True Love

Book Series:                Caitlin: The Love Trilogy #3
Title:                            True Love
Publishing Date:         1985
Author:                        Francine Pascal
Publisher:                    Bantam Books, Inc.
Point of View:             Third Person, limited, Caitlin
Chapter Count:           18
Page Count:               199

Chapter 1- Caitlin's first day back at school is ruined. She sighted Jed across the quad but he didn't see her. Luckily she has her new boyfriend, Laurence Baxter, at her side. Tall, dark and handsome with dimples to boot, Laurence is a God-send for the prettiest, most popular girl at Highgate. As if to verify Caitlin's social status, all her best girlfriends come squealing over to say hi. Ginny Brookes is Caitlin's best friend and her roommate for senior year. She is still out of the loop regarding Caitlin's involvement in the terrible accident she inadvertently caused that made Jed break up with her. Caitlin will continue to babysit Ian Foster this year to ease her guilty conscious.

Chapter 2- Caitlin and Laurence go for a ride. Caitlin is not student body president this year which leaves her more free time to spend with friends and babysit Ian. Laurence reports Diana is doing well at her new school and has made many new friends. They race to the end of the pasture but Laurence isn't as sexy on a horse as Jed.
Early next morning, Caitlin surprises Ian at the breakfast table. Ian can't wait to have Caitlin come over and babysit him tomorrow after school. Mrs. Foster wants to pay Caitlin this year but Caitlin refuses to take any money. She wants to do this.

Chapter 3- Caitlin eats lunch and gossips with her friends. The girls want to plan a party. Caitlin gives them a good idea (and for once she didn't steal it from someone else) to hold it outside on the school quad. Later, she works with Ian, making up a game to get him to stop whining and do his leg exercises. Emily comes calling at Caitlin's dorm room that night while Ginny is in the shower so they can talk privately about Jed who has started going with another girl. Seems like all of Caitlin's friends are pushing her to get back together with Jed as it is obvious they are both miserable without the other. Their relationship was written in the stars, you know.

Chapter 4- As the cover picture shows, Caitlin and Laurence stare dreamily into each others eyes on the dance floor while Jed pouts in the distance. The party is a great success. Caitlin and Laurence mingle and while Caitlin is busy advising a group on organizing the senior class picnic, Jed is holding court with two girls. Caitlin frowns seeing how they are practically drooling all over him. She's more hurt than angry and pulls Laurence back out to the dance floor. They leave together. Caitlin lets Laurence kiss her good night and goes inside feeling like the world's biggest heel. As well you should, Caitlin.

Chapter 5- Caitlin has a call on the dorm house phone early next morning and has to go downstairs to take it. It's Grandmother. She's wondering if Dr. Westlake has been trying to contact Caitlin recently because he won't leave her the hell alone, constantly calling to harass her about his paternal custody rights. Caitlin says no but if he does she'll keep repeating what she told him the last time she saw him, that he's not her father and she wants nothing to do with him.
Caitlin and Laurence go for a long Sunday drive in Caitlin's red sports car. They stop in Middleburg (way up in northern Virginia) for hamburgers and get back just as the sun is setting. Next day, Caitlin has to really plead with Ian to do his exercises. She leaves feeling more guilty than ever because her efforts aren't producing the same kind of miraculous results like Diana. Caitlin also frets about not having Jed. 

Chapter 6- Caitlin is studying hard at the library when she runs into Jed who snubs her. Caitlin cries, insisting she's changed but Jed doesn't believe her and exits. Zombie-like, Caitlin gathers her things, leaves the building and finds herself at the stables where she saddles Duster for a long ride in the evening twilight. Not the wild, chaotic ride from the first book but calmer, just enough to ease the pain. Back at the stable, Caitlin cares for her horse, promising him a bag of carrots which she'll purchase from Martinsville tomorrow. This is the first hint we get as to where Highgate is located in the commonwealth of Virginia. Martinsville happens to be in the southern part of the state, near the North Carolina boarder. Narration says it's exactly fifteen minutes away from campus by car.
It is past curfew when Caitlin finally gets back to the dorm and has to get Ginny to sneak her in. It doesn't take much prompting from Ginny to get Caitlin to spill everything: how it was her fault Diana was blamed for Ian's accident and that Jed dumped her when he found out. Ginny understands, encourages her to keep the faith that Jed will forgive her in time and urges her to come clean and tell the Fosters everything. Caitlin knows she's right.

Chapter 7- Turns out Grandmother shows more affection and approval to Ginny than her own granddaughter which is why Caitlin has invited her best friend to Ryan Acres for the weekend. We learn Ginny's father is a diplomat. The girls dress for dinner in Caitlin's bedroom where Caitlin gives Ginny pointers on make-up removal. Dinner conversation centers on college plans. Caitlin wants to attend a school where she can explore her options but Grandmother turns up her nose at all of Caitlin's suggestions. She's been planning Caitlin's future for years. Caitlin hides her anger by sarcastically suggesting Brown. To her surprise, Grandmother approves. Having Ginny there to mediate also helped.

Chapter 8- Next day, Laurence and his parents are here. The three Highgate students go for a ride together and hang out before dressing for dinner where Grandmother continues to annoy Caitlin gushing approval over Laurence's college ambitions, hinting he ought to consider Brown. Caitlin nearly chokes on her prime rib in silent indignation. Her Grandmother's controlling, manipulative behavior is just too much sometimes. 

Chapter 9- Monday, Caitlin takes Ian to see Duster at the school stables. Unbeknownst to her, Jed is following them, eavesdropping on the conversation. What he hears is troubling. Caitlin is so genuine in her concern for the boy. At Ian's request, she puts him in the saddle and mounts behind him. Ian has never been on a horse before and he loves it. Caitlin discovers the exercise is good for his legs. Jed turns away in a huff and Caitlin never sees him. Back in his dorm room, Jed re-reads Diana's latest letter, begging Jed (again) to forgive Caitlin and take her back but Jed can't do it.

Chapter 10- Caitlin is shopping alone when she runs into Gordon Westlake who is with a woman. He introduces Caitlin as "his daughter" and it's really creepy; like he purposely stalked Caitlin to this drugstore in Martinsville to pressure her into accepting him as her biological father. Caitlin spits in his face and practically runs out of the store.
It's raining the next afternoon so Caitlin can't take Ian out. As they work on his leg exercises, Ian comments how different Caitlin is from his old babysitter, Diana, who was boring and never any fun; always reading or doing homework instead of entertaining him every second. It was all Diana's fault he got sick, he adds, because Diana didn't run into the shed and pour ipecac down his throat to stop him from eating poison. Now he's stuck in a wheelchair. All because of Diana.
Caitlin is shocked at the narcissism of this seven-year-old. Before she can stop herself, she blurts out the truth, the accident was all HER fault. Ian reacts by going into hysterics, sobbing and screaming that Caitlin is not his friend anymore. Caitlin pleads forgiveness but Ian just turns away in his wheelchair. Just then, Mrs. Foster enters. Caitlin takes her aside, wasting no time confessing. Mrs. Foster sadly informs Caitlin she's fired and it would probably be better if she never saw Ian again. Back at the dorm, Caitlin sobs on Ginny's shoulder who repeats her earlier advice to keep a stiff upper lip. In time, everyone will come to forgive her. Caitlin isn't so sure.

