Chapter Eight – Unwelcomed Home

Jason returned from up north with his family in late August. He called up Caitlyn, “Hey girl, what up? Did ya have a good summer? My summer went pretty fast. I am really looking forward to seeing you!”

Caitlyn replied with a tone of awkwardness in her voice, “Hey Jason. It’s been a good summer. There is a lot to tell you about..." she paused and took a deep breath, "Jason, we should talk... are you free for lunch tomorrow?”

Jason replied a bit irritated,“Yeah, sure. I’ll swing by and pick you up around noon? Sound good?” Jason was now growing concerned. The tone in Caitlyn’s voice wasn’t the cheery welcome he was hoping to hear after a long summer up north with his family. He was very excited to get back to see Caitlyn and hopefully pick up where they left off the previous spring. He thought about her all summer and was very anxious to see her again.

The next day they went to lunch at the Kirby House K2 downtown Grand Haven. They sat down and ordered pizza outside on the veranda overlooking the Grand River and Grand Haven Lighthouse. The town was quieting down and visitors were much more scarce now. It was a relaxing and beautiful view. Jason was so happy to see Caitlyn, “So, you ready for this senior year? We’ve got a lot of things to catch up on. So, what's up, what did you do this summer?” He threw questions at Caitlyn with a sence of nervousness behind each one.

“My summer was really busy Jason. I actually was awarded Miss Coast Guard USA and did a lot of work with the community. It was really fun and surprisingly rewarding, but required me to participate in a lot of events and activities. I'm glad things are winding down now. How about you?" She asked him back. Her thoughts kept wandering back to Steven. And now, after sitting there talking with Jason, she was certain that there could be no relationship with Jason. She knew that her heart only belonged to Steven. Jason went on to describe his summer and some of the places he visited with his family in northern Michigan. He then began talking about the upcoming football season and their practices that started earlier that week. He moved on to talking about topics such as homecoming and upcoming weekend after football game dances. Caitlyn could barely stand it any longer and abruptly interrupted Jason,

“Jason, I have to tell you something.”

“Okay, what is it Cait?” He replied concerned.

“I’m sorry Jason, but I met someone this summer. His... his name is Steven. We’ve been seeing eachother a lot since meeting at the Coast Guard Festival. I really didn't mean for anything to happen or come between us this summer... and didn’t want to intentionally hurt you. Really, I wasn’t looking for a romance this summer. I was happy about the thought of us getting together this fall, but, then, well... it just, sort of happened. And, I'm pretty serious about him. I am sorry.”

“Well, I cannot pretend that I’m not disappointed. I thought about you all summer. I knew it was a risk… leaving here… and you. But, I was just really hoping we could pick back up where things left off. I thought we had something pretty good? We did!" He looked at Caitlyn intently. Caitlyn, a bit surprised settled down and looked at him caringly, tilted her head to the side, turned down the corner of her mouth and shrugged her shoulders slightly.

“Well, I am sorry also, Cait!” Jason shouted out in a harsh tone. He shrugged his shoulders, frowned, creased his brow and disappointedly sat abruptly back in his chair with his arms crossed. Caitlyn was a bit taken back by his temperament and actions. He was abrupt and seemed a great deal more disturbing than she had ever witnessed him behave before. It was a very unsettling feeling for her. She stood up and asked that Jason take her home immediately.

Chapter Seven – Mid-summer’s Dream

The Coast Guard Festival always marks a very bittersweet time of year for the residents of Grand Haven and the surrounding beach towns. It is a time of celebration at the height of summer that gives way to August and the onset of the fall school year. The festival is held the last week of July/first week of August every year. Once the festival is over the town’s mindset changes. It is a time to think of going back to school, preparing for fall sports. The town quiets and the tourists pack and taper away. The summertime decorations and rides get torn down, and the locals reclaim our little town once again. Caitlyn reflects on the past two weeks and how much this year has meant to her as she actively participated in many of the major events. She felt a sense of pride for this town, and pride for the country as a member of the community, the home of the Coast Guard Capital of the United States.

