Chapter 4

                                    

                                          
It had just past Christmas and recently Caitlin had been considering taking a big step in her Ronnie debacle. It had been something that she had struggled with since she was just a kid but not too long ago she had received some interesting and quite helpful advice from her own personal doctor, Barry. 
                          
It was only a few days ago but it had been stuck in her mind ever since. Especially as it came from him. She knew that he had a lot of experience with matters such as these and she always found him to be very knowledgeable and almost always right. 
                          
She was hanging out at STAR LABS because of a recent metahuman threat and after Cisco had left the room she and Barry had been left alone. After a shortlived conversation about that latest threat, somehow they managed to move on to her love life.
                          
"I honestly don't know what to do, you know. I've loved Ronnie for so long and now he and Iris are together... amongst the betrayal I feel like I have to do something... if I tell him then things between us may never be the same of he doesn't feel the same way... but if he does..." 
                          
"Cait... when Patty and I first met I was just even more closed off and I locked up all of my feelings inside but she taught me to try new things, take risks and do things that I would never do otherwise. She made me try Indian food and even crazy things like sky diving. She lived for adventure. 
                          
But I think that you should take the risk. I know it's scary, believe me I know, but at least if you do this then you can live without regrets and knowing that he had his chance. Honestly Caitlin you are amazing and if he can't see that then you should move on. Don't let him treat you that way. This might finally give you the closure that you need to get over him and find someone who will treat you the way you deserve to be treated," Barry advised heartfully, giving her an assuring smile.
                          
There was something about that advice that had resonated with her. Not only because of the words that he spoke but the fact that it came from him as well. Those particular words of encouragement were what inspired her to do what she was going to do. Though she was terrified for the response she knew that this was the right thing for her to do. 
                          
She owes it to herself to do this and I'd it turns out that he doesn't feel the same way, which is the most likely outcome, then maybe it is time to try and finally move on and meet someone new and get out there. As Barry had said, she deserves better than this and maybe she was finally starting to realise that. She shouldn't let herself wait around for him forever. 
                          
So that's how she ended up in the West house finally alone with Ronnie.  
                          
"Ronnie, there's something I need to talk to you about... something about you and I," she breached nervously. 
                          
"Sure, Caitlin, shoot,"
                          
"Ronnie, I love you,"
                          
"Awww, Caitlin, I love you too,"
                          
"When we were kids I loved you before I even knew what the word love meant..." a confused look made its way onto his face and settled there for a moment. 
                          
"Caitlin... what are you talking about?"
                          
"I love you as more than friends and I know that you are with Iris now but I just needed to tell you. It's been this way for so long and I just thought that getting it in the open was the best thing to do,"
                          
"I'm sorry, Caitlin, but... I love Iris,"
                          
That was pretty much how the conversation ended. After a short silence, Ronnie left to go back to his apartment and shortly after Caitlin went to bed herself. 
                          
Surprisingly she wasn't really that upset. She knew that this would be the answer that she would get but at least this meant that she finally had an answer. Maybe she could finally try to move on. It seemed like such a hard task after such a long time but a part of her was still feeling as if she should hold on just a little longer.