Chapter 11- The annual patrician fox hunt is being held at a neighboring estate, similar to Ryan Acres. Grandmother and the Baxters go  every year. This year, Catilin, Laurence, Ginny and Ginny's boyfriend Bart Burt Simpson are all coming too. Depressed at the way her life is going right now, Caitlin puts on a brave smile as they congregate outside the stables. Sensing her discomfort, Laurence kisses her and tells her to cheer up. Riding always makes everything better. Caitlin throws herself into it, determined to do something to impress her Grandmother and prove she's no longer a child. Despite Laurence's protests, Caitlin risks herself and Duster to be one of the first riders to corner the fox, thus winning one of her Grandmother's rare smiles and a compliment. She feels better now.

Chapter 12- Emily has something very important to tell Caitlin, so they take Caitlin's car into Martinsville for a hamburger. Emily had a long talk with Jed. He can't get over seeing her with Ian at the stables because it means Caitlin really has changed. Jed is also depressed Caitlin will never take him back; she has Laurence now. Tears well in Caitlin's eyes and Emily confirms she's miserable. Jed and Caitlin have simply GOT to get back together. But is it already too late?

Chapter 13- In the cafeteria line next morning, Caitlin smiles and nods a greeting at Jed who glares and turns away. Caitlin sits down at a table and is immediately engaged in conversation with her friends. Turns out the plans for the senior class picnic are a mess. Nothing's been organized. All the committee members slacked off. Never fear, Caitlin will use her incredible leadership skills and wealthy connections to save the day. She's also volunteered Ryan Mining land as a picnic site.
The day of the event, the senior class boards three chartered buses into the Blue Ridge mountains where the site is supposedly located-one hour away from Highgate. To everyone's surprise and disgust, the land is pockmarked and ugly thanks to Regina Ryan's strip mining endeavors. Caitlin thought her Grandmother would've taken responsibility for restoring the land. She and Laurence take a walk. Caitlin decides to explore one of the mine shaft tunnels. There's a cave in. Laurence is knocked in the head by a falling rock. He passes out. Caitlin runs outside and down to the picnic field to get help. Jed is one of the responders. As the boys lift Laurence, the rocks shift again and now Caitlin is trapped. Water, released from deep inside the earth, swirls around her ankles. Will she make it out in time?

Chapter 14- Jed digs frantically and calls to Caitlin who can somehow hear him through the wall of debris. There's an opening at the top of the wall. Instead of waiting for the water to float her up, Caitlin climbs up the treacherous incline. With all the drama of a back-to-school-special she begs Jed to to run, save Laurence, save himself, forget about her. Jed insists he's not leaving this mine shaft without her. Caitlin climbs out, Jed helps her down and they dash outside to safety. Throwing themselves into each others arms, Jed and Caitlin rekindle their love. They've learned a valuable lesson: that they can never live without each other.
Paramedics arrive on the scene (What took you so long?) Laurence will be okay. He woke up just in time to witness Caitlin's dilemma and begged Jed to save her. Very noble of him. The EMT insists Caitlin hop into one of the waiting ambulances and get herself to the hospital as she might have life threatening injuries. This prevents Jed from riding with her and they are denied make up sex. For now. 

Chapter 15- Gordon just happens to be harassing Regina Ryan in her office (again) rehashing the old paternity issue when the phone rings. Caitlin's been in an accident! For some reason they took her to a hospital clear up in Winchester (Johanna Campbell must've failed geography because Winchester is located in extreme Northern Virginia. The drive would take longer than one hour.) Gordon and Regina take off in Gordon's car where Grandmother's heart grows three sizes during the trip as she berates herself for her cold treatment of Caitlin and resolves to be a more loving guardian from now on.

Chapter 16- Caitlin is in the examining room when Regina Ryan bursts in; throwing herself at Caitlin, begging her forgiveness. Dr. Westlake enters and Grandmother tells Caitlin how wrong she was in her deception. She had planned to put Laura's baby up for adoption but her daughter's deathbed request to her mother to raise Caitlin explains why Caitlin grew up the way she did. She begs Caitlin not to hate Gordon Westlake because of a bitter old woman's foolishness. Everyone loves her very much. Caitlin hugs her Grandmother then turns to Gordon and calls him "father" instantly accepting her Grandmother's story.
Before leaving the hospital, Caitlin stops by Laurence's room who gives Caitlin his blessing and will step aside so Caitlin and Jed can be together. What a tool.

Chapter 17- Outside, the drama continues as Ian Foster rolls up in his wheelchair pushed by his parents. They heard what happened and rushed right over to make sure Caitlin was all right. Ian is so overjoyed to see Caitlin alive, he rises from his wheelchair and walks. It's a miracle!
Caitlin introduces Dr. Gordon Westlake to the Fosters as her father, proving all is forgiven. Gordon drops Regina back at Ryan Mining and returns Caitlin to Highgate. They make plans for future daddy/daughter outings and Caitlin finds herself looking forward to finally having a father in her life after all these years.

Chapter 18- Back at Highgate, Jed is the only loose end waiting to be tied up. After updating Ginny on everything that's happened, Caitlin leaves the dorm and finds Jed sitting alone by the soccer field. They reconcile, kiss passionately and are officially back together.
And wuv, TWUE WUV, will fowow you fowevah...

The End

Love Lost

Book Series:                Caitlin: The Love Trilogy #2
Title:                             Love Lost
Publishing Date:         1985
Author:                        Francine Pascal
Publisher:                    Bantam Books, Inc.
Point of View:             Third Person, limited, Caitlin
Chapter Count:           19
Page Count:                 198


Chapter 1- Caitlin has taken up volunteer work. She's Ian Foster's new, favorite, babysitter. (Diana who?) She and Jed are happier than ever and SO in love. Jed walks her across campus to the Foster residence. He's a little puzzled why she's doing this. What was Ian to her? Is it because of Diana? Caitlin just laughs. She's doing this because she wants to, because she really is a nice person. No, really! Anyway, she and Jed are still planning to spend part of summer vacation together in Montana; if mean old Grandmother gives permission.
Caitlin bribes Ian with ice cream and drawing animal pictures to get him to do his exercises. He's in a wheelchair and whines about everything but he loves having Caitlin here because she makes it all fun.