To celebrate the end of the Coast Guard Festival and end of summer, Adam planned a party inviting Caitlyn and their primary circle of friends. Caitlyn and Sami headed over to Adam’s for the Coast Guard end of season bash. As they walk along the street sidewalks, she thinks about the awesome date she had the night before with Steven. She wished he could be there tonight to hang out with her and her friends, but she didn’t know if it would be to soon to begin introducing him to the group. She didn’t want to scare him off or have him think she is some type of psycho clingy and needy girlfriend of sorts. Once she and Sami arrive at Adam’s, she hesitantly stalls and baulks at the idea the idea of going into his house. She hasn’t talked to Adam very much since she went on a few dates with Jason at the end of the school year, and she doesn’t want to get into a quarreling discussion with Adam as often happens on so many of their encounters.

Adam comes to the door and greets Caitlyn and Sami. He appears to be in good spirits, and she thinks to herself, “Maybe this won’t be as uncomfortable as I’d imagined.”

She mingled through the crowd and went out to onto the patio for some air. She was barely outside for a minute when she turned around and noticed him heading toward her. “Great, there he is, right on schedule…” she thought to herself. Of course Adam walked right up to her and asked her to sit down on the deck. “Adam,” she said, “I’m sorry if I hurt you when I started dating Jason, I know we have not talked about it, but I really am not in the mood to discuss it now… not tonight.” Adam interrupted her, “No Caitlyn, I’m sorry for being a jealous jerk. You know I still, and always will care so much about you. It was just so strange to see you move on, especially with Jason… You know, with him being one of my good friends and all. We all hung out together, it’s weird when friends are involved. I was just pissed off. It’ll all work out.” He said in a reassuring voice.

“Wow,” Caitlyn thought, “Is this the same guy that almost started world war three last spring when Jason took me to prom?” She recalled a moment at the prom late that evening after the guys went on there drinking excursion. Adam caused a huge scene at the dance, he was kicked out of the hall. It was insane. She then looked at Adam and let out a sigh of relief. She thought to her self, “Well, finally, maybe this is Adam trying to move on… maybe he is really moving on and away from me?” Then she quickly changed thoughts, “But, then again, maybe he is up to something?” Either way, she was grateful to hear him talking this way, and see him in a good mood. She felt a little bit better about the situation. At least Adam appears to be making some type of attempt to move beyond the past, even if there was still a tone of cynicism to his voice.

Caitlyn, feeling more at ease now, stood up and said, “Hey, I’m going in to get something to drink.”

Adam shouted out and asked, “Hey, can you get me one too?”

“Yeah, sure” she said as she left him on the patio and headed into the house. “Darn it,” she muffled under her breath, “I thought I was going to luck out and get away…not that easily I guess.” She returned to the deck with two drinks. There he was! It was Steven standing right in front of her, right beside Adam! Shocked, Caitlyn gasped and blurted out, “Hi” at Steven, eyes fixed on each other instantly and intently. “Here” she shoved one of the drinks toward Adam, “And for you?” She gave Steven the drink she had gone inside to get for herself. “So, wow, this, ok…how is it that you’re here? …at Adam’s?…here? … on Adam’s porch… hughhhh…”

Steven smiled, he looked so beautiful. He glanced over toward Adam. Adam stepped forward and put his arm around Steven. “Steven is my bud! We go way back! Stevie, here and I grew up together! Hell, we’re practically brothers. We’ve been best friends from way back in grade school. Then he up and moved to Ludington a few years back… I haven’t seen him until we bumped into each other down at the fest. He left Grand Haven behind in the dust…left the football team hanging in mid-air. Yeah man,” Adam patted Steven on the back again and smirked, “My man Stevie here is the shit.”

“Unbelievable,” she thought. Adam was acting like a real jerk, clinging onto Steven and treating him like his pet pal! Buddy… right… icky! I would have never have thought… not in a million years.” She felt completely frazzled. Adam stumbled back into the house saying, “Yeah man, I’d do anything for that guy, he’s like my bro. We go way back, quite some memories.”

“Hey,” Steven leaned in toward Caitlyn and gently placed his arm around her shoulders, “Let’s get out of here? You want to?”

“Yes!” I said without hesitation. I had to break away. Seeing Adam was just too much for to handle right now!

“Caitlyn,” Steven said softly, as the two of them headed toward the beach, “Appears, you and Adam may have had a past? You were acting a little strange back there.”

