The Thorns of Caitlyn Rose

By Barris K. Tanner

Raised by an indifferent foster mother and a callous foster father, an orphan girl named Caitlyn Rose survives uncustomary experiences. This creates a depression she will battle for a lifetime.

Despite this battle, she discovers strong bonds of friendships and keeps an authentic heart to become a successful businesswoman. When she's on top of the world, she discovers the joy of a love only for it to end in a betrayal. This betrayal drives her depression to its peak. In spite of that, Caitlyn employs her childhood skills of survival to battle those who would try to kill her.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Fulton Books, Inc.
• Release date: Mar 24, 2023
• ISBN: 9781637109274

Book preview

Table of Contents

Title

Copyright

Introduction

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Postscript

cover.jpg

The Thorns of Caitlyn Rose

Barris K. Tanner

Copyright © 2023 Barris K. Tanner

All rights reserved

First Edition

Fulton Books

Meadville, PA

Published by Fulton Books 2023

Art collaboration credit to Ryn Ortega

ISBN 978-1-63710-926-7 (paperback)

ISBN 978-1-63710-927-4 (digital)

Printed in the United States of America

This book is dedicated to my mother. Without her love and support, my books would not have been possible. To V and B, for reading the first and the worst. Thank you Dequa and Vonders for the final read. If I did anything right in my life, it was to surround myself with fabulous girlfriends. To Daisy, who sits on my lap for endless hours and reminds me to stop and play. Life is fabulous. Live it.

Introduction

What you are about to read is a story of a young girl growing up, with her trials and tribulations. Some who read this story may see a little of themselves. For some, their childhood was golden, and for others, much worse than Caitlyn's. Either way, this world is an amazing place to live in, and the struggles make the rewards much sweeter!

Chapter 1

The New Kitty

Caitlyn knew the parents she depended on were not her birth mother and father, but foster parents. Her parents died on an August day in 1970 when she was nine months old. Beth Casters, her foster mother, was an emotionally indifferent stay-at-home mom with a hearing problem in one ear. Larry Casters was a callous foster father who ran the small farm they resided on, which he inherited from his family, though too small to have any economic significance.

Beth and Larry thought they were well-meaning guardians; unfortunately, their parents raised them with a philosophy that was less than ideal.

It was an early spring day on the farm while Caitlyn played on a large gravel pile, building a fort with her favorite bunny. The bunny was Caitlyn's first pleasant memory. It was blue, with a fuzzy white tail and tummy, and its ears were large and floppy. Caitlyn didn't remember when she'd gotten it; it was always with her. It was hand-knitted, and she named it Bunny. Larry referred to it as her yarn bunny. Caitlyn asked Larry why he called it a yarn bunny, and he smiled, finally pleased to use a joke with a punch line he'd been holding on to for years. Larry leaned over to Caitlyn to deliver the long-awaited line. Because, he said, "it's not a yard bunny."

Caitlyn giggled. Larry, his name isn't Yarn Bunny. It's just Bunny.

Larry had an antagonistic tone. Oh, I like that name, Just Bunny. I'll remember that, Caitlyn. Thank you. And he walked off, maybe a little irritated she didn't appreciate the joke.

Playing in the rocks kicked up dust and caused Caitlyn to sneeze. As any typical five-year-old, she wiped her nose on her shirt sleeve and took her view from the rock pile to the woods that skirted the property just twenty feet away. Caitlyn noticed a small shape of an animal moving just enough to catch her attention. She got up from her rock pile to observe what tiny ball of fur captured her interest. The closer Caitlyn got, the more she smiled. It was a baby kitten so young it couldn't or didn't know to run away. She wasn't afraid to pick it up or handle it; it was so small and nonthreatening. The baby felt cold as she held it, and her nose wrinkled a bit at how filthy the baby smelled. Caitlyn felt sure Beth could help with what she thought would be her new pet. She headed for the house but was too small to hold the sick kitten and maneuver the door, so she called out, Beth, lookie, lookie! I found a baby kitten!

Larry came to the door and immediately went away. Ooohhhhh no! Beth, get out there!