Chapter 2- Junior prom is coming and it's going to be the best night of everyone's lives. It's being held on the last day of school, then, all the rich kids at Highgate will be jetting off to their various summer resorts only the super rich can afford.
Caitlin goes home for the weekend where Grandmother's already got Caitlin's summer all planned out with social events, country club activities and parties so she won't have to be involved in any more of that silly charity work, like caring for Ian Foster or hanging out with Jed. Oh, he's a sweet boy, but not quite in the same league as the Ryans. A trip to Montana? Out of the question. The time apart will be good for them. Defeated, Caitlin doesn't even try to argue.

Chapter 3- Awful, awful, awful. That was Caitlin's weekend. She throws herself into Jed's arms upon returning to school and bursts into tears. Grandmother is so mean, so hateful. Jed kisses her passionately and tries to stay positive. Perhaps Regina Ryan will reconsider, if not, well, they have their whole lives ahead of them.
Returning from babysitting Ian, Caitlin learns Diana is in the hospital with an eating disorder. Her parents are still furious with Highgate for letting this happen. That's all anyone knows. Caitlin trembles with fear. If anyone knew her connection to this tragedy. Talk turns to prom and Caitlin is appropriately distracted.

Chapter 4- The last week of school, Grandmother surprises Caitlin outside the main building to present her with a brand new red Nissan 280 ZX sports car in front of Jed and all her friends. (overcompensating?) Caitlin climbs in with Rollins for a test drive. That Saturday, Caitlin shows up at the Fosters to babysit Ian for the last time. He's being shipped off to a special school for handicapped kids where he can get the help he needs to one day walk again. The Fosters and Ian are ready to nominate Caitlin for sainthood, they can't thank her enough for all the time she's spent with Ian.

Chapter 5- Caitlin and Ginny pack up their dorm room, moaning and groaning over all the stuff they've accumulated over the school year. As Caitlin and Jed load the last box into Caitlin's new car, a certain book falls out, the book Caitlin hid that letter of confession addressed to Jed. Moving fast, she stuffs the book into the glove compartment where nobody will ever find it before Jed sees her. Her terrible secret is still safe. Prom is tomorrow and they're going to have such a great time.
Jed makes the trip with her to the Ryan mansion. Caitlin stops for gas on the way and while she's inside, Jed discovers the hidden book. The letter addressed to him falls out. He pockets it and doesn't say anything to Caitlin. Cost of filling the tank? $12!
At the house, Jed makes the first excuse he can to slip away where he can read the letter in private. The entire thing is reprinted here, verbatim, just in case you didn't read the last book. Jed is shaking with anger when he finishes. He'll never forgive Caitlin Ryan for this as long as he lives. She'll be sorry she ever played him like this. He'll make her pay. He'll get his revenge and he'll do it tomorrow night during prom. Until then, Caitlin must continue to believe he still loves her.

Chapter 6- Caitlin and Ginny get ready for prom. Just as the cover picture shows, Caitlin is wearing a soft, purple gown with her hair piled on top of her head, Victorian fashion. Ginny looks nice too. They don real fur coats (unheard of today) and go downstairs where all the girls are waiting for their dates to walk them over to the school gym. One by one, everyone promenades out until Caitlin is the only girl left standing. Jed takes his sweet time. Caitlin can't ditch him and walk over herself because nobody went stag in those days. This is PROM.
Jed and Caitlin arrive late but nobody cares. Jed is friendly and converses with all their friends but he's cold and distant with Caitlin; going through all the motions of being her date but he dances stiffly, talks with everyone but her during the formal dinner and when it comes time to award prom king and queen the winners are...Caitlin and Jed! Caitlin beams. Jed just shrugs, acting embarrassed. For about the hundredth time, Caitlin wonders what his problem is. Jed makes a disparaging remark in her ear as they lead the first dance about how Caitlin always gets what she wants. Caitlin decides he's just bummed they won't be together over the summer. Oh, Caitlin!

Chapter 7- There's to be an after-prom party at someone's summer house on a private island off the coast of Virginia (apparently Highgate isn't as far inland as we thought). A boat will ferry all the guests over. Caitlin lets Jed drive her car to the dock and is appalled at his recklessness behind the wheel. Who knew Jed Michaels was such a speed demon? At the party, everyone still in their formal attire, the dancing (no drinking, please, we're underage) resumes. Caitlin trades dances with some of the guys while Jed just smiles.
Later, Jed suggests they leave the party and go for a walk. Caitlin is only too happy to agree. Now maybe she can find out what's bothering Jed. They find an isolated gazebo and sit down. Jed starts kissing her. Caitlin responds eagerly until Jed grows more demanding and insistent. He starts groping her. In a rough voice he declares he's going to rape use her, take advantage of her, just like she treats everyone who cares about her. Caitlin wonders who this man is and what he's done with the real Jed Michaels? All at once, Jed stops. He can't do it. He can't go through with it. He bolts and Caitlin sobs, "Why?" she calls to his retreating back. Jed replies if she hasn't figured it out by now, he's not telling her.

Chapter 8- Back in her empty dorm room, Caitlin reflects back on this nightmare of an evening. After Jed deserted her, Caitlin pulled herself together, asked the host's dad for a lift back to the mainland where she drove herself back to the school to collapse on her bed in sobs; racking her brain for some kind of explanation for Jed's behavior.
Remembering the letter, Caitlin runs out to her car but the book and letter are there (Jed replaced it after reading it). Caitlin destroys it, but it doesn't make her feel better. She's still sobbing when Ginny walks in but Caitlin refuses to tell her anything, only that she and Jed had a fight and broke up. She hardly sleeps a wink that night. Jed is flying out tomorrow afternoon, perhaps she can catch him before he leaves campus.
To her dismay, Jed did not spend the night in his dorm but packed and left immediately upon returning from the dance. Caitlin gets Emily to call her parent's house but Jed has already left for Montana. He's gone and even Emily is shocked Jed never said goodbye, to any of them.
Caitlin bids her friends goodbye for the summer. Emily promises to call the moment Jed contacts her or if she hears any updates on Diana's condition or which hospital she's at.

Chapter 9- Even Regina Ryan notices Caitlin's forced cheerfulness and red eyes but doesn't press Caitlin for details, she's just glad to hear she and Jed decided against making that silly trip out West. Next day, Caitlin is so restless, she dismisses her maid and does her own unpacking. She goes for a long ride and when she returns, is ready to face the reality of spending the summer alone.
One week later, Emily calls to inform Caitlin of Diana's whereabouts. She's in a hospital not far from Ryan Acres suffering a nervous breakdown after trying to starve herself to death. Laurence Baxter, a boy from Highgate Caitlin always thought too nerdy and serious to date, especially because he was friendly with Diana, is planning to visit Diana in the hospital soon. Emily still hasn't heard from Jed. He won't return any of her phone calls but she wrote him a letter. Maybe he'll write back since she's family. Caitlin thanks her for calling and hangs up.
A few days later, Caitlin has her plan all ready. By disguising herself with clothes only a homeless person would wear, pulling her hair back in a severe bun, glasses and lots of makeup to hide her gorgeous features, she plans to apply as a volunteer aide at Diana's hospital and save her life, thus winning her way back into Jed's good graces, not to mention easing her own guilty conscious.