“Yeah, it’s really no big deal. There is no relationship or anything.” She said.

“Good to know.” Steven said back, “You know, it’s weird, I haven’t been in contact with Adam in a long time. We started growing apart in Jr. High School, that’s when I first realized that we were going in two different directions… taking two very different paths. My priorities changed, and I guess in the long run, it’s turned out to be a good thing that my parents moved to Ludington. Who knows the kind of trouble I would have been in with Adam around! I do really love the guy thought, we did grow up together, and I’d do anything for him.”

Caitlyn could see now how she could be attracted to them both at different times and spaces in her life. They were both kind in their own way, they had a familiar upbringing, and they were both unbelievable cute. She and Steven held hands and walked to the beach. They sat on the sand and spent the entire night talking to each other in the darkness under the occasional ray of light projecting from the Grand Haven Lighthouse. Caitlyn thought to herself, “I’ve never known a more perfect time in my life up till this moment, a more perfect setting, or a more perfect person to share this kind of moment with.” She fell in love with Steven that night. “It’s as if I’ve known him my entire life, and I just want to keep knowing and sharing more. I want to know every little detail about him!” She almost began to tear up just thinking about it all sitting there in the beach sand listening to his welcoming voice. It was all taking her by such shocking surprise; like something right out of a dream.

The weather was unbelievable beautiful, hot but not humid and a soft warm breeze reflected off the small waves of Lake Michigan. Steven started a bonfire and they sat there and continued talking. They cuddled close to one another as the night progressed. The light of the fire reflected beautifully from Steven’s face, reflecting off his brilliant blue eyes. It was so comfortable Caitlyn thought, so natural and safe sitting by the fire with Steven as the lighthouse illuminated the dark sky around them. They talked until both of their eyes grew heavy and dosed off next to the warm flames.

They awoke facing each other intermingled in the sand. Caitlyn opened her eyes as Steven opened his. She whispered, “I am so happy Steven, being here with you. I thought it might have all been a dream, and now, when I open my eyes to see you, I realize it isn’t a dream… you are here with me… I think you might be my real-life prince charming!” She giggled.

Steven wrapped his arms around her tightly and brought her in as close to his chest as possible. He breathed her in and held her that way for a few seconds before telling her, “You are so beautiful Caitlyn. I don’t want to wake up from this dream either.” He smiled at her, leaned in and kissed her with a simple, sweet, soft kiss, “Good morning.”

Caitlyn, terrified and excited at the same time, thought, “Two for two, he is on a role. His kiss is so wonderful. He completely has me… all of me… he owns my heart. I am so toast!”

Chapter Six – Casual Date

Caitlyn headed home following the memorial salute and drill ceremony. She felt exhausted with all of the day’s activities, and was especially tired of being in the long gown she was wearing. She changed into a pair of blue jeans and a white t-shirt, pulled her long beautiful blond hair back into a ponytail and dropped like a sack of potatoes onto her bed. She began dosing off to the twirling Cinderella thoughts of the handsome coast guardsman. “Sweet dreams beautiful man…” she whispered as she fell fast asleep.

The next morning she milled around the house. Not having many tasks to complete that day, she felt a sigh of relief. Sami called her on the phone, “Hey girl, what do you want to do today now that most of your Coast Guard pageant tasks are finally dwindling down?”

“Well, I don’t know, really…wait! Actually, there is one thing I’d like to do with this being the last day of the festival and all. I haven’t had a chance to go down and check out the Coast Guard Cutter boats on display. I really would like to go and take in the boat tours, you know, see how the Coast Guard officers live during their time out on the water…”

“Oh no, you’re really taking this Coast Guard stuff a bit serious now… maybe a bit to far… aren’t you?” Sami teased. “But seriously, that sounds pretty cool, I’ll pick you up in an hour. Well catch lunch at Snug Harbor afterward.”

“Perfect.” Caitlyn said as she hurried to find a great summer outfit for the beach and boardwalk. She felt relieved that she can finally get out to the festival wearing casual clothes again and hang out down town like a normal local. She wanted to look especially great today though… just in case. She figured the odds were high, but in the back of her mind, she couldn’t help but hope she may see that Coast Guard guy again. She smiled and frolicked around her room as she rushed to get ready.