Beth reached the door and looked at the new kitten; her eyes widened. No, Caitlyn!

A feeling of fear came over Caitlyn because Larry and Beth had such quick movements, and she could see the tension in their faces. She began to feel she did something wrong, but didn't know what. Tears began to run down Caitlyn's cheeks, catching the dust that had accumulated on her skin from playing, leaving streaks.

Larry opened the door and approached. Caitlyn, don't move, as he maneuvered a towel over the kitten to grab it by the scruff of its neck. It jumped, and a high-pitched shriek emerged from Caitlyn as a mist hit her in the chest and floated around her. She didn't know what was causing the awful smell, and the only person she wanted to comfort her was staying at arm's length with her hand, covering her nose.

Caitlyn's cheeks were nearly clean by the flow of tears as her eyes began to sting. Larry rushed off with the kitten, and when he returned, Beth started giving instructions, Larry, go to the basement and grab as many canned tomatoes as you can and take them to the bathtub.

You can't let her in. She'll stink up the entire house. At least hose her off first.

Beth glared at Larry. If you haven't noticed, Larry, we all stink! Okay, Caitlyn, don't touch your face. Start taking your clothes off. I'm going in to get a towel.

The smell was tremendous, and Caitlyn felt as if she'd never smell fresh air again. Caitlyn pulled her top over her head. The smell worsened, and she began to cry more as a terrible taste was building in her mouth. Beth returned and wrapped the towel around Caitlyn.

Caitlyn was afraid to move and had both arms stretched out, legs stiff as she walked. She looked like a mini Frankenstein as she maneuvered up the stairs and down the hall to the bathtub.

Beth filled the bath with warm water and cold canned tomatoes. Caitlyn, crush the tomatoes in your bath.

Caitlyn was sobbing. Why?

The tomato acid will help kill the smell, or it's supposed to.

Ow! Ow! Caitlyn expressed as she crushed the tomatoes between her fingers.

Beth was a bit exasperated. What's ‘ow,' Caitlyn?

The tomato hurts my thumb.

Beth reached for Caitlyn's hand to examine it. Shit! Larry, get up here!

Larry entered the bathroom and leaned against the doorframe. Are we gonna have enough tomatoes for all of us?

Beth held out Caitlyn's hand, and Larry bent over, looked, and immediately left the bathroom as Beth yelled after him, Where are you going?

I have to find that baby skunk!

Beth washed Caitlyn's bite with soap and water as Caitlyn's tears ran from her eyes, blending into the tomato bath. What's a skunk?

*****

Larry called the hospital to warn them they were coming so a nurse could escort the family to a private room. They walked quickly with their heads down, embarrassed, hoping no one would notice the smell.

Caitlyn received a neutralizing tomato bath and fresh clothes, but it didn't seem to make a difference.

An older man walked into the exam room wearing a white lab coat.

Hi, I'm Dr. Lincoln, head of emer…I'm so sorry. Excuse me, I'll be back.

Beth and Larry looked at each other as Dr. Lincoln quickly departed from the room. A part of Larry wanted to laugh, but the seriousness of the situation caused more embarrassment. Dr. Lincoln returned in full emergency regalia, covered with haircap, facemask, gloves, a full body paper gown, and shoe covers. Caitlyn had a look of surprise, and she began to cry.

Dr. Lincoln removed his face covering. Oh, I'm sorry. He then wrinkled his nose. You must be Caitlyn Rose.

Caitlyn nodded yes. She could see he was a person and not a giant paper monster.

Dr. Lincoln turned his attention to Larry. Larry, how are you? The two men shook hands. And, Beth, so nice to see you again.

Beth smiled. I'd hug you, but you'd hate me.

Dr. Lincoln nodded in agreement, smiling back. Gosh, Larry, it's been about seven years since I've seen you. Then Dr. Lincoln seemed a little uncomfortable.

Larry changed the subject back to Caitlyn. Yes, and Caitlyn got herself in a bit of a misunderstanding with what she thought was a kitty.

Dr. Lincoln bent over. Well, Caitlyn, can you tell me what happened?

