Sami was not so enthused with Steven consuming all of Caitlyn’s time. Sami spoke up in a condescending tone, “Isn’t he supposed to be going out east for his service time on the water for like, three months?”
Caitlyn, oblivious to Sami’s mistaken demeanor replied, “No, thank goodness! Not until November. I’ve got him all to myself for another whole month, and I’ll be savoring every minute! We’ve become so close and gotten so serious Sami, I really can’t believe it. I feel so blessed. I would have never thought I could be this happy. Especially last spring after Jason left. Meeting Steven made me realize the difference between a crush and being in love. It’s so weird Sami, just crazy!” Caitlyn was blushing as she browsed through the racks of gowns.
“Yeah, crazy! Just like you! I can’t wait to pick out my dress, I want something really sexy! Hehe,” Sami teased in a jealous tone, changing the subject.
Caitlyn slid into the dressing room and tried on her chosen gown. It was magical. She caressed the sides of the dress as it lay perfectly on her body and looked up into the mirror at herself in the beautiful long white dress. She almost began crying she love it so much; mostly she loved the thought of wearing it for Steven. She stepped out of the dressing room to model the dress for Sami. “So Sami, you haven’t even told me who you are going with to the Homecoming dance? I am your best friend, why don’t I know this? So, spill the secret already.” Caitlyn jokingly giggled as she once again felt the soft silky fabric of the gown against her hands. Sami nonchalantly looked up at Caitlyn biting her lip, “Well Cait, you might not like this.” Caitlyn grew nervous and they both paused standing still in front of the three-way-mirrors outside the dressing room.
“Why’s that? Stop it Sami? What do you mean?” She playfully pushed Sami’s shoulder lightly, “Really, who are you going with?” She asked Sami again, this time with hesitation.
“I’m going with Adam. Actually, Adam and I have been seeing each other since school started, you’ve been to busy and caught up with Steven to notice.” Sami snidely replied. Caitlyn could barely catch her breath. She completely disagreed with Sami dating Adam. Sami turned away and began thumbing through the dresses again. Caitlyn then confronted Sami,
“For real?” Caitlyn grabbed Sami’s arm, turned her around and looked at her directly in the eye, “You have got to be kidding me Sami? After everything you know from my previous relationship with him; everything I’ve told you about him. He can be very hostile and condescending Sami. You should not trust him. I really don’t believe you!”
“Well, believe it Cait. I’m sorry, he asked me to the dance, and I said yes. I don’t find him to be as bad of a person as you’ve made him out to be. Besides, people change, maybe he’s changed?” Sami replied, and shrugged her shoulder.
Caitlyn was very displeased with Sami and replied in a tone of sarcasm, “Yeah, right. Well, it’s your funeral,” she shook her head and walked away delving into a rack of dresses off in another section of the store. They spent the remainder of the day relatively distant from each other; only making small talk. Caitlyn was so disappointed with Sami. She also felt a bit to blame because she had been spending all of her time with Steven. She wondered if this was some scheme made up by Adam; or even Sami. Ultimately, she felt they both had it in for her, so she decided they both probably intentionally or unintentionally joined forces in spite of her. She shivered and shook her head in discontent. She felt like her friendship with Sami was on the brink, alongside her previous friendships with Adam and Jason. Caitlyn felt as an outsider these days around her classmates in general now that she was with Steven.
When they arrived back in Grand Haven Caitlyn dropped Sami off at her house, and then headed down to the pier. It was getting pretty late, but she was upset about the notion of Sami and Adam. She wasn’t quite sure why it bothered her so much, but she knew that nothing good could come of it. The waters were pretty calm for Septembers end. She was relieved because she really needed some time to sit and think in her favorite place. As she turned the corner to the front side of the lighthouse, there was Steven. She was happily surprised and rushed to greet him, throwing her arms around his neck and then settling in to hold him close. She exhaled, “My refuge, my darling Steven!”
“Well hello my beauty!” Steven replied back with a big grin on his face. “Did you find the perfect dress? I’ve thought of you all day.”
Caitlyn replied, “Yes, but I really don’t want to talk about it. I just want to sit here with you if that’s okay. Just, sit here and take in the day’s final sunlight?”“Of course, of course baby.” He wrapped his arms around her and held her close to his chest as they sat and watched the final September sunset.
Caitlyn rested her head on his shoulder and relished in her thoughts, “He has the smile I fell in love with and the arms I want to be held in forever.” It had been an amazing month for them both. They were right where the wanted to be; together.
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