Sami was right on schedule, she picked Caitlyn up and they cruised through town prior to walking down to the Coast Guard Cutters on display. They boarded the Coast Guard Cutter Mackinac. It was cool she thought… the walkways were so narrow, and living quarters were much to be desired, but she found it all very interesting. There were Coast Guardsmen positioned around the ship to help people with tour questions and demonstrate the equipment. Sami and Caitlyn made their way out to the bow of the ship where Caitlyn spotted the ship’s bell. “He, he…” she giggled, “I’ve just got to ring it!” And, as if she couldn’t stop herself, she gave the bell a good tug. The ring echoed down the entire Grand River. All the tourists turned toward the boat’s bow to see what the clang was all about.

“Oh my gosh, I can’t believe that rang out so loud Caitlyn!” Sami laughed.

“Oh no, we’ve got to get off this ship before they kick us off, hurry, let's go Sami!” Caitlyn felt a bit of embarrassment now. They giggled and tried to make their escape when suddenly, from behind them, they heard a low discerning voice, “Excuse me girls, but do you realize you just tampered with federal property?”

Caitlyn stopped in her tracks filled with panic, she slowly turned around to address the officer and offer her apologies. She turned and saw that smile. “Oh my, it’s you! wow…I…” she stuttered. He stopped her there,

“Hi, I’m Steven,” he held out his hand, “Are you both having a good time today?”

“Oh yeah, this is amazing... this ship. I’m Caitlyn and this is my friend Sami.” Caitlyn began talking excitedly at Steven. “Have you been stationed on this ship at all?” Caitlyn couldn’t contain herself, she wanted to say something, anything that would keep him talking to her.

“No not yet, but this fall I will be stationed out east for three months.” Steven replied, not taking his eyes off of her the entire time.

“Oh, that’s a long time on the water.” She felt herself growing increasingly embarrassed. “Well we probably should be getting on our way,” she haphazardly muttered. Steven wasn’t about to let her get away that easy – not this time!

“No,” he yelped, “I mean… would you like to grab lunch or something? I should be finished here in just under an hour.”

Sami, watching all of this in disbelief, piped up and said, “Of course she would!” She shot a glance toward Caitlyn in her "as if" signal. Sami thought that if Caitlyn did not agree to have lunch with this gorgeous guy than she must be totally crazed in the head. After all, Jason had been out of the picture well over a month now, with no phone calls, and this guy, whoa! “There is just something about a guy in a uniform.” Sami giggled to herself.

“Ok, sure, I’ll meet you in town outside Snug Harbor?” Caitlyn suggested as she and Sami exited the ship.

Sami was awe struck, “Who was that chicken of the sea? Oh my gosh, he is gorgeous!”

“He seems just so nice doesn’t he? I saw him yesterday after the parade, I didn’t talk with him much. I’ve never seen him around here before. He’s just so cute!” Caitlyn squeaked and hopped a bit as they walked back into town with a permanent grin on her face.

“Sweet, looks like this summer is taking a nice turn for you after all?” Sami replied.

“I sure hope it does, so far I’m in a complete whirlwind.” Caitlyn echoed with joy. She turned back for another glance at the ship, there he was at the top, he was scanning the area, making sure all was in order. Dressed in his summer bravos, he was the vision of perfection, a true Coast Guardsman.

Caitlyn sat outside Snug Harbor on the patio with Sami while they waited for Steven to arrive for lunch. Right on schedule he walked up to her and held his hand out for her to help her stand up. Sami perked up, “Oh, look at the time, I’m missing out on the best sun rays of the day, I got to go. You’ll be ok Caitlyn?” She nodded her head up and down and started to back away.

Caitlyn replied, “I’ll be just fine.” Caitlyn lived only a few blocks away so she wasn’t hugely concerned about being left there alone with Steven. In fact, she was elated to finally have some time to really sit down and talk with him. She felt weak as he gently touched the small of her back and led her to a table on the edge of the patio. His touch sent shivers down her spine, she could feel the energy between them, and thought to herself, “I can’t believe how amazing this is, I am so completely moved by him.”

