Not wanting to face her co-workers' questions and pity looks, Caitlin remained in bed. As the day dragged she second-guessed her choice. "At least I would have had something to do. Now I have nothing but painful memories. Augh!"
She sat in silence staring at the trunk, amazed it survived the fire. The ringing phone startled her. What more did this person want from her? All she had left to give was her life. When Jen's voice sounded on the answering machine, Caitlin picked up the phone. "Hello."
"Why are you in Richmond?" Jen asked. "I'm coming over." The minute Jen came through the door, she said, "What happened? You and Garrett had it all, and now you're throwing it away. Are you crazy?"
"They lied to me. Even Mrs. Carrington has secrets. Why did she and Scott tell me to forget the past? Are you in on it?"
"What are you talking about?"
"Mrs. Carrington looked like a ghost when I asked about the past. Something happened and I know it's related to Scott's reason for coming to town, but no one discusses it. So he didn't fulfill his mission, but someone wants something from me." Caitlin sank onto the couch with a heavy sigh. "Everyone sees me as Marshall Chadwick's granddaughter. It's a curse, I tell you. I love my grandparents dearly, but it's time people see me as Caitlin, especially Garrett. He treats me like a young girl. What, we'll hold hands for the rest of our lives and our kisses will be sweet? No, thank you. I'm thirty-years old and a woman. It's time I'm treated as such. Or is it an impossible dream?"
Jen stared at her, half-smiling and then laughed. "Hallelujah. My friend is back. It's about time you decide what you want and go for it. Now, tell Garrett about your dream."
Caitlin gulped as her face lost all color. "Right." Words easily spoken in a fit of rage to your best friend, but not to the only man you ever loved. "I tried, but he wants none of it."
"Cait, are you happy here? Don't lie. I see the misery in your eyes. It's time you go home."
"I don't have a home."
"You don't have a shelter most people call home. You have the land and plan to build a successful ranch. Get started. Meanwhile rent a room from Jake, patch things up with Mrs. Carrington and stay at her place. Go back to Valley View, where you belong."