Weird
673 Words
Caitlin sat on her bed, holding a bowl of ice cream.
With every spoon, she argued with herself.
“I should go… I should not go… I should go… I should not go…”
Spoon after spoon.
The debate continued.
Finally, the bowl was almost empty.
She paused.
“I should not go.”
She scraped the last bit of ice cream, took a half spoon, and whispered—
“I should go.”
She sighed.
Truth was—
She had already decided.
She just needed confirmation.
---
She remembered what Raffelo had said on the call—
“Wear that red backless dress…”
Her eyes slowly shifted toward her wardrobe.
And there it was.
The same dress.
Hanging there.
Waiting.
Her breath caught.
CAITLIN (softly)
“Even destiny wants me to go…”
---
She got ready.
The red dress fit her perfectly, hugging her curves with effortless elegance. She applied bold red lipstick, winged eyeliner, and styled her hair neatly.
Black wedge sandals completed the look.
She looked at herself in the mirror.
Confident.
Beautiful.
Uncertain.
---
She booked an Uber and reached the location right on time.
Barcelona Bar.
But—
It was dark.
Too quiet.
Something felt… off.
She stepped forward cautiously.
In the dim light, she saw shadows.
A man.
A woman.
Standing close.
Her heart tightened.
She walked closer, calling out—
CAITLIN
“Don’t trust him… he’s not who you think he is. He doesn’t value anyone.”
She reached out and tapped the girl’s shoulder—
But—
It felt strange.
Hard.
Still.
Not human.
She stepped back.
Confused.
---
Laughter broke the silence.
Raffelo.
RAFFELO (laughing)
“Oh God…”
Caitlin stared at him.
CAITLIN
“What is all this?”
RAFFELO
“It’s an act. I planned everything.”
Her expression changed.
CAITLIN
“Why?”
Raffelo stepped closer, pulling her gently toward him.
They stood inches apart.
He held her face carefully.
RAFFELO (softly)
“Because I wanted to tell you… I like you.”
Caitlin didn’t react immediately.
CAITLIN
“And what do you expect me to say?”
RAFFELO
“You like me too. That’s why you came.”
She looked away.
CAITLIN
“If you had just answered my call… I would have been happier.”
RAFFELO
My phone was dead. But that doesn’t matter. I’m here now… trying to be honest with you, and you’re still holding back.
CAITLIN
I’m not holding back.
She turned to leave—
But he caught her hand.
RAFFELO
Then why are you acting like this? Earlier, you wanted this. Now you’re pushing me away.
Caitlin turned back, frustrated.
CAITLIN
Because I don’t understand you!
Her voice trembled.
CAITLIN
One moment you’re kind… the next moment you act like I don’t exist. Sometimes you feel real… and sometimes you feel distant. Tell me—which one is true?
Raffelo didn’t look away this time.
RAFFELO
I’m not denying anything. I am complicated… maybe even difficult. But I’ve never hidden who I am from you.
A pause.
RAFFELO
What I feel for you—it’s real. Even if I don’t always express it the right way.
Caitlin shook her head slightly.
CAITLIN
You always find a way to make things complicated.
Raffelo smirked faintly.
RAFFELO
And what about you? You came here to interrupt a “date.” Is that normal?
CAITLIN
I came to save that girl.
Raffelo stepped closer again, softer this time.
He held her hand gently.
RAFFELO
You can say whatever you want about me… I’ll listen. But one thing won’t change.
He looked into her eyes.
RAFFELO
I care about you.
Silence.
Caitlin’s expression softened.
CAITLIN (quietly)
I don’t want things to get messy. My past is already complicated… I don’t want a complicated future.
A breath.
CAITLIN
But… I like you.
Raffelo smiled—real this time.
He gently kissed her forehead.
RAFFELO (lightly)
I’m starving. Can we eat something first?
Caitlin blinked—
Then laughed softly.
Because somehow—
That was the most him response possible.
- Writer