They sat together overlooking the mouth of the Grand River, the pier and the Grand Haven Lighthouse. It was a gorgeous day, the sun shinning beautifully on the water reflecting joy in her face as she shared moments of silence looking into Steven’s eyes. When they finished lunch, they walked down the pier to Sweet Temptations for homemade ice cream, talking the entire time. Following ice cream, they sat along the boardwalk and talked the entire afternoon away. Evening began to set in to they headed to the giant ferris-wheel that marks the main street carnival rides. They watched fireworks light the sky as the Coast Guard Festival came to a finale. “Wow,” Caitlyn sighed. “This is just perfect.” She smiled at Steven.

Steven walked her home to her house. He naturally took her hand into his and gently held it as they strolled along the sidewalk and walked up the steps of the porch to Caitlyn’s front door. Steven turned toward her, hand in hand still, and with the other hand, he wisps her hair back gently, to see her entire beautiful face, leans in and kisses her softly, “Goodnight Caitlyn, this has been a great day with you.”

She about falls down there on the porch she feels so week in her knees. And with a kiss, leaving her breathless, she watches as he strolls off into the darkness down the street.

He thinks to himself, "There is no way I am going to let her out of my sight ever again." He glanced back once more, turned and picked up the pace to head back to the Coast Guard barracks. Once there he looked up to the sky and shouted out, “Perfect.”

Chapter Five - Memorial's Salute

That afternoon following the parade and daily activities, Caitlyn arrived at the Coast Guard Drill Formal Salute and Tribute where the Coast Guard Officers presented a gun salute and drill marching ceremony to honor the fallen members of the service. Steven was an active participant in the drill applicably dressed in his full bravos trops uniform. This was his first public event and he was extremely nervous. Midway thought the service, he glanced over toward the cutters on display. Much to his surprise there she stood; it was Caitlyn. He swallowed deep. “Wow,” he thought, “I can’t believe how absolutely beautiful she is. I can hardly breathe just looking at her.”

Then, as if she could read is thoughts, she glanced right at him and their eyes met in locked stance once again. She looked away as her face turned red and the thump in her heart beamed through the smile on her face, she couldn’t hide her feelings at this point. He looked over her way and found her again unexpectedly looking right back at him. The last salute fired, and he missed a step. “Oh brother,” he thought and cursed himself, “I hope my superior did not catch that… I can’t believe I goofed up in front of her!” His face turned as red as fire. He was embarrassed. He turned her way again, she was still looking at him. She batted her eyes and shyly dropped her head, then looked back up at him in a locked gaze.

Caitlyn thought to herself, “I can’t take my eyes off of him…he’s stunning. How can I feel this way? What am I thinking? What about Jason? I feel so mean. What about Jason? Oh, who cares about Jason now!” she whispered aloud under her breath with a giggle and bit the side of her cheek. “I’ve just got to know who he is…he…is…perfect…" her mind wanders…

Concluding the ceremony, Steven marched off with the guard, enduring a ten second halt sequence which feels like a lifetime to him. Then, when they receive their dismissal, he turns around in circles, and quickly traces his steps back to the cutter display in hopes of seeing her again. Restless, he twirls around feverously, desperate to find her. Without luck, she is gone, she’s not there. He closes his eyes, lowers his head, and says a prayer under his breath hoping for another chance to see her again, just another chance to be in her presence. The crowd disperses and the patrons walk off in different directions as Steven stands there alone in the center of the USCG memorial.

Chapter Four - Crowning Moment

Caitlyn was bummed out over the news of Jason leaving for the summer. She sat on her bed writing Jason’s name over and over on the newspaper as she browsed the help wanted ads looking for a part-time summer job. Sami, Caitlyn’s good friend since the fifth grade propped herself up on her stomach as she swirled her feet in the air thumbing through Caitlyn’s yearbook on the floor.

Sami was a gossip-girl. She enjoyed stirring up trouble and being a social butterfly. She and Caitlyn grew up together in the same neighborhood just a few blocks apart. They were very close friends over the years and were both very popular in school. Sami was quite opposite of Caitlyn but they balanced each other out. She had a wild streak and loved to coerce Caitlyn into risky business at any chance.