Chapter 10- Working under the pseudonym of Karen, it takes two days of volunteer work to finally locate Diana lying comatose in her bed, unresponsive, staring at nothing; like a character in a Cynthia Voigt novel. She even has feeding tubes because she won't eat. Caitlin gets permission to sit with Diana, holding her hand, talking softly to her. Caitlin is already discouraged. And it's only the first day. Diana is in pretty bad shape. The doctors have given up on her. No family ever comes to visit her. (Wonder who's paying her medical bills?)

Chapter 11- Three weeks later, Caitlin is at her wit's end. Diana won't respond to anything or anyone. Realizing she'll have to resort to drastic measures, Caitlin finally breaks down, whispering the words Diana's been longing to hear; the accident wasn't her fault, someone else left the shed unlocked and Ian is getting better. She repeats her speech until Diana's lips part and she whispers Ian's name. It's a miracle!
Caitlin refuses to share her secret-how she got Diana back on the road to recovery-but everyone is ready to nominate Karen for sainthood. When she's not playing tennis at the country club, Caitlin is sneaking off to visit Diana. One day she's running late and forgets her glasses. The director of the hospital, Dr. Westlake, calls her into his office to congratulate her. During the interview, he keeps studying Caitlin intently. She reminds him of someone. Thinking her cover is about to be blown, Caitlin excuses herself.
Diana is happy to see Karen, although she's beginning to suspect this sixteen-year-old volunteer is not who she claims to be. Diana is full of probing questions today, trying to trap Caitlin into revealing herself. After Caitlin leaves, Diana smiles to herself. It's Caitlin Ryan, but why is she doing this? Diana is intrigued by the mystery.

Chapter 12- Dr. Gordon Westlake is sitting in his office. He can't get Karen Martin out of his head. She looks so much like a woman named Laura whom he met and fell in love with in college. He and Laura, the only child of a rich and powerful mining magnate widow, were engaged to be married despite her mother's blatant disapproval. Then one day, Laura and her mother left for Europe with no explanation leaving only a note behind from Laura saying it was all over between them and she never wanted to see him again. Baffled, Gordon never got involved with another woman again, finished his education and become a successful doctor; but he never stopped loving his Laura.

Chapter 13- Caitlin has managed to avoid seeing Laurence, since he'd recognize her immediately, whenever he's come to visit Diana. Emily has kept her informed of this, not realizing Caitlin already knows. Her latest phone call reported Diana making a miraculous recovery, thanks to a mystery volunteer girl.
Laurence is sitting in Diana's room the next day and Caitlin almost greets him by name before checking herself. No one must know her terrible secret. Diana introduces them and Caitlin makes an excuse to leave before she's recognized but it's already too late. Diana and Laurence are on to her. They discuss Caitlin's strange behavior, speculating on her motives. Both agree Caitlin is very unhappy about what happened and is doing her best to make things right. Laurence tells Diana about Caitlin's work with Ian and that Jed Michaels broke up with her. Diana puts two and two together and feels so sorry for her, she decides to write a letter to Jed telling him everything that's happened to her and the mystery surrounding Caitlin who did so much to help her. She's forgiven Caitlin and begs Jed to take Caitlin back because, without a boyfriend, Caitlin is the saddest person she's ever met. As for herself, she's ready to move on, start a new life at a new school. All thanks to Caitlin.
A few days later, Dr. Westlake stops in to chat with Diana, asking her questions about her mysterious friend. Diana decides to tell him everything she knows. His reaction is more serious than Diana expected. Caitlin Ryan has no parents; raised by her Grandmother in wealth and luxury, never been much of a good-deed-doer until this summer. He promises not to reveal "Karen" but, like Diana, agrees they should wait for Caitlin to explain herself.

Chapter 14- Dr. Westlake is still reeling from the story Diana told him. Laura is dead and her child needs a father. He decides to pay Regina Ryan a visit at her office at Ryan Mining. Mrs. Ryan doesn't recognize him at first until Gordon asks her if she knows where her granddaughter is and what she's been doing all summer? And was she aware how unhappy her granddaughter must be to lie and volunteer under false pretenses? No, Mrs. Ryan had no idea. Gordon plays his ace: he was her late daughter's fiancé. At last, the truth will be known that Regina Ryan fed lies to her daughter making her believe Gordon was promiscuous so she'd break off their engagement. So, how did Laura become pregnant? He asks. Did Laura meet Caitlin's father in Europe? Then she married someone else, right? (Really Dr. Westlake, it takes two you know)
Now it's Regina Ryan's turn to play her hand. She didn't discover her daughter's pregnancy until after they arrived in Europe. Laura never married. She knows Gordon was her daughter's only romantic partner. Caitlin will spit in Gordon's face if he reveals himself to her. He was never good enough for this family. She advises him to leave well enough alone.
Gordon is ecstatic. My boys can swim! He's also furious at Mrs. Ryan for preventing their marriage and never telling him about the child but he'll get even. Caitlin will be so happy to be reunited with her biological father. Good luck with that, says Grandmother.

Chapter 15- Laurence is with Diana when Caitlin arrives for her shift. Diana will be discharged soon. Jed calls Diana later that night to talk to her about the letter she sent. They rehash old topics about forgiveness and justice. Jed wants nothing to do with the Caitlin fan club. She lies and uses people for her own benefit. He'll keep silent about Caitlin's mistake but when he returns to Highgate in the fall he's not socializing with her. Diana hangs up, wishing she could do more for Caitlin.
Next day, Caitlin finally confesses everything to Diana who smiles and tells Caitlin it's all water under the bridge. Caitlin also admits the truth about her deadbeat dad who is alive but wants nothing to do with her. Diana confirms Caitlin's fears about why Jed broke up with her. He did find the letter but Caitlin shouldn't give up hope. Jed might forgive her one day.
Laurence sticks his head in the hospital room, requesting Caitlin's presence. Yes, he called her "Caitlin," he knows everything. Since Jed has officially broken up with her, he would be quite willing to take Jed's place as Caitlin's boyfriend, if she'll have him. Caitlin wonders why she never noticed what nice brown eyes Laurence has. They make a date to the movies.