A skunk kitty bit me. She raised her thumb for him to see.

Did you find the skunk, Larry?

No, I went back to the woods. I could smell it but couldn't find it.

Caitlyn, you were able to walk up to the skunk kitty and pick it up? It wasn't afraid of you?

Caitlyn nodded. The skunk kitty was cold.

Dr. Lincoln stood straight to face Larry and Beth. Well, on that note, Mr. and Mrs. Casters, we'll have to do rabies S-H-O-T-S.

Dr. Lincoln left the room, and Larry turned to Beth and whispered in her ear. Beth's mouth dropped open. Nooo. Are you kidding? Ten?

Dr. Lincoln returned with two nurses as Beth and Larry moved behind Caitlyn in the corner to accommodate the shrinking room and addressed only Caitlyn, Caitlyn, this is Nurse Sarah and Nurse Emily. They're going to help me make you better.

Caitlyn wasn't afraid but quite curious. They came in with a tray that contained bottles, a big bowl, and all sorts of interesting items. Nurse Emily smiled as she approached Caitlyn with the large bowl. Hi, Caitlyn, I'm Emily, and I need to clean your skunk bite.

Caitlyn had her head down and only raised her eyes. It was a skunk kitty.

Nurse Emily and Sarah looked at each other as Nurse Emily sat in front of Caitlyn, who was sitting on the exam bed, and placed the bowl on her lap. Nurse Sarah maneuvered herself behind and above Caitlyn, gently embraced Caitlyn's arm, and held it out over the bowl as Nurse Emily examined the bite on Caitlyn's thumb. Well, that wasn't a very nice skunk kitty, was it?

Caitlyn shook her head but started to panic a little as Nurse Sarah increased her grip on Caitlyn's arm. Caitlyn watched as Nurse Emily firmly held her hand, poured something on the bite, reached for a large square gauze, and began to scrub.

Caitlyn was alarmed. Awww! Ow! Stop! Caitlyn couldn't hear the nurses' comforting prattle because her screams drowned them out. Caitlyn tried to turn and look for Beth but couldn't because Nurse Sarah's grip was now holding her other arm, keeping her from moving. As her screams filled the room, Dr. Lincoln removed himself abruptly and shut the door behind him.

Caitlyn didn't like the cleaning; it was more painful than the bite. She wanted it to stop! It did, but it still hurt.

Nurse Emily smiled at her, trying to be friendly. There, there, Caitlyn. The worst is over. Let's dry it and get a Band-Aid on. It's okay.

Her thumb throbbed from the harsh scrubbing, but Caitlyn stopped crying because she felt relieved that it was over.

Beth made her way around the nurse to get in front of Caitlyn. It'll be okay, Caitlyn.

Caitlyn held her throbbing thumb close to her body. I wanna go home.

In a bit, Beth replied, but Caitlyn noticed Beth biting her nails.

Dr. Lincoln reappeared, and Nurse Emily asked Beth to lay Caitlyn down on the table and instructed Larry and Beth to hold her hands and shoulders as the nurses positioned themselves, one on each side. Caitlyn became more confused as Nurse Sarah lifted Caitlyn's top to expose her tummy. The two nurses placed their hands on Caitlyn's legs. Dr. Lincoln had his back to Caitlyn, and when he turned around, he had a large needle and syringe in his hand. Caitlyn began to cry. She sensed the needle was for her, but why, and why her tummy? She squirmed a bit in protest, but everyone's grip increased.

Dr. Lincoln spoke softly, Caitlyn, the more you can stay still, the better and faster this will be over.

He came at her, aiming the needle at her tummy, and she started to beg, Please, no! No! Noooo!

Her last no bled into one long-lasting scream as the needle penetrated deep into her stomach. Everyone grimaced at the piercing noise that came from such a little girl, until there was no air left in her lungs, her mouth open in a silent scream; the room fell quiet.