Sami poignantly read through all of Caitlyn’s personal yearbook salutations, good wishes and notes. Growing bored of the glowing remarks for Caitlyn, she abruptly closed the yearbook with a thump, and quickly jumped up onto the end of the bed, grabbing the newspaper from Caitlyn’s hands, browsing over it vigilantly, blurting out, “Oh, enough job searching, let me see that paper! You’ll certainly find something to keep yourself occupied this summer…but, why a job? Why not just find you a hobby or something? Let me take a look here... oh, I love the funnies!” Sami giggled and naturally began a deeper browse of the paper’s calendar of events section.

“Hey, how about this!” She shouted out loud. “The Coast Guard is having the Miss Coast Guard Pagent this month! That might be fun!”

“Oh brother, Sami, I don’t know about that.” Caitlyn sighed. She wished Jason was still in town. “It’s the summer of our senior year! This is supposed to be one of the best summers of our lives, filled with fun times, parties, boyfriends, you know!”

“Look here,” Sami changed the subject again, “Scholarship money and a wardrobe allowance! This sounds like my kind of hobby. We’ve got to sign up Caitlyn, it’ll be fun. Imagine the elegant dresses you could get for the pageant! Like red carpet dresses. How celebrity posh!” She teased.

Caitlyn started to see the prospect as having some merit. She thought, I suppose it would be a good way to put to use all of those piano lessons… and, it would at least make my parents proud and happy to see me perform the piano again? And, I suppose scholarship money would be nice for both college and resume credit… hmmm…”

“Yes Cait!!! Oh goody!!! I can’t wait to go shopping for our outfits! Please don’t say no… please, please, please!!!” Sami always provided a very convincing argument on almost anything she wanted others to participate in with her.

“Okay, fine Sami,” Caitlyn hesitantly agreed… but, I’m going to have to practice my butt off this week on the piano for the talent part… but, for you… I’ll do it. Why not? But, this is your idea, and because of that, you’ve got to help me get ready… and there is no if – and – or buts about it… you have to sign up too!!!”

“Alright, can do! Not a problem!” Sami laughed and immediately began planning, “Step one, let’s go shopping! This will be fun!”

“Thanks Sami, you’re right, this will be fun.” Caitlyn smiled at her friend. She dubiously picked herself up off the bed and grabbed her purse, “Ready or not, let’s cruise girl that Coast Guard boat isn’t going to dock forever!”

Caitlyn graciously accepted the honor of being awarded the title of Miss Coast Guard U.S.A. She enjoyed the pageant experience, but now came the hard part. For a month she and Sami worked on interviewing, walking, performances and finding the perfect outfits for the pageant, but now after achieving the title, it was show time. She had a schedule a mile long for the next two weeks of activities she was responsible of attending at the national annual U.S. Coast Guard Festival. Appearances, dinner invitations, tours, performances, you name it… she was invited and expected to be a participant at them all. She was nervous about all of these requirements at first, but by the end of the week, she could not believe how fast the time flew by and how much fun she was actually having. The Coast Guard Festival’s events all proved to be a real joy and blessing for Caitlyn. Beside taking her mind off Jason; she was glad for the opportunity to meet so many people in the community, reunite with friends and families and meet others visiting from all around the country. The young girls, smiled and pointed at her as she passed by, often whispering to each other, “Look at her, she’s a princess!” followed with giggles and sweet laughter. Caitlyn was glad that she could bring a smile to peoples’ faces.

One of the highlight activities of the festival included the famous Coast Guard Parade. It was a two hour long parade filled with floats, Coast Guardsmen, Politicians, clowns and candy. As the Miss Coast Guard Festival float pulled into the finishing parking lot as the finale float of the Coast Guard Festival Parade, Caitlyn stepped down and made an immediate dash for the closest lemonade stand. She was parched, and was getting dizzy after sitting long hours in the heat of the afternoon sun. She immediately stepped up to the lemonade stand window and ordered up an extra large lemonade to go. Then in a panic, she realized she did not have any money with her. “Opps,” she shyly whispered and gave the clerk a squeamish shrug, “Sorry, I didn’t…” She smiled smugly and began to turn away in embarrassment.

“No worries,” someone said abruptly from behind, “I’ll get that! And I’ll have one too please.” It was Steven standing handsomely tall and formal in his Coast Guard Uniform.