Chapter 16- Before Caitlin leaves that day, Gordon Westlake calls "Karen" into his office, first, to thank her (again) for all her work with Diana. Second, he knows she's not Karen but Regina Ryan's granddaughter. He knew her family before she was born, especially her mother, Laura. Caitlin stares at him in shock as he continues. He knew her mother. Biblically! To this day he's not sure how Caitlin's miraculous conception occurred (Really, Dr. Westlake?) only that mean old Regina Ryan took Laura away to Europe before he could marry her. Laura never told him she was preggers. He tried for years to find her but finally gave up and focused on his career. When Caitlin came here, to this hospital, looking so much like his beloved Laura, he began to hope maybe the mystery of his lost fianceé could finally be solved and it has.
He is Caitlin's father. Now come over here and give Daddy a great big sloppy kiss.
Caitlin's reaction is not surprising. Regina Ryan's prediction came true. After screaming her indignation at this idiot, (who obviously failed sex ed in medical school) Caitlin runs sobbing to her car and drives back to Ryan Acres. She's angry at Grandmother too. Seeing Caitlin drive away, Gordon phones Ryan Acres to warn Grandmother adding she better be nice to Caitlin who is very upset and could use a supportive adult right now.

Chapter 17- The first words out of the controlling and manipulative Regina Ryan's mouth to her victimized granddaughter are about her father keeping her late at the hospital. Yes, she knows everything, (except the story of Diana) it's a shame that hurtful man ruined Caitlin's day by telling her the truth about her parentage but she'll feel better after eating and a good night's sleep. Caitlin's decides it's easier to go on believing Gordon Westlake is a jerk who can't be trusted.
Next morning, Caitlin needs to go back to the hospital one last time, if only to say goodbye to Diana and tell the staff she's done with volunteer work. Grandmother gives her consent, adding Laurence Baxter called last night; she's always thought very highly of his family. A good match for her.
Laurence is at the hospital waiting to meet Caitlin. He has an idea for a picnic outing they can take Diana on before she checks out later this week. He's glad they're still on for their movie date this Friday. Dr. Westlake tries one more time to talk to Caitlin who calls him a liar and walks away.

Chapter 18- The date with Laurence goes well. Since she has nothing to hide from him, Caitlin finds him fun and pleasant to be with. Why did she never notice him before? He's not Jed but it's okay.
Sunday is the picnic with Diana. The three friends talk and laugh. Ian is returning home from the special school; too homesick to make any progress. Caitlin and Diana take a walk while Laurence sets up the picnic and builds a fire. Diana gives her blessing on Caitlin and Laurence since she called Jed the other day. He still hates Caitlin so it's just as well she goes for Laurence.

Chapter 19- Laurence and Caitlin say goodbye to Diana a few days later. Laurence is driving Diana home from the hospital. Caitlin and Laurence are exclusive the rest of the summer. He calls her every night. They go out and do everything together while Grandmother shows her approval by presenting Caitlin with a new gown to wear to the upcoming country club dinner Laurence is taking her to. Caitlin realizes she's happy.
Two days before school starts, the two lovebirds are strolling the woods at Ryan Acres where Laurence confesses to Caitlin she's his first girlfriend. He kisses her but Caitlin can only think of Jed, dreading the first day of school where she knows she'll have to face him again but she can't let Laurence know. She's through hurting people. She's turning over a new leaf. No more boy chasing. At least until the next book.

The End

Loving

Book Series:                Caitlin: The Love Trilogy #1
Title:                             Loving
Publishing Date:         1985
Author:                        Francine Pascal
Publisher:                    Bantam Books, Inc.
Point of View:             Third Person, limited, Caitlin
Chapter Count:           21
Page Count:                 200


Chapter 1- Caitlin patronizes one of her many admirers, a naive young freshman girl named Tenny who has a great idea for a school fundraising activity which Caitlin is in charge of.
Queen Bee of her junior class at Highgate Academy, an elite private boarding school in Virginia where only the super rich can afford to send their little darlings, this fifteen year old junior is described as tall, (5'8") slender, dark-haired, with long black eyelashes and deep blue eyes. She is also the class president. Boys flock around her as she holds court with the rest of her crowd, made up of only the prettiest and most popular girls at the school. Tenny hides any surprise as Caitlin takes credit for her idea and doesn't seem to mind when Caitlin gets her name wrong. You don't mess with Caitlin Ryan, she's much too popular to contend with. Everyone tells Caitlin her fundraising idea is the greatest thing since sliced bread.
Two boys amble past, the jock, Roger Wake, and that sexy new transfer student from Montana that all the girls have their eye on, including Caitlin. Jed Michaels! He is tall with light brown, wavy hair, green eyes, ruggedly handsome, with a nice smile and easygoing manners. Caitlin falls into step with them so she can chat up Jed while the rest of her crowd dutifully follows.
The two boys take their leave while everyone has stopped to stare at the expensive, silver, sports car pulling away from the campus main building which everyone knows belongs to Caitlin's fabulously wealthy and powerful mining magnate Grandmother, owner of Ryan Mining, who dotes on Caitlin and gives her orphaned Granddaughter anything she wants, at least that's what Caitlin has led them all to believe. All sigh with envy at Caitlin's incredible luck while Caitlin just smiles.
In reality, Regina Ryan is the meanest woman on earth because she *gasp* has never hugged Caitlin or shown her any physical affection. Caitlin's mother died when she was born and her Grandmother hates her for it while her father did not die in a car accident as she tells her friends but abandoned her at birth leaving her all alone and unloved by anybody.
Poor Caitlin.

Chapter 2- Caitlin enters her dorm room, elaborately decorated and furnished thanks to Grandmother's money, and greets her roommate and best friend, Ginny Brookes, who is not surprised Caitlin is already plotting how to get Jed Michaels to fall in love with her. Ginny grabs a soda out of the mini-fridge. Tall with light brown hair, hazel eyes, Ginny is second-rate in looks compared to Caitlin, not nearly as charismatic or as boy-crazy but well-liked by all.
A message arrives for Caitlin from her grandmother. She wants Caitlin to come home for the weekend to serve as eye candy for a company party she's hosting which means missing the fall dance. Caitlin shrugs it off as her duty to her wonderful grandmother. Passing herself off as a tragic orphan has it's perks.

Chapter 3- Caitlin has stalked Jed and is waiting to pounce as he exits one of his classes. She tells him more about the fundraising committee and hopes he'll participate. Learning both share a love of riding, they agree to meet at the school stables later today. Feeling triumphant, Caitlin heads to her next hour of classes.
Caitlin is leaving her last class of the day just as another boy rushes up to her, whining about being stood up at the tennis court yesterday for their date. Caitlin throws him at Ginny and heads for the school stables where her own horse, Duster, is kept so she can ride him anytime she wants during the year.

Chapter 4- Jed startles Caitlin as she's grooming Duster and talking affectionately to him. They take Duster for a walk. Caitlin shares her tragic orphan story. Jed can sympathize. His parents had a messy divorce that really hurt the family but adds, poor Caitlin has it worse (Really, Jed?). He also has a cousin here at Highgate. Caitlin makes a mental note to meet Emily Michaels and become BFFs right away. They part on agreeable terms and Caitlin congratulates herself. He will be hers. Oh yes. He will be HERS!

