Him

Chapter 24: I Like You = I'm Sorry

Cait's POV

It was almost time to meet them both and I was feeling very anxious. I couldn't stop thinking about what was going to happen after the meeting. Not only was I rejecting one of them, but I was betraying both of them. I felt sick to my stomach, I was starting to feel nauseous and dizzy. I had been putting this plan off way too long. I knew I couldn't make excuses and had to get it over with. This isn't even the hardest part... I think. It was 8:30 and the park was around 5 minutes from my house. I grabbed my phone, a jacket and headed out. I decided to walk to the park just because I didn't feel like driving in this state. Since driving to the park was 5 minutes, walking there would take around 10 minutes more, yet I still decided to walk just a tad slower.

My head kept spinning with all these thoughts about how this whole drama would end. I was scared. Scared of what my relationship with Barry and Dylan would end like. Are they going to hate me? Will they leave me? Without even realizing it, I had arrived and there they were. Waiting next to the swings. I walked towards them and they watched me as I slowly approached them. I stopped a few feet away from them and I stared at the ground for a quick minute until I decided to make eye contact.

"I told you guys to come here because..." I paused and took a deep breath. "I have thought about my relationship with both of you. I just want you to both know that I never wanted to hurt either of you and I hope you understand my decision"... my decision to use one of you and hurt both of you. I'm sorry. "I like... Barry," I say and looked up at a hurt Dylan. "But, I would be lying to myself if I said I didn't feel anything for you Dylan."

They both looked confused as was I. "I don't understand. You came here to tell us, you like both of us?" Dylan states.

"Umm, sort of, I mean yes. The truth is, I have feelings for both of you. I-I think I started to feel something for Barry at the beginning when I first met him, but I didn't think much of it. Then as I started to get to know you more, Dylan, I started to feel something for you," I explain. "I know this wasn't what you wanted to hear, but it's what I wanted to tell you."

"So, what are we supposed to do? You can't date both of us, you're gonna have to choose, Cait" Dylan says. Barry stayed silent this whole time. He was lost in his thoughts, sitting on the swing.

"Are you okay?" I asked Barry. He didn't respond. I walked closer and sat on the swing next to his. "I know what you're thinking, she's out of her mind, how can she like both of us, she's messing with us, I get it. But it's how I feel and I can't help it. I also don't know what I'm supposed to do next. I mean, I don't know who I should be with, I-I can't choose, but I also can't take more time on this. This...this all too much for me." I started ranting and didn't even notice Dylan on a swing next to me.

"I understand. I'm not judging you. I know this has taken a toll on you, I noticed that during these past weeks. I'm sorry for that. But you're right, I...we can't wait anymore. I don't want to be the bad guy here, but you're gonna have to choose. I'd prefer you'd do it right now. You've had time for that and you must've had time to think about this. So who will it be Cait, Dylan, or me?" Barry says.

"You're right. The truth is I might have someone in mind, but the thought of hurting one of you, makes me feel sick. I care about you both, but you're right. I can't put this off any longer. So...I choose..."

An hour had passed and I was sitting in his car. My fingers intertwined with his. If I wasn't using him to get information, I would feel happy at this moment, but I don't. I feel the exact opposite. As I felt the warmth of his hand on mine, I felt sick to my stomach. I turned my head to look at him. A hint of sadness showed, I'd assume for his brother, but I could see he was happy as well... happy to be with me. if only he knew I was going to betray him.

~*~
Hey, hey,

long time no see...

who do you think she chose?

-Mari 💜