Caitlyn turned around and was immediately taken back. He glowed in the sunlight. She’d never seen someone so beautiful. Then he smiled at her, and she was toast! She thought, “Oh my gosh! Who is that guy?” She was at a complete loss for words. For a moment she stopped breathing. “Oh my, perhaps it’s just the heat,” she looked away quickly thinking, “What an idiot I must look like to him.” She hesitantly turned back toward him and looked up again. “Hi, my … thank you, yes, thank you for the lemonade…so much...really.” She smiled shyly and sweetly at him.

He chuckled under his breath, “Well, it doesn’t appear as though that dress has many pockets?” She looked down thinking something was wrong with the dress. “Oh no, is it see through?” she thought in panic. Then she looked back up realizing he was making a joke. “Oh, yeah…she smiled at him. Um, I have to go…” she muffled as she starred at him. Their eyes didn’t move a twitch, and in what felt an hour, they smiled again at each other, turned, and parted ways. He looked back around hoping to catch another glimpse of her, but only saw the faint outline of her red dress flowing in the breeze of the crowd. He was smitten. He knew immediately that he had just met the love of his life.

As Caitlyn progressed down the midway back to the float, she recalled the young girls comments from earlier that day, and thought to herself how she now “really” did feel like a princess. And, much to her surprise, she hoped the fairytale wasn’t about to end anytime soon.

Chapter Three - United States Coast Guard Legacy

Adorned with shades of sandy blond hair and beautifully tan skin, Steven easily captured the attention of all the young ladies in town. An all-American-boy – he was genuine, loving and grounded. He recently graduated his senior year of high school and was looking forward to beginning a career in the United States Coast Guard.

The Unites States Coast Guard has always been displayed in grand style in Grand Haven. Grand Haven is only one official "Coast Guard City USA." Every summer, Grand Haven is home to the annual festival for the United States Coast Guard, and is the home of the Coast Guard's National Memorial Service that honors fallen members of the service. The unit is located along the boardwalk of the Grand River harboring the Grand Haven Light, one of the most photographed lighthouses in the nation. The Station was founded in 1932 and maintains a special bond with the community ever since. Steven was very proud to be entering such a renowned and highly exonerated core as a serviceman to the United States Coast Guard.

A Coast Guard legacy, he was the fourth generation of Coast Guardsmen in his family. He grew up in Grand Haven and lived there until two years ago when his parents moved to Ludington, Michigan located approximately an hour north. He was an only child, and the apple of his family’s eye. Deciding to become a Coast Guardsmen gave his family so much pride and happiness. Steven was always there for them and others. Known and referenced as a loyal friend, and caring son — a beautify soul. In May he relocated to Grand Haven to begin his Coast Guard training. He was really looking forward to it, he loved the water and he was determined to make both his family and his country proud. He smiled as he stepped out of the car and walked up the entrance to the Coast Guard quarters. High above him flew old glory and off in the distance atop Dewey Hill sand dune waved another welcoming him home.

Chapter Two - Summer Break

Caitlyn met Adam, her first teenage boyfriend, the first day of high school her freshman year. She was completely lost and turning circles in the unfamiliar senior high school hallways trying to make sense of the new school facility and figure out where she needed to be. Adam was the first on the scene. He offered to help her find her home room class. They immediately clicked. Adam, a popular athlete, charmer and good looking guy, immediately fell head-over heals for Caitlyn. However, over the course of their relationship, his obsessive nature grew to be a real burden on Caitlyn and that previous January she decided the relationship had become too cumbersome to deal with. She called up Adam on a Sunday night late January and broke the news to him as easily as she could.

“Adam, I think we should stop seeing each other. I know this comes unexpected, but I don’t see how our relationship can go any further. It’s not that I don’t care about you, or that I don’t like you, because I do, very much. I love you. You’ve been my best friend for so long. I just don’t… well, it’s like… I just don’t know where we are at this point in this relationship and, to be honest, I don’t want to get any more serious with you… or anyone else for that matter, right now. We are still so young. I’m so sorry Adam. I really hope you can understand where I’m coming from. I do cherish our friendship. I hope you know that. You are such a wonderful person.” Caitlyn politely broke the news to Adam.