The pain was beyond anything Caitlyn had experienced, and she couldn't get her breath. Dr. Lincoln removed the needle. It was then that Caitlyn filled her lungs and let out a bloodcurdling cry. She couldn't stop, but it was over as Beth picked her up and held her. Nurse Emily grabbed Caitlyn's arm firmly as the doctor put a needle to her thumb; a local shot of anabiotic. Caitlyn screamed again, terrorized and confused.

*****

It was over, Caitlyn rested in the back seat of the car, whimpering, listening to Larry talk to Beth.

How's your ear, Beth?

Beth rubbed her ear. Luckily, it was my deaf ear she screamed in.

Larry laughed. Well, her screaming about made me deaf in both ears. Just nine more days to go.

Caitlyn questioned with her little voice from the back seat, Nine more days, what's that mean?

Larry looked in the rearview mirror. It means you will learn your lesson about being stupid and not picking up baby animals anymore.

Caitlyn started to cry as she held her painful tummy with her throbbing thumb.

Larry's question to Beth about her ear reminded her of her hospital stay and how she became deaf. She reminisced about her senior year and how she was accepted to a modeling agency and celebrated with friends. She and the driver drank too much, missed a curve going too fast, and hit a tree sideways on her passenger side.

The accident left a scar on her right cheek that started at her cheekbone and met the deaf ear.

She felt disappointed; she'd thought she'd married a doctor but was now a farm wife dealing with skunk bites. She reached up and touched the scar on her face and looked forward to making herself a drink as Larry pulled into the driveway.

*****

Beth put Caitlyn to bed, and Caitlyn could smell that awful smell. For a while, she'd forgotten about it, but it was back. As Beth tucked her in, she handed Caitlyn her blue bunny she retrieved from the rock pile, which she wrapped in a plastic Wonder bread bag. This will keep the smell off your bunny, so don't unwrap it.

Caitlyn looked into Beth's eyes. I don't have to do that again, do I?

Beth got up abruptly. We'll talk in the morning. And she left the room.

Caitlyn rocked herself to sleep, cuddling her plastic-covered Wonder bunny, unsettled, confused, and hurt.

*****

The next day, Beth gave Caitlyn another tomato bath. She still hadn't told Caitlyn they had to go back to the hospital nine more times. Beth took Caitlyn out of the bathtub and instructed her to dry off and get dressed because someone was knocking at the door.

Caitlyn found out word spreads fast in a small farming town. She came down the stairs to see Larry walk in and greet the minister and his wife from the church they attended every Sunday. Larry shook the minister's hand, laughed, and said, Nice to smell you again.

The minister's wife had a mortified look on her face, and Beth stepped in. Don't let Larry's jokes bother you. We know it's us that smell. I'm afraid it's going to stay with us for a while.

Before Beth could stop her, the minister's wife caught sight of Caitlyn and unveiled her gift; a calendar of sorts. Oh, Caitlyn, honey, you poor thing. I heard you got a bite. But I made you something to make it a little easier. Every day that you have to get a shot, you can come home and receive a gift. It's a countdown to the end.

Caitlyn saw the calendar made from a large piece of construction paper and started with the number 9 and went down to number 1 with big squares. Some had full-size candy bars, and some had toys taped to the numbers. Caitlyn felt she was going to cry at this new information.

She looked at Beth, but Beth shot her a glare as if to say, Don't you dare cry!

Caitlyn held her breath and squeezed out enough air. Thank you, ma'am. Her voice started to crack. Beth, may I go to my room?

Beth indicated yes.

Caitlyn went to her room and cried; she now knew she had to go back for more. When? Today? But that calendar read 9!

The minister and his wife didn't stay long; the smell made sure of that.

The minister's wife assisted Beth in taping the calendar up before she left, and Larry examined it, Huh, it's like a Skunk Holiday.

*****

Caitlyn trudged through her nine more shots. Every day she cried before she went, and most days, Larry had to carry her as she begged him not to do it.

One day she fought so hard Larry slapped her across the face.

Stop it, Caitlyn! You're ridiculous.

Caitlyn was left sobbing with her blue bunny in the back seat.

Afraid to cry.

Afraid of the shot to come.

