Chapter 0 -- Prologue
Caitlyn hated the holidays. The non-stop parade of capitalism hidden beneath the veneer of giving made her want to hide in bed until January. Coupled with the constant barrage of yuletide singing and merry-making around the neighborhood, Caitlyn wished every year she could escape to a deserted island, preferable where it was warm and sunny. On top of that, she dreaded the obligated trip home to spend Christmas with her family. It wasn't that she didn't love them. She did love her family and loved spending as much time as possible with them. It was just that her family was growing and with her being single, she was the constant talk of discussion among them. That coupled with a new niece or nephew every few years made her cringe at the thought of going home.
"You are coming right sis? You know mom's already making plans and getting the tree ready. She's been hounding me all week to find out about you and if you are bringing a date..." asked her brother Brandon. Caitlyn mentally sighed and braced herself for the million questions she knew was coming.
"No Brandon... there will be no date," she replied. "No, I'm not going to say any more about it. Just tell mom I'll try. Bye." Caitlyn hung up quickly and hoped that Brandon's wife had at least heard part of it and would keep him from calling her back. Holding her breath, she waited. When five minutes had passed without the phone ringing, she sighed in relief. Getting up off the couch, she moved to the bathroom to take a hot bath. Feeling the hot water surround her, she let her mind drift to thoughts of the past.