Adam was very upset; he could feel the pressure and disappointment building like a volcano erupting inside of him. “I don’t understand,” he abruptly shouted into the phone. “You can’t say that we aren’t heading for something good. You just need to give us a chance. We are not over! We’re only starting to really know each other. I have to have you in my life Caitlyn. Please, don’t break up; just give us more of a chance!”

Caitlyn sighed deep. She knew that her relationship with Adam was only a friendship level now and she was tired of trying to hide this fact. She knew that their relationship had to end, one way or another.

“Adam,” Caitlyn whispered low, “I just can’t be with you anymore. I have to go now.” She hesitantly hung up the phone.

Jason was the new guy at school. He was the son of predominant business owner originating from Gross Pointe Woods in eastern Michigan. He and his family moved to Grand Haven that previous fall. Jason began attending school about a quarter of the way into the football season. Jason was not immediately accepted among the locals despite his attractive looks. He was considered an outsider, and it took him a long time to get acquainted with other students and form friendships. He was an excellent football player and an academic wiz. Most of the students did not like him because of his talents and charisma. He stood out from others because he was referenced as, “one of the lucky ones,” by many of the students. Jason was an all-star football player and accepted as an immediate member of the football team, where he became familiar with some of the guys in school, including Adam. Although he and Adam were rivals and did not immediately become friends, they did have a lot in common and often went to parties and school events together.

When Caitlyn met Jason in early March that year, they were both members of the track team. They attended practices and track meets together. Caitlyn and Jason were both competitors for the high jump and were often seen talking and hanging out together during practice. To others, Jason seemed to be an outcast most of the time. He often kept to himself and had interest in various sports and activities outside the norm such as playing the guitar and kite boarding. Jason and Caitlyn became good friends during the track season. He found Caitlyn to be a truly nice girl, easy to talk to, someone who really took an interest in getting to know others, especially her classmates. Without hesitation, Caitlyn was kind to Jason and they got along very well. Jason knew that she was special; he really appreciated and liked her company and genuine interest in him as a friend and a person.

Ending the close of the track season, and nearing the end of the school year, Jason decided to take a chance and ask Caitlyn to the Junior Prom. She accepted and they went to the prom as good friends with Adam and Caitlyn’s friend Sami. Adam was not keen on Caitlyn and Jason’s friendship, but he tolerated it. After all, he was still friends with Caitlyn and prior to being Jason’s prom date, they all hung around together in the same circle of friends. Adam’s acquaintance with Jason grew to be a good friendship, despite Jason’s interest in Caitlyn.

In May following the prom, Caitlyn and Jason began seeing each other more frequently. Their relationship was blossoming. Both of them were very happy to spend time together getting to know each other more personally. They had a lot in common. Jason had come to really rely on Caitlyn for her friendship and companionship. She’d become a real friend and he knew he could count on her.

He planned a nice dinner for Caitlyn the following the last week of school to welcome in summer break. It was a very romantic night. They sat outside on the patio at Jason’s house. As they were eating dinner, Jason grew very nervous and leaned into the table toward Caitlyn, “I’m really glad we’ve become so close. I think you are one of the most interesting and beautiful people I’ve ever known. I want you to know that I’m… that I care about you… a lot.”

Caitlyn grew a little weary. She wondered what he was getting at. After all, they had officially only been casually dating for the past month. Either way, she perked up because she really liked him and she trusted him, so she listened intently to hear what he had to say.

“Caitlyn, my family owns a place up north in Traverse City. We’ll be heading up there for the summer… we’re leaving on Monday… I’m really going to miss you. I don’t want you to feel as though our friendship is over. I most definitely want you know that I really like you… and I hope we can continue to see each other when I get back from the summer break. I just wanted to let you know this, and I wasn’t really sure how to say it… I’m sorry that I didn’t say something sooner.”

Caitlyn was disappointed. She leaned back in her chair and took a deep breath. She was looking forward to the summer and spending some fun times with Jason on the beach with all of their friends. She was really happy with him, and would definitely like to keep seeing him when he returns in September. She shook her and told him she understood. Then, with deep a sigh, Jason reached out and held Caitlyn’s hand over the table and looked into her eyes with a sweet, but disappointed glance. He walked her home that evening, and with a sweet kiss goodnight, he turned away, waved and headed home. The summer had only begun.