Chapter 5- It's Friday, the weekend! Caitlin strolls into the school's elegant cafeteria (the great hall from antebellum plantation days, now remodeled and part of the school) stopping at a table of boys to flatter them all into signing up for the fundraiser. At her own (unicorner) table, Caitlin joins her girlfriends gossiping about Jed Michaels who just entered with his cousin, Emily and (Caitlin pouts when she sees this) that awful charity scholarship student, a mousy nobody named Diana. They sit at another table by themselves and Caitlin makes sure to speak to both Jed and Emily as she passes by to dump her tray. She flirts openly with Jed, makes pleasant conversation with Emily and totally ignores Diana.
Caitlin's first item of business when she arrives at Ryan Acres for the weekend is a long, luxurious, bubble bath in the sunken tub of her very own bedroom suite, elaborately decorated and furnished thanks to Grandmother's money. Looking over her huge walk-in closet of clothes, she dresses for that evening's party and goes downstairs to help greet the first guests.
When her grandmother enters the room, she pulls Caitlin aside, chastises her for poor selection and orders her upstairs to change her outfit before turning her back on her granddaughter; resuming her role of gracious hostess. Poor, picked on, Caitlin.

Chapter 6- Sunday night, back in her own dorm at Highgate, Caitlin is not pleased at Ginny's report of the fall dance. Jed and Diana appear to be the newest item but Ginny doesn't think Jed's even made it to first base yet; he's too much of a gentleman. Diana is just glowing at the attention. Meanwhile, Ginny got pretty friendly herself with a guy of her own, but she's not telling Caitlin who.

Chapter 7- Caitlin invited Emily and Jed, last Friday in the cafeteria, to meet her at the stables for a ride and they agreed. All three chat comfortably while Caitlin has orgasms every time she looks at Jed who is a natural born horseman.
Whenever Jed is out of earshot, Caitlin grills Emily for information about Diana and Jed.
Caitlin learns Diana is not only the biggest loser in school because she's here on scholarship, she has to *gasp* babysit Ian Foster, only son of the headmaster and his wife, to earn extra money. Jed feels sorry for Diana, as he confided to Emily. Diana lost her favorite brother in a car accident which Jed can relate to because his favorite little sister took their family divorce pretty hard. Jed's mom (who bears a striking resemblance to Caitlin: long dark hair, green eyes and gorgeous) ran away with a Hollywood movie producer, breaking her husband and children's hearts.
The autumn strewn trail is beautiful. Caitlin is perfectly happy. Jed is perfect boyfriend material and they have so much in common as part of the American aristocracy: horse breeding, plantation owning entrepreneurs who made their own way.
Conversation is cut short as Duster stumbles over the next fence jump and Caitlin must walk him back. Jed can't stay and keep her company, he promised to relieve Diana from her babysitting duties so she can study and keep her scholarship. He is happy doing his good deed for the day, he likes kids but Caitlin is furious and vows to get revenge on Diana for ruining her date today with Jed.

Chapter 8- Discouraged, Caitlin sits at her desk in her dorm room later that day and tries to study. Ginny enters and Caitlin tells her the next step in her plan to snare Jed. She's throwing a big, weekend party at Ryan Acres in two weeks, inviting all her friends to come, Jed especially. But not Diana. Ginny smirks at Caitlin's way of getting boyfriends and hopes she knows what she's doing.
A fund raiser meeting is held. Jed and Diana Chasen (we're never told her last name until now) are here too but Diana sticks out like a sore thumb. Caitlin organizes everyone into committees, getting rid of Diana by pushing her into a group so she can take Emily aside and invite her to the weekend bash but when she turns to find Jed and extend the same invitation, he's walking out the gym door; with Diana. Caitlin grinds her teeth.
Monday morning, Caitlin is about to "accidentally" run into Jed again between classes when Diana steps out, Jed greets her and they stroll off together. When another boy rushes up offering to walk Caitlin to her next class, she readily agrees.
Next morning, Emily catches her outside after breakfast. She has good news and bad news. The good news is she and Jed are definitely coming to her party. Bad news, Diana confessed she was feeling lonely and left out so Emily invited her to come along with them to the party. Jed says he won't come unless Diana is included so Caitlin has no choice but to feign her enthusiasm while crushing her OJ container behind her back. Diana is going to be sorry she ever looked at Jed Michaels.

Chapter 9- Jed, Emily, Diana and Caitlin are all riding together to Ryan Acres in the chauffeured car, her grandmother's Bentley, which comes complete with its own driver who has been with the family for years. Caitlin arranges it so Jed rides up front with Rollins so she can humiliate Diana in the back, making her squirm at her low socio-economic status that didn't include horseback riding and private tennis lessons like all of Caitlin's other guests. Oh, dear. Jed will dump Diana for sure now.
Caitlin turns to Emily and they converse happily while Diana is again treated like one of the pieces of luggage stowed in the trunk.
When Grandmother is introduced to Caitlin's new friends, Emily is greeted pleasantly as her father has done business with Ryan Mining while Jed's outdoorsy charm and charisma wins immediate approval but when Diana's turn comes to be introduced to the formidable matriarch, she is treated with the same disregard the rest of the 1% club views her with.
Jed picks up on this, commenting about it later to Caitlin as she and the servants show the guests to their rooms. Caitlin had planned on showing Jed to his room personally, but a servant offers to lead the way. Jed is already carrying everyone's luggage, except Caitlin's, because he's a nice guy and since her suite is in a different wing in the huge mansion, she hurries off to meet Ginny who will be sharing Caitlin's room for the weekend (Caitlin has twin canopy beds, thick rose carpet and long windows facing the front lawns). First she'll take her usual bubble bath, then pick out just the right (slut) outfit to seduce Jed away from Diana.

Chapter 10- The guests mingle in the rec room containing all the latest 80's home entertainment technology-projection TV, VCR, Hi-Fi stereo and huge record collection. The room overlooks the outdoor swimming pool (As opposed to the indoor?). The boys shoot billiards. The girls huddle, giggle and gossip. Diana is a wallflower.
After dinner, Caitlin masks her dismay as Jed takes a seat next to Diana instead of her for the movie. An impromptu dance forms afterwards and while her guests mingle, Caitlin hurries Diana over to a group she knows has nothing in common with Diana so she can have Jed all to herself, at last!
Back in Caitlin's room, none of today's actions were lost on her BF who feels sorry for Diana and warns Caitlin to play nice as everyone knows Diana is the sweetest, most guileless person at Highgate which is exactly what Jed prefers which is exactly why Catilin is so determined to steal him away.
Next day, Jed announces after he discovered Diana is the only guest who won't be going riding, he's staying behind to keep her company; Caitlin wants to scream as she balls her fists and mentally curses Diana. Her perfect weekend has been ruined.