Afraid to express herself for fear of Larry's reaction. The only comfort Caitlyn received that rewarded her was the calendar that haunted her for nine days.

Soon the tomato baths and shots were over, the air was fresh, and the calendar empty.

Beth came into Caitlyn's room to tuck her in. I think it's safe to let Bunny out of his bag.

Caitlyn jumped up on her bed in excitement at the thought of Bunny's freedom. Grabbing the plastic, she gave it a yank, but the plastic didn't rip as she expected, and it frustrated her. I ca-ca-can't ge-ge-get it! She grabbed the plastic with both hands and again only managed to stretch it. Ba-Ba-Bunny's s-s-s-s-s-s-stuck!

Beth reached over to grab the bag and never took her eyes off Caitlyn as she ripped into the bag and freed Bunny. What do we say, Caitlyn?

Caitlyn was now crying, sensing something was wrong. Th-th-thank ya-you.

Beth slipped downstairs. Larry, I just put Caitlyn to bed, and she's stuttering. Is she reacting to the rabies shots or some sort of seizure?

No, Beth, I'm sure it's neither. Are you sure she's stuttering?

Yes, Larry, I'm sure! Go talk with her.

Larry reluctantly got up from his comfortable chair and made his way up the stairs to find Caitlyn distressed in her bed. Why are you crying, Caitlyn?

Caitlyn only shook her head no.

Beth tells me you might be stuttering.

Caitlyn raised her head to look at Larry in curiosity.

Do you know what stuttering is?

Again, Caitlyn shook her head.

Okay, Caitlyn, I want you to say your ABCs for me.

Caitlyn looked down and refused to speak.

It's okay, Caitlyn. Don't be scared. Stop crying and say your ABCs for me. I want to hear your stutter.

Caitlyn inhaled deeply and wiped her face with her sleeve.

Ah-ah-A, ba-b-B, s-s-s-s-C, da-da-da-D.

Okay, Caitlyn, stop. Do you feel sick or different? And I want you to answer me, not shake your head.

Oh-oh-oho-kay. Na-na-no, I f-f-fe-e-el the s-s-s-same. And she inhaled.

Larry was dismissive. Good, Caitlyn. You'll be fine. Go to sleep now.

Larry returned downstairs. Well, you're correct, Beth. She's stuttering.

Why? Why is she stuttering?

I don't know. Part of her development? Trauma from the shots?

Beth put her hands on her hips. How long will it last, Larry?

How should I know? As Larry plunked himself back onto the recliner.

Caitlyn lay in bed, contemplating the question Larry asked her. Did she feel different? She felt the same way, stuttering that she felt while getting the rabies shots, with no control and frustration. She recognized she didn't stutter in her thoughts. She wanted it to stop but didn't know how. Beth taught Caitlyn to say her prayers out loud, but now she just kept them to herself.

*****

The sun was up when Caitlyn was waking from her sleep. She could hear a chain saw at the far end of the farm and remembered Larry was to cut down a sick and dying tree before it decided to fall. The chainsaw stopped as she got dressed she heard the faint squawking of a crow outside. The crow seemed restless, and his squawking was becoming louder and longer until Caitlyn realized it wasn't a crow but screams from a human. As she made her way down the stairs, the screaming seemed to be coming to her. Larry was entering the house; he was white, in a panic, with one arm slung around Beth as she held his weight. He pitched himself into the kitchen chair. Beth began to remove Larry's tennis shoe.

Jesus, Larry, why didn't you wear your boots? Caitlyn, get your coat! Go to the car and wait. We're headed to the hospital!

Caitlyn grabbed her coat and made her way through Larry's groans, dodging blood spots at her feet that now was her trail leading her out of the house.

*****

As they entered the same hospital room Caitlyn was in for her shots, she received a chill, detecting the faint odor of a skunk.

The doctor unwrapped the blood-soaked foot and held Larry's foot firmly as it shook.

Caitlyn could see his toes; she counted.

This little piggy went to market.

This went home.

This piggy had roast beef.

This one had none.

And this little piggy is gone!