Chapter 11- Back at school, Caitlin goes out with other boys to make herself feel better, but none of them are named Jed Michaels. She throws herself into the school fundraising event but at dress rehearsal Jed is nowhere to be found. Everyone assumes he's with Diana. Caitlin is putting out fires everywhere until she gets to the last issue. A prop is needed for a boy's costume and the school maintenance shed is the only place to get it. Caitlin sighs wearily and makes the trek across the campus to the backyard of the Foster home where she sees little Ian playing by himself. Caitlin fumes, knowing Diana is supposed to be babysitting the little brat and assumes the minx is probably in the house making out with Jed.
No one sees Caitlin as she unlocks the shed, retrieves the item, closes the door and (this is very important people) FORGETS TO LOCK THE SHED DOOR!!! Caitlin can't be bothered with such simple tasks as locking a door when her mind is currently imagining what kind of positions Jed and Diana are getting themselves into. Diana is going to pay for stealing Jed away from her!
Back in the auditorium, rehearsal is still underway when sirens are heard in the distance. Everyone looks outside and sees emergency response vehicles surrounding the headmaster's large brick home. Something happened to Ian while Diana Chasen was babysitting him. That's all we know for now.

Chapter 12- At the hospital, Diana is in shock as one blow after another makes her the scapegoat in this freak accident with all the incriminating evidence pointing to her as the guilty party: Ian is in a poisoned induced coma and concussion from the fall he suffered after eating the powered-sugar-like chemicals which no six year old can resist (the kid's an idiot) and everyone blames Diana for letting him out of her sight for five minutes while the doorbell chimed and the phone rang off the hook. Who else left that shed door unlocked but Diana?
Emily's father takes Diana back to his home. Emily and Jed are there. Diana is off in left field, can't even remember when she last ate or slept. Jed urges Diana to the couch where she falls asleep with her head on his shoulder.

Chapter 13- Next day is the fund raiser, which will go on despite yesterday's tragedy. The evening is a great success and Caitlin is congratulated by all, everyone that is, except her grandmother who never bothered to show up and Jed isn't here either.
Caitlin is so depressed by this she skips the after party and returns to her dorm where Ginny finds her, hours later. Caitlin insists she's fine. Her sixteenth birthday is coming up and she knows her grandmother will make it up to her then. But Caitlin cries herself to sleep that night. Poor lonely, unloved Caitlin.

Chapter 14- Two days pass and Jed is worried about Diana. She's not snapping out of it but growing worse, sinking into a deep depression; not talking or eating. Nobody is suggesting therapy or medication. Even the doctor has brushed off Diana's condition as female hysteria.
The phone rings. Ian is coming out of his coma. Hearing this, Diana insists somebody drive her to the hospital but when they arrive, Mrs. Foster screams at Diana, blaming her for everything while Ian beams at his favorite babysitter until he discovers he can't move his legs. He starts screaming at Diana too. Diana collapses in Mr. Michaels arms, sobbing so hysterically the doctor has to sedate her. Diana is carried away from the hospital, back to the Michaels' residence, again.
Jed proves chivalry is not dead as he carries the poor girl inside the house and tenderly lays her on the couch, planting a soft kiss to her brow.
Diana's parents arrive, freak out at the condition of their daughter and all the accusations against her declaring they are taking Diana home and she is never returning to this horrible school for snobs. They can just mail Diana her clothes. Good bye, forever!

Chapter 15- We haven't seen Tenny since chapter two when she attended the planning meeting in Caitlin's dorm room where Caitlin took all the credit for her idea but never mind that now, Jed is coming. Caitlin excuses herself from Tenny's company to go talk to him.
Jed is sworn to secrecy about Ian's condition. All he can say is, it's not good. Caitlin pretends to be concerned for Diana. She feels so bad they'll never see her at school again. (Not!) Jed tells her he wasn't even at the Fosters when the accident happened, the details of which are still under wraps. He got so caught up in homework he never made it anywhere that day and feels bad he wasn't there for Diana.
Nobody wishes Caitlin happy birthday that Saturday at Ryan Acres. She wakes up to pouring rain and an empty house (the staff serving her breakfast and freshly pressed morning paper don't count). At the breakfast table, Caitlin is shaking out her napkin over her poached egg when she notices the headline. As Caitlin reads, she realizes she's going to be sick. Ian Foster's full condition has been released to the public along with the accident details: after entering an unlocked maintenance shed (Hey, Diana, it's all your fault!) and stuffing himself with poison resembling powdered sugar, Ian collapsed on the back steps until his babysitter, a Highgate student, who was occupied elsewhere, found him. The boy is paralyzed and still recovering in the hospital.
Now it is Caitlin's turn to go into shock. She was the one who left the shed door unlocked. The accident was HER fault!
Caitlin runs to the stables, saddles a horse and rides wildly out into the rain, despite the stable hand's protests. Caitlin beats herself up during the wet ride. She returns hanging limply over the horse's head, barely conscious and has to be carried inside. The staff puts her to bed and there she stays for several days, running a high fever.

Chapter 16- Five days later, Grandmother is there when Caitlin wakes up one morning but she has no sympathy for her granddaughter who behaved very immaturely, making such a fuss just because no one remembered her birthday. It's her own fault she caught the flu but the doctor says she'll recover. Her friends sent cards and left messages which she'll need to return. See you later. Caitlin rolls over in bed and wants to die.
Caitlin doesn't return to school until after Thanksgiving break and she is a different girl: withdrawn, quiet, but all her friends, including Ginny, just brush it off as melancholia. Ginny persuades Caitlin to attend a frat house party where Ginny's crush is hanging out in a room. Caitlin gives her friend the push she needs to go make the first move. It works and Ginny and Bart Burt Simpson spend the rest of the evening together talking.
Caitlin wanders into a semi-dark, seemingly empty room and is relaxing on the sofa until a voice startles her. It's Jed! They talk, intimately, for the first time since the accident. With Diana out of the picture, Jed is realizing he only liked her as a friend or sister, he was never attracted to her romantically. Jed is also impressed Caitlin isn't out there, hogging the spotlight, flirting with all the guys, snubbing those less popular like Diana to get attention. Instead, she's in here. With him, making him "feel" things. Maybe he misjudged her. Caitlin can only gawk at him. He's going back to his dorm now but maybe, after the Christmas break, they can make a date? Hardly able to comprehend this miracle fate has bestowed upon her, Caitlin agrees.

Chapter 17- Sure enough, after spending a very lackluster, formal, stuffy Christmas with no one but Grandmother for company at Ryan Acres, Jed phones Caitlin almost the minute she gets back to her dorm room for the new year. They go riding and talk about many things, including Jed's feelings for Diana which he's beginning to realize had more to do with his coping strategies after his parent's divorce than developing a serious relationship with someone like her. A sweet girl, but not for him. He's ready for some serious hook up now and he's ready to do it with Caitlin.
Again, Caitlin silently thanks whatever Karma made this happen. It worked! Jed has fallen in love with her, and why shouldn't he? She's the most popular, sought after girl at Highgate. He kisses her and fireworks explode for both of them.