Caitlyn's head swooned, and she felt a heat wave flush her face. She leaned back in her chair to stabilize herself. The doctor went at Larry with a needle, and Larry cried out. Caitlyn thought it odd that the painkiller caused more pain for Larry than a missing toe. They cleaned his wound and began to stitch it closed where once his little piggy sat.

*****

Beth placed Larry in the downstairs office that contained a daybed. She didn't want him going up and down the stairs, and she could save steps taking care of him.

Caitlyn, take this glass of water to Larry. It's time for his painkiller.

When Caitlyn entered the room, Larry was straining to reach his pill bottle. Caitlyn could see his arm wasn't long enough; he was on his back like a turned-over turtle, stuck, and his foot with its missing piggy raised in the air by pillows. She grabbed his pill bottle and held out the water. Larry took his pill, and Caitlyn stood and studied him. He had sweated so much his hair was flat and stuck to his forehead. Caitlyn ran upstairs and grabbed her blue yarn bunny and a large-toothed comb. When Caitlyn arrived back to Larry's room, his eyes were squeezed shut in pain; his forehead muscles were tightly wrinkled like rows of hills. Caitlyn reached over gently with the comb and started to comb Larry's hair; his forehead muscles relaxed, and the hills flattened. He opened one eye, looked at her, and closed it as she gently continued to comb his hair.

Larry awoke sometime later to Beth carrying a clattering of dishes on a tray. I brought you something to eat, and I see you have a new friend.

Larry looked down; stuffed under his arm was a blue yarn bunny. He lifted and examined it, remembering how relaxing it was to have his hair combed till he fell asleep. It's Caitlyn's Bunny. She's a funny kid.

Beth placed the tray next to Larry. What do you mean?

I don't know. She's just a funny kid.

Give me Bunny. I'll put it back in her room. We're headed out to do chores. Do you need anything?

No, I'll eat and go back to sleep.

The neighbors came by and finished taking down the tree for you.

Did they find the toe?

No.

God, that was a stupid move. I went out to stump the tree and stumped a toe instead.

I'm going to agree with that, Larry. Thank the heavens it wasn't worse.

Beth grabbed the bunny and left.

As Larry recovered and hobbled around the house on crutches, Caitlyn's social worker came and did what Caitlyn dreaded most—brought a new foster child.

Chapter 2

Well, We Do Now

It wasn't that Caitlyn disliked other children; she noticed there was less fighting in the house when there were no other foster children.

Larry and Beth's church introduced them to foster parenting, and it seemed ideal since Beth discovered she couldn't have children and they needed the extra money.

Larry was an impatient man who seemed to thrive on being angry. Happy and content didn't seem to give him the feeling of living as anger did. He liked to find fault and could become demanding and critical and resort to name-calling.

Children coming from former families would often conflict with one or both of Caitlyn's foster parents. When a rebellion would arise, Larry and Beth would send them away to another foster family.

Witnessing these conflicts and the coming and going of children created a fear of the unknown in Caitlyn. She didn't know what another foster family would be like or what the world held. In raising Caitlyn, Beth and Larry made her malleable to their lifestyle, and she didn't know anything different. They taught Caitlyn to be quiet, passive, and cooperative; her behavior made Caitlyn the ideal child in Larry and Beth's eyes, but Caitlyn was frustrated and depressed at the age before a child starts school, and life should be fun and carefree from the worries of the world.

The social worker arrived, walked to the passenger side door, opened it, and placed her hand on the boy's shoulder to guide him from his seat. He jerked his shoulder away harshly in defiance of being touched. His name was Roy, and he was incredibly small for his age of six, a full year older than Caitlyn but nearly half the size of Caitlyn, who was tall and skinny.

Caitlyn thought Roy was cute and that his name was bigger than his body; his feisty personality made up for his small size, and he possessed the prettiest blue eyes Caitlyn had ever seen. Larry escorted Roy and his few belongings he carried in a paper bag to his room as the social worker talked with Beth.

"Roy's tough, and he can swear like a sailor and will quite often. He was thrown against a wall by his mother's boyfriend, who's now in jail for the assault, but left him with a broken collarbone. Roy