Chapter 18- Three months later...Jed comes home with Caitlin to spend the weekend at Ryan Acres for the first time since they became an official couple. Jed will be formally introduced to Grandmother as Caitlin's boyfriend. They go riding and don't see Mrs. Ryan until dinner that night where she's in a bad mood thanks to those environmental people always after her about irresponsible strip mining. Jed suggests they do have a point and Grandmother nearly bites his head off before relenting. She gets her revenge after dinner, trapping the kids into listening to a long lecture about her mining business, which Caitlin is being groomed to run in her place one day. Grandmother insists on walking Jed up to his room so he and Caitlin don't even get to share a goodnight kiss. Denied!

Chapter 19- Next day, Caitlin and Jed spend the afternoon together by taking a long walk with a picnic lunch. They sit atop the grassy knoll and break out the sandwiches and cokes. Jed expresses concern for Caitlin's homelife. It's obvious her Grandmother is a tyrant.
Caitlin bursts into tears. It's true. She spills it all to Jed about her Grandmother never forgiving her for being the cause of her mother's death in childbirth while her deadbeat father has nothing to do with her. She's the loneliest person in the world with nobody who really loves her.
Jed takes her into his arms and declares his love for her.
Ecstatic, Caitlin responds eagerly to his kisses and they nearly end up having a roll in the hay, "Oh, Caitlin," Jed pants, "you make me feel so good." Creepy!
All at once, Jed sits up, he can't take her here, not yet. Caitlin needs to come to Montana first to meet his family. Caitlin loves the idea. They walk hand in hand back to the mansion.

Chapter 20- Emily is happy for Caitlin and her cousin. She herself is also blissfully in love with Terry whom Caitlin introduced her to. Nobody has heard any news of Diana. Until today. Emily just received a letter in the mail from her father, asking Emily to send all of Diana's personals along. Her parents transferred her to another school which they just as abruptly pulled her out of. Something's wrong but nobody knows what. Caitlin hides her shock. She knows Diana's emotional and nervous breakdown was all her fault. She must tell Jed soon about the part she played in Diana's misfortune.
Back in her room, Caitlin does the stupidest thing she can, she writes a letter of confession to Jed, because she's too much of a coward to tell him in person.
It's a long, wordy letter with every other line pleading understanding from Jed because she was so afraid of losing him if he discovered the truth about her-that she's a calculating, manipulative bitch all around bad person, who will do anything to get her way. It's a shame about Diana but she was so angry at everyone, including Jed. How could everyone like Diana so much? She was so undeserving compared to the special little snowflake that is her, Caitlin Ryan, who got so tragically sick the day she learned about Ian's accident and by the time she could explain it was she who left the shed unlocked, Diana was gone and Jed was ready to be her boyfriend. What's a popular girl to do?
Caitlin signs the letter, begging Jed will forgive her will continue to love her, despite her mistake. She'll give the letter to Jed tomorrow.

Chapter 21- But Caitlin chickens out and squirrels the letter away in a book where no one will ever find it. This relationship is still too new and fragile for such soul-bearing. Maybe later when she and Jed know each other better. Then she'll spring the truth on him.

Satisfied, Caitlin skips out the door and into Jed's waiting arms.

The End

Introduction to this blog: Welcome, Francine Pascal Fans

This blog was inspired by this awesome community of snarkers

If you're a Sweet Valley High fan, you might be familiar with this stand-alone series of nine paperback books about the beautiful, devious, Caitlin Ryan, first introduced to readers at the end of Sweet Valley High #18 Head Over Heels

Here is the entire letter copied from the back of that book. You can also find the same insert in the back of books #19 and #20, just in case you missed it!

A LETTER TO THE READER

Dear Friend,

Ever since I created the series, SWEET VALLEY HIGH, I've been thinking about a love trilogy, a miniseries, revolving around one very special girl, a character similar in some ways to Jessica Wakefield, but even more devastating-more beautiful, more charming, and much more devious.

Her name is Caitlin Ryan, and with her long black hair, her magnificent blue eyes and ivory complexion, she's the most popular girl at the exclusive boarding school she attends in Virginia. On the surface her life seems perfect. She has it all: great wealth, talent, intelligence, and the dazzle to charm every boy in the school. But deep inside there's a secret need that haunts her life.

Caitlin's mother died in childbirth, and her father abandoned her immediately after she was born. At least that's the lie she has been told by her enormously rich grandmother, the cold and powerful matriarch who has raised Caitlin and given her everything money can buy. But not love.

Caitlin dances from boy to boy, never staying long, often breaking hearts, yet she's so sparkling and delightful that everyone forgives her. No one can resist her.

No one that is, but Jed Michaels. He's the new boy in school-tall, wonderfully handsome, and very, very nice. And Caitlin means to have him.

But somehow the old tricks don't work; she can't seem to manipulate him. Impossible! There has never been anyone that the beautiful and terrible Caitlin couldn't have. And now she wants Jed Michaels-no matter who gets hurt or what she has to do to get him.

So many of you follow my SWEET VALLEY HIGH series that I know you'll find it fascinating to read what happens when love comes into the life of this spoiled and selfish beauty-the indomitable Caitlin Ryan.

Thanks for being there, and keep reading
Francine Pascal (elaborate signature)

The first chapter from book one LOVING follows

Like it so far? (These are Francine's words) Want to read more? LOVING will be available in May 1985. It will be on sale wherever Bantam paperbacks are sold. The other two books in the trilogy, LOVE DENIED (it will actually be titled LOVE LOST) and TRUE LOVE, will also be published in 1985.

Serious fans of Francine know she has already hired a ghostwriter named Joanna Campbell to actually write The Love Trilogy. Another ghostwriter, Diana Gregory, will pen The Promise and The Forever Trilogies.

These books are so hilariously dated, they deserve a place where Generation X readers can indulge in some good, old fashioned, nostalgia. Go dancing in the dark, walking through the park and reminiscing.
They're all here, all nine of them, completely summarized, chapter by chapter, for your enjoyment.

Hurry don't be late!
I can hardly wait (to get started!)

In the meantime, here are a few online articles about the dangers of reading such trashy romance novels from the 1980's when our biggest problem as a nation was the lingering Cold War and the Challenger explosion.

Here's another blogger's summary of LOVING
Another blogger critiques Caitlin's admirable traits as a teen role model
http://thedairiburger.com/category/caitlin/

Caitlin: The Love Trilogy

Loving                      1985
Love Lost                 1985
True Love                1985

Caitlin: The Promise Trilogy

Tender Promises      1986
Promises Broken      1986
A New Promise         1986

Caitlin: The Forever Trilogy

Dreams of Forever     1987
Forever and Always   1987
Together Forever       1988

Anyone familiar with LDS romance author, Anita Stansfield, I've created a similar book blog dedicated to